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Question
Hi there! Thank you for your service and sharing! I'm a passionate Catholic and am pretty good with apologetics but was wondering if you could provide me with some arguments to use when people ask me about the validity of indulgences. Any background/history of where they came from and Scriptural/Tradition arguments in defense of them. Thanks for your time!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1471-1479, deals with indulgences. The Catechism is available online:
www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
Check a library [or interlibrary loan] for: George Smith, The Teaching of the Catholic Church, second edition [London: Burns Oates & Washbourne, 1952]. Pp 976-80, deal with indulgences; index also lists smaller references.
NT basis: Mt16:19, 18:18; Eph 4:22,24.
Tradition: Council of Trent [in response to Protestant teaching].
Hope these help; if you want more, let me know.
Best wishes, Joe.
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Answers by Expert:
Edward Bode
Expertise
Catholic dogma, especially as related to Scripture. I have a doctorate in biblical theology [University of St. Thomas, Rome]. I do not answer questions concerning personal moral situations -- ones dealing with right and wrong [sin].
Experience
I have taught Catholic thought in grade and high schools, and in college and universities.
Organizations
Catholic Biblical Association
Publications
Catholic Biblical Quarterly, The Bible Today.
Education/Credentials
Graduate degrees in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, in scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, and a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas; all in Rome
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