Quote:
Originally Posted by Banquo
So where is the line drawn? What sins warrant a confession to an authority in the Church and which sins do not need any more confession other than in a prayer to Heavenly Father? Should you confess to your Bishop the impure thoughts you had? Should you confess cheating on a math test? I've found nothing so far that states that a confession to a Bishop is required for pornography. Some people feel the need to, and that's fine, I suppose. But should you go to your Bishop for one viewing? Or is there a set limit of how many times it can be viewed before you have to talk to him? You see what I'm saying?
The closest thing I've found was when Pres Hinkley urged priesthood holders to talk to their Bishops to free themselves from the chains of pornography. I don't think the word "chains" was unintentional. It implies addiction. I don't see anything in his words that implies that a confession to a Bishop is necessary for forgiveness, but it seems that he was implying that in order to overcome addiction it is imperative that you see your Bishop because he can direct you to the sources that will free you from the addiction.
Even President Monson said recently that if you are viewing pornography to "cease now" and "Seek the help you need to overcome and to change the direction of your life. Take the steps necessary to get back on the strait and narrow, and then stay there." Nobody has ever said that a Bishop confession is a necessary step for repentance, but is simply an outlet to seek help for an addiction.
If anyone has any sources where an authority in the Church has specifically said that the viewing of pornography requires a confession to the Bishop for full forgiveness, feel free to share.
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It's implied that pornography is a sin that needs to be confesed, there's no need to say it explicit because sins related to the law of chastity are supposed to be confesed to a bishop.. nobody can make you do it if you dont want to, you are not obligated to do so, but if you repented just do it and I asure you that you will feel better.. oh and I think there's a talk of elder Oaks that says its a sin that must be confessed but I couldnt find it..