Online Confessionals

A new trend has surfaced, merging the teachings of centuries old Christianity with the modern, innovative technology of the internet – online confessionals are now hitting the mainstream and getting national attention.

Much like millions of groups and organizations out there, churches have jumped on the bandwagon when it comes to using one of the leading forms of media, the internet. Churches have utilized the internet to spread their teachings across the globe and now are taking it to the next step – online confessionals. Churches like the Christian Universal Life Church are launching online confessionals that can be accessed with the simple click of the mouse. These confessionals keep their visitors anonymous and are receiving great praise because of the sheer convenience it provides. Visitors are able to confess their sins as well as express any other issues that trouble them within the comfort of their own home.

However, opponents of online confessionals are speaking out saying online confessionals are not the same as real confessionals that are presented to a qualified priest. Instead, they are confessed to an inanimate object, the computer. Also in question is if forgiveness for one’s sins can be received over the web.

Pastor Craig Groeschel of Life Church says that their mysecret.tv confession website is not a confessional but is considered “step one”. Because confessing over the website does not involve absolution, it can not be considered a true confessional. Instead, the website is the first step for the visitors. It encourages their visitors to attend the actual church and/or view the church’s online worship service.

There’s a mixed message that churches like Life Church is putting forth. They advertise and encourage their members to partake in these “online confessionals” through such websites as mysecret.tv but at the same time are not considering them true confessionals that allow true absolution. This can be very confusing to a person that is already haunted by personal troubles and is in need for an outlet for forgiveness and peace of mind.

The gray line needs to be cleared, especially if there are websites out there providing “online confessionals” for a fee.