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I'm reading a book called "Believing Christ," by Stephen Robinson.

I just finished reading the story of a "hard man," who's heart had turned to stone, and who only learned the meaning of forgiveness after he confessed some long hidden sin to his bishop.

It's an interesting story that could answer a lot of questions I've had, but I think I could understand it better if I knew what kind of sins Mormons have to confess to their bishops.

Could this man have had a word of wisdom problem?

Could he have been watching football on Sunday?

Or would it have to be something more serious?

inquiringmind wrote:I'm reading a book called "Believing Christ," by Stephen Robinson.

I just finished reading the story of a "hard man," who's heart had turned to stone, and who only learned the meaning of forgiveness after he confessed some long hidden sin to his bishop.

It's an interesting story that could answer a lot of questions I've had, but I think I could understand it better if I knew what kind of sins Mormons have to confess to their bishops.

Depends on the Bishop, the Ward, the Stake President, the occasion for the interview or confession (was the hard man man was seeking a TR, etc.) and a number of other factors.

Hard to say really.

It is unlikely that such drama would be generated over watching football on Sunday or a WoW issue.

DrW wrote:Depends on the Bishop, the Ward, the Stake President, the occasion for the interview or confession (was the hard man man was seeking a TR, etc.) and a number of other factors.

Hard to say really.

This reminds me of a companion that I had on my mission. He insisted on telling the president every time he had a "carnal" thought about women. The president finally told him "Elder, you don't have to come to me with every little thing...use some discretion."

I personally think that he got his jollies by talking about dirty thoughts with people and that's why he confessed so often.

It really is probably going to be up to the confessor to determine if the sin is something that needs to be confessed. Obviously in the story the man's heart couldn't be softened until he spilled the beans, so it was appropriate for his situation.

In regards to what needs to be confessed, I remember being taught as a teen; when in doubt confess it. That's how I played the game as a teenager. Now I'm thinking just the opposite is true. When in doubt, keep it to yourself. Why make a big deal out of somthing that is not a big deal?

aranyborju wrote:I personally think that he got his jollies by talking about dirty thoughts with people and that's why he confessed so often.

Usually it's the other way around where the bishop is getting his jollies by probing more details out of a sexual confession from some young boy or girl.