Ireland1990

Is it enough to pray directly to God and ask for absolution, after thoroughly examining your conscience, or must you go to a priest who will hear your confession.

And also, what about any sins you cannot remember or unintentionally omit.

A nosey family member who shares the same doctor as myself, quizzed the doctor about me. The doctor told the person information which I thought would have been strictly confidential.

I live in the Republic of Ireland. I'm 21. I lost my job a few months ago and can't seem to get re-employed. I live at home with my parents and the rest of the family. Its crowded and there's alot of tenson. My parents are planning on kicking me out in the next 2 weeks. What should I do?

Or does belief in a higher power run on a deeper level?

Are we genetically predisposed to believe or not believe?

If an atheist decides he wants to believe in God, goes to Mass every Sunday, and prays. Could he ever truly believe, despite the want?

And what about the agnostics?

Most European countries have Socialist or Labour parties which are in government or the largest opposition party. For example the Socialist Party look set to win Presidential elections in France. In Ireland the Irish Labour Party won the Presidential elections in 2011 and are the second largest party in parliament. The same in the UK, where the British Labour Party is the second largest in parliament. It seems the opposite in the US where being called a Socialist is seen as an insult.

Is is possible from a scientific/ psychological point of view?

It is often used to help people with quitting smoking, etc.

Before people say homosexuality doesn't need to be "cured", I know that already. I'm just wondering is it possible?

I'd pick a better word than "cured" if I could think of one, this is not meant to be offensive.

I'm a 21 year old guy. Would considered myself gay. Have had previous brief relationships with other guys. Never had a high sex drive though. Recently I have begun to find men repulsive, even to the point of feeling physical ill if I look at a guy in a sexual way. Everything eles in my life is normal, and I can't think of a reason for the change. Is this a sign I could be asexual.

I am 21, and have always thought of becoming a Franciscan, and have visited a monastery near me several times. I am good friends with a retired religious brother and a young local priest, who have been very good in advising me. The Franciscans do very good and important work helping poor and marginalized people. I just can't get over the abuse scandals and the stance on homosexuality. These two issues continually hold me back?