I’m not sure whether to be amused or disgusted by the Catholic church’s recent offer of plenary indulgences to its parishioners. The indulgence practice was, obviously, one of the major reasons Luther split from the Catholic church. As I am Lutheran (more or less, depending on who you talk to since I didn’t go through Confirmation, the horror!), I look at the practice with a great deal of eye-rolling. Since I don’t believe in Purgatory and think that we can’t influence God’s grace, it just seems rather silly to even bother. Somehow I think even God probably rolls his eyes at the whole business.
Mostly, though, it reminds me of my good old Baptist high school upbringing. “When a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from Purgatory springs!” All those Baptist Bible teachers at schools across the country must be having a field day.
“but charitable contributions, combined with other acts, can help you earn one.”
Catholic church must be feeling the turn in the economy. I guess that is one way. I like how it says that it works until another sin is committed. No wonder Luther realized it was ridiculous.