Catholics/indulgences

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Expert: - 12/17/2006


Question
Dear Rick,
 About 500 years ago the Catholic church practiced the selling of indulgences. This is how the construction of St. Peters was financed, and it was the main reason Martin Luther started the reformation.
 A person I know told me that they were visiting a famous Catholic cathedral, and there was a booth in this church where one could buy indulgences.
 I find it hard to believe that the church is still doing this, What do you know about this?
                                    thanks
                                    bob

Answer
Indeed, the abuses regarding indulgences was a major factor of not only Luther's complaints, and wish for Reformation, but for many who remained Catholic.

The question cannot be answered simply, because the answer is both yes and no.  

Indulgences may be gained by visiting certain places and praying there (among other ways) but they are not sold.

That is the short version.  Here is an excellent overview of Indulgences: What they are, what they are not and how they may be gained:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Myths_About_Indulgences.asp

Merry Christmas!

Rick

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Rick Jackson

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I can help clarify fact vs. fiction regarding the teachings of the Catholic Faith. I believe that Catholicism is the best representation of the Historic Christian Faith and that this can be shown with Scripture, reason and history.

I am an ecumenical apologist. I'm not interested in telling non-Catholics why they are wrong, but am happy to explain and confirm what we believe and why we; from Scripture, reason and history.

There are some issues where I will have to politely agree to disagree with my non-Catholic brother in Christ, however there is so much that we share in common, I'd prefer to clarify those first. :)

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As a former Protestant (Church of the Nazarene) I came to the faith by recognizing, after lengthy study, that Catholocism is the best representation of the Historic Christian Faith. Very interested in "ecumenical apologetics", and have started a website pursuing it: www.catholictruths.com

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Biblical Archaeology Society | Diocese of Columbus Catholic Record Society | St. Gabriel Radio | Catholic Truths

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Catholic Truths

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Some College. Received religious instruction by the Dominicans. Have attended several "seminars" (or viewed via DVD) by Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid and other apologists.

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