Confessions? Please explain.

Jestor wrote: Yes...

I look at it as a heart-to-heart talk...

We all do it for our friends all the time..

I listen, and offer other points of view... Sometimes advice...

Ever talk out loud to yourself, trying to figure something out? SOmetimes, that other person is a real help, and, as we are bound to keep secrets, we never tell... ...

It happens all the time...

As a Catholic, I view confession as something more than a talk; You admit you have comitted a crime to another sinner, and you both pray to God, to the 'Judge of All' that He may forgive you. The essence here is that you are exposed, and, moreover, you are exposing your own self to God and attain forgiveness, no matter what you have done. It might seem a little psychological, but it's truly more than that, it's a little mysticism, at least to me.

I agree with Alex

'Confession' has come to mean 'Christian confession', because that's the only place you will probably here it referenced, but as Jedi we have a different take on it

'Confession' is a confidential heart to heart talk that allows you to tell someone something you otherwise would never tell anyone else with the confidence that they are forbidden to divulge the information (or even act on it - Christian Church)

Just an FYI, the laws regarding confession are different in each country so you should find out what they are depending on where you live

In the UK, confession (Priest Penitent Privilege) is not recognised at all so in a court of law you would have to answer truthfully (or refuse - not sure how that would turn out)

But to reiterate what Br John said, Ordained Clergy are not bound by confession (at this Temple) if you intend to harm someone or harm yourself or if you intend to break the law - though of course that might depend on the clergy person whether they would say anything)

Instead of understanding, counseling might be the better word. To most it comes off as something only a psychologist can do, but it's exactly what we call these sorts of talks with our leadership in the military world (counselings). I don't think it would impede upon the legal system, as long as it is understood that you aren't professional psychologists.

A past act is under the seal of confession. Talk of plans to do something in the future is NOT. TOTJO Clergy MUST take action to prevent someone from harming themselves or another.

Only priests and bishops have the ordinary power to take a confession. Deacon's and ministers might have the extraordinary power to do so but only if specifically granted. It's not automatic.

All clergy may spiritually counsel.