Anyone out there doubt that Pope Benedict 16 is using indulgences? Click on link for article.?

Question

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7131088.stm

"While some might consider indulgences an outdated concept, great spiritual importance have been assigned to them by Benedict XVI and his predecessor, Pope John Paul II."

It has been going on since 1999 for sure, but it never truly went away. The Catholic Clergy have just kept very quite about it, because they are embarrased...until now.

"Needless to say, there is a great need and benefit in the restoration of the importance of the teachings on indulgences in the modern Church!"
http://www.catholic-pages.com/penance/indulgences.asp

The idea of Indulgences sounds sleazy. Indulge in what, molestation of young parishoners?

It cheapens the message of Jesus Christ. It is so wholly unchristian that you should be honest and name yourselves the, "Unholy Roman Catholic Church".


John 8:44-45
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
(KJV)

Answer 1

From what I understand 'indulgences' have continued to be part of the papist's church even since the supposed alterations to the rules. You have been able to get them through pigrimages to certain sites and supporting certain organizations within the papist's church.
www.1335.com has some details.

Answer 2

+ Purgatory +

To discuss indulgences, first we have to talk about Purgation (or Purgatory).

Are you perfect now? Most people would say no.

Will you be perfect in heaven? Most people believe yes.

Purgatory (or purgation) is the process of God's love changing our imperfect selves into perfect beings. Depending on the amount of change needed by different people this can be an easy or slightly harder process.

Everyone in purgatory is on their way to heaven. I don't think Mother Teresa of Calcutta had a very hard time of it.

+ Indulgences +

The concept is that a person can do acts of penance now on earth to make purgation easier.

Penance is internally turning one's heart toward God and away from sin in hope in divine mercy and externally by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

A corruption grew in the Church many years ago where rich people would give enough alms (money to the Church) to essentially buy an easy way to heaven. This was one of Martin Luther's protests (hence Protestants) and shortly thereafter the Catholic Church cleaned up this practice.

In 1567 Pope Pius V canceled all grants of indulgences involving any fees or other financial transactions.

But remember because everyone in purgatory is already on their way to heaven, indulgences do not get you into heaven. They just make purgation easier.

I guess if you did not believe in purgatory then there would be no reason to worry about indulgences.

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

Nice to know God can still be bought off.
Baksheesh is what makes the after-world go around as well as this world I guess.

I see no differences in making a pilgrimage and paying visitor fees and the direct outright payment of cash.

Get real folks, there is not a single basis for this idea that you can get time off for good behaviour, or even for the idea of purgatory.
According to the Bible God does not work that way. You are either guilty or innocent, condemned or redeemed.

You can thumb me down all you want but it does not change the truth.
The Indulgences scheme was a money maker, it always was and always will be.
Even the idea that you can bail out one of the other sinners from time sentenced is part of the scheme.

Answer 4

Thank you for the link, it has been quite enlightening.

However, your previous questions on Benedict and indulgences have specifically been about selling indulgences. This article mentions nothing about monetary transactions: these indulgences are granted for visiting a specific holy place. There's a gigantic difference. While I do not personally believe in indulgences, I see nothing unethical about the kind being described in this article.

We get it. You're not a Catholic. Can't you leave them be instead of twisting articles around to try and prove they're the boogeyman?

Answer 5

I would love for someone to show me where the idea of indulgences come from in the Bible. I have never found that God gave any man the ability to hand out grace.

Answer 6

Matey, selling indulgences has been banned since Trent

Answer 7

You have no idea what an indulgence is, do you? Indulgences have always been available to catholics ever since the concept was thought of.

Answer 8

http://www.catholic-pages.com/penance/indulgences.asp

And not one verse from the Bible is offered to back up their claim...surprise, surprise.

Up Date:

"Father" K, here is the answer to your comment:

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos 3:3

Therefore, there is no difference.

Answer 9

OMG that is so minor compared to what used to be done. Perhaps maybe you need a bit of perspective on this. It is on a limited basis and is not connected with any political power.

Edge, the Pharisees in the time of Jesus did a similar thing. It is in the bible. Remember the parable about the woman giving her last coins? This is not a new religious practice.

Answer 10

wow, the athiests responding to this question are stupid, we're talking about the veracity of the article, not indulgences or Christianity. Go spout your agenda when its asked for.