By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-02-16 20:05:19 | Word Count: 664
“Confession: a Roman Catholic App” gives a whole new meaning to the Apple Inc. advertising slogan “There’s an app for that.” In a non-traditional way, this allows repentant Catholics to use an iPhone or iPad app to somewhat engage in the Rite of Penance with a digital guide to the sacrament. This app is designed to make the confessional process personalized and welcoming, especially for those who haven’t been faithfully practicing.
The confession app was conceived and developed by an American with the contribution of two priests and the endorsement of a bishop. Users will be examined in regards to their demographic group, particularly age, gender and occupation. The app is password protected and can support multiple users. After the sin questionnaire, the user may select among seven acts of contrition, also known as a prayer conveying regret and sorrow for sins committed. This app is meant to make confession a matter of personal significance, at a time when interest is waning.
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Although not fully meant to replace the practice of a one-on-one Sacrament of Penance between the priest and the penitent, this app has now been rejected by the Vatican. The Vatican has declined to validate this app. Confession via iPhone does not include speaking to a priest, a main component of confession or reconciliation.
Although I don’t always agree with the Vatican, they seem to have taken a reasonable stance. How can they in one breath emphasize the importance and morality of verbal confession and support an app that does not involve an interactive priest. Those looking for a loophole will have a field day if the Vatican gave its blessing. “Confession: a Roman Catholic App” may be viewed as a method by which followers will dilute the ordinances of Catholicism. While modernism is important to the church, tradition is even more highly respected and cherished. Vatican officials may be trying to hold onto tradition with every bit of their might.
In modern society, however, people are constantly finding ways to integrate technology into every aspect of their lives. Religion is no different. An app that energizes your interest in a religious practice or ritual could be beneficial to the Roman Catholic Church, who struggles to retain younger followers. Changing times and church scandals have spawned disinterest among a new generation of tech savvy Catholics who don’t practice the Sacrament of Confession often or at all.
I’m sure that more and more religious apps will be developed in the future. Many of these apps will no doubt push the limits and standards of their corresponding religions and denominations. A technology driven world will incorporate religion into every new development. I don’t think that religious leadership should fear for these developments but rather stay ahead of them. By being proactive, religious organizations can help to shape an app that coincides with their beliefs. Don’t wait on something that you will have to agree or disagree with. Be the first to offer technology that reaches believers.
