What does ''Selling Indulgences""mean?

Question

Just curious,,???

Thanks bongernet...

Thank You all for your great answers,,I am enlightened

Answer 1

The Catholic church had/has a system whereby people could "purchase" the forgiveness of theirs sins and buy a place in heaven. Wealthy people with money could purchase an "indulgence" that would guarantee their place in heaven. It started while they were building St. Peter's Cathedral and were running short on money.

Answer 2

It is a misconception of a Catholic practice. Indulgences are a form of penance or an act which can alleviate some temporal punishment for sin. (God's justice is perfect; if our sins are not atoned for His justice is unsatisfied; thus punishment) The Pope usually grants them, and there are two types: plenary (full forgiveness and remission of temporal punishment up to the time of its completion) and partial (just some, not all). For example, if a Catholic participates in the Divine Mercy Novena, goes to confession, and receive Communion on the same day, he/she can receive a plenary indulgence (which was promised by Jesus) as long it is done with the proper disposition.
Many people misunderstand the whole indulgence idea, and say that the Church 'sells' indulgences, part of which came from the Crusades.
I hope that answered your question.

-- Please people, do your research. Indulgences are earned, not sold, and they are not get-out-of-jail-free cards. If you commit a mortal sin(s), you cannot earn an indulgence. You must first go to confession and obtain forgiveness. Also, if someone who received an indulgence commits a mortal sin and does not repent, then dies, it is likely that he will go to Hell, and if he is saved, it is by God's infinite grace, not the indulgence.

Answer 3

This was most popular during the Middle Ages. For a fee, any sin could be done away with by any rich guy no matter what. Repentance was not needed. Just pay the Catholic Church money and you got a piece of paper saying God and the church did not hold it against you.

Of course, God always requires repentance, even in the case of King David.

Answer 4

I can't add anything to the excellent and correct answers -- except to say that it's further evidence of how nutty Catholics are.

Jesus, just the idea of thinking someone can buy forgiveness is both ludicrous and laughable.

I thank God daily that I wasn't raised in any religion -- that I've come to spirituality on my own.

Answer 5

Would that include the "ladies neck massager"?
Things you want, not need are indulgences

Answer 6

means if you pay the right price you can commit any sin in the eyes of the church

Answer 7

free ticket to heaven, from the Vatican