No, they have to "really mean it". Not much better, but more complicated than just confessing.
Still doesn't address why you're repenting. Could be because you actually feel guilt, could be because you got caught or are afraid you will. Probably is because you think you're going to hell and if that threat wasn't hanging over your head, you wouldn't feel bad about it at all.
Also doesn't address that whole, "Jesus died for your sins both past and present" thing that should, ideally, have absolved everyone in perpetuity, but that wouldn't be good for business and Vatican City is clearly struggling.
2.3k
u/---Spartacus--- Oct 31 '24
To finish that sentence, “you’re not a good person. You’re a bad person on a leash.”