It is.
It is also true that psychology, and the profession of psychologist, is big business in today's world. More and more people seem to be turning to the psychologist for help in ameliorating any problems of the mind they might have. And, as we know, what affects the mind, can also affect the body, and vice-versa.
In fact, the word psychology derives from the two Greek words:
- “Psyche” – meaning Mind, Soul or Spirit, and:
- “logos” – meaning Study or discourse.
- When put together they produce: “Study of the Mind.”
As an aside, I wonder just how many psychologists believe -- or don't believe -- that we have a soul; an immortal soul? It's probably a good guess to say that some don't even believe in God for that matter.
Ironic, isn't it? Since the first part of the word psychology -- psyche, means just that: soul, spirit.
When people turn to the psychologist, what are they really seeking? What is it they wish to get off their respective chests? Could it be that the patient is looking for forgiveness for something they did or said? I would be willing to bet that, is, in fact, the case.
I have never been to a psychologist to "get something off my chest," but I have been to Confession to a (Catholic) priest so I can have my sins -- my failings -- forgiven. That's how I get things "off my chest," my soul.
I'm sure if there are any non-Catholics reading this short article, they will dispute what I just wrote, possibly claiming that the Catholic Church just made up the Confession thing. After all, how can we get forgiveness of our sins from someone who is a sinful man just like us??? Well, yes, in the sense that he is human. But that priest, that man, is not the one forgiving the sinner, but is a stand-in for Christ; His representative, if you will, that was granted that enormous power when he was ordained into the priesthood.
I would urge any non-Catholic who claims to read and understand the Bible, taking into account the whole of the text, not just some selected verses here and there, should be able to see that Christ Himself, gave the power to forgive sins to His Apostles, not once, but several times as reported in Scripture. I'm not going to do the leg work here; it's easy to look it up. And if one believes what the Bible teaches, then you cannot possibly ignore this very important revelation from the Son of God.
Another argument from a non-Catholic might go something like this: you go to Confession over and over again, confessing the same sin over and over again! How hypocritical!
I agree, if that is the case..
When I go to Confession part of the "agreement" I make with God is to make what is called a firm purpose of amendment not to commit that sin again, in other words, to break that particular sinful habit.
But also keep in mind that when St. Peter asked Christ how many times must we forgive a sinner; seven times? The response probably stunned the head of the Apostles when Christ said seventy times seven! Meaning as many times as that person asks for forgiveness!
I wish all of good will to come home to the one, true Church of Christ, and if you want to get some things off your chest, then you now know what you have to do: go to Confession; it's good for the soul...
Please pray for our country.
Gene DeLalla
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