There has been a lot of talk the past few days about the new "Confession" App for the iPhone. Everyone from Father Z to Our Sunday Visitor has commented about it. Not surprisingly, there isn't a clear consensus on the App. Like any new Catholic "product" everyone has an opinion, and not everyone is satisfied.
What is different about this App, from all other Catholic Apps is that this one received an Imprimatur. Even so, the App is receiving a lot of negative press, much of which is coming from non-Catholic sources, but some comes from Catholics themselves. The main complaints are, that there is a worry some will confuse this apps purpose and believe they have actually confessed their sins, and that the app isn't complete and should include more features.
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What is frustrating about this situation is that the main arguments against the app aren't against the concept but against how a user interacts with it. We can expect detracting comments from non-Catholic sources, but the negative reports from Catholics is frustrating.
We read time and time again how the Sacrament of Reconciliation needs to be sought more by Catholics, and yet the second a tool comes along that might actually inspire and help some to heed this call, we shoot ourselves in the foot. Instead of applauding the effort, and suggesting future improvements, many titled their review of the app with words like: "caution, warning, careful" as if using the app was worse than not using it.
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Granted, the app is a pay-for-play item, so this might add to the scrutiny of the reviews, but the level of animosity in some of the reviews, even those trying to be helpful was befuddling. Why do we as Catholics harm our own efforts? This isn't to say that we shouldn't be guardians of truth and adhere faithfully to the precepts of our teachings, but I fear that a lot of the problems some have with the app is that it is modern and different.
I fear we will continue to be our own worst enemy if we tear down good efforts to advance our faith. Nothing is perfect, but this app appears to be a very good effort to create a tool to get folks into a confessional. We need to support our Catholic brethren, not tear them down when good and positive advances are made in our faith. If there was something wrong or obtuse about the app I would be all for cautionary words, but that doesn't appear to be the case.
The story that should be written is how non-Catholics are again trying to spread misinformation about the Catholic faith. It is hard to believe that even a Catholic-in-name-only would believe that using the app was an actual confession. Time and words would be better spent discussing why that was the story coming from the secular press. The best way to plant a seed that isn't otherwise in someone's mind is to simply say it...
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