How necessary is confession?

[_emilysmith]

I believe confession to a source that isn't going to spill the beans might be helpful.

I can't help but wonder at people's definition of internet porn addiction. Personally, I don't see why porn is such a big deal. However, if you must view it at the expense of a normal life, certainly I can see it as a problem. If you just look at it every once in a while, then there is really nothing wrong with it. At least, it would just be an issue between you and God.

Of course, if you are hording it on your hard drive, organizing it, viewing it on your lunch break and in the middle of the night when you should be sleeping, you have a serious issue. In a sense, this type of behavior is self-medication... especially for males. Chances are, if it really is an addiction and not just... you know... natural male behavior, then there is another problem that you need to confront. If you can confront the issue that you are self-medicating in order to avoid, the internet porn thing should clear itself right up.

[_truth dancer]

I would recommend a program specifically for porn addiction.

Patrick Carnes is one of the Country's foremost experts and his website may be a place to start. In addition, he has some great books and resources that may be helpful.

I have yet to see confession to a bishop as having any meaningful help with addictions of any kind, while it may relieve guilt for a day or two to confess a porn addiction, I do not see it as any more beneficial as an alcoholic thinking confession to a bishop will cure him/her.

Best of luck,

~td~

[_MCB]

Perhaps we might look at the differences between the sacrament of reconciliation in Catholicism and confessing to the Mormon bishop in LDS:

Here is the modern version of that prayer that concludes Reconciliation:

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In His name, my God, have mercy.
Amen.

If confession does not help the penitent overcome the sin, it becomes a routine rote ritual that really does not help, except to make the penitent feel better for a few days.

[_Inconceivable]

At least, it would just be an issue between you and God.

I suppose people of faith can confess to God, but if he exists, he already knows. I don't see the point. Now, if you are negatively affecting a relationship by whatever you are doing, you need to somehow come clean with that person (or persons) to become truly whole. This is why I object with the philosophy of NOMism.

If you can confront the issue that you are self-medicating in order to avoid, the internet porn thing should clear itself right up

I would wholeheartedly agree with you, Emily, except when our antisocial behavior has clearly turned into addiction. Then it gets a little more complicated. Regardless, confronting the real issues are essential to setting oneself upon the road to healing the addiction.