Theologians, psychologists and sociologists agree about the benefits of confession. Revealing our sins and missteps to another person helps alleviate guilt and its accompanying anxieties, which leads to happier, healthier living.
A Catholic bishop in Indiana recently gave his imprimatur to a modern take on the ancient act: "Confession: A Roman Catholic App" ($1.99 for the iPhone and iPad), which helps users catalog their sins before going to confession.
While some people might consider "Confession" a gimmick, its creators appear to be serious about their intent: to draw Catholics back to the church and to the confessional. "Mea Culpa" and "iConfess" ($1.99 each) also have a serious bent. But the same can't be said of all such apps on iTunes:
"iRepent" ($1.99): "Worried about going to hell? ... Your peace of mind is just one click away." There's also "I-Confess" (99 cents), with the tag, "Too busy or too ashamed to go to a real priest?" Both feature graphics that mimic the experience of confessing to a priest through a darkened screen.
"Confession" (free; unrelated to previous one): Users can record confessions and share them with the world, as well as listen to those of others.
"iAdmit" (99 cents): Users "anonymously admit" what's on their minds and vote on whether they "like" another person's confession.
"Penance" (free): This game features public confessions and lets users choose a "confession door": confess, absolve or reflect. "Notable confessors" are ranked and earn "the right to issue weeklong edicts to the faithful."
Just in case Catholics are wondering if "Confession" -- or any other iPhone app -- might be able to forgive their sins, the Vatican recently issued a clarification: Uh, no.
