Indulgences Make a Comeback

Indulgences Make a Comeback: Read a fascinating article in today's New York Times about the return of indulgences in the Catholic church. "According to church teaching, even after sinners are absolved in the confessional and say their Our Fathers or Hail Marys as penance, they still face punishment after death, in Purgatory, before they can enter heaven. In exchange for certain prayers, devotions or pilgrimages in special years, a Catholic can receive an indulgence, which reduces or erases that punishment instantly, with no formal ceremony or sacrament."

Comments (2)

This is ridiculous, it's like the Catholic Church is out to be even wackier than usual these days. First the reinstating of a bishop who denies the Holocaust then this. Can't wait to see what's next.

Posted by Aaron Stewart | February 11, 2009 1:43 PM

This is just ridiculous.

My favorite quotes from the article:

"'Father, I haven't been to confession in 20 years, but this' " -- the availability of an indulgence -- " 'made me think maybe it wasn't too late.' "

"the church wants the idea of personal sin back in the equation. Indulgences are a way of reminding people of the importance of penance."

"a happy incentive" for confession

All this talk about sin and punishment, and not one time is "Jesus" mentioned in the article. NOT ONCE!

The 2 most ridiculous lines in the article, IMO:

"You can get one for yourself, or for someone who is dead" !!

"The good news is we're not selling them anymore" !!

Posted by Brian | February 11, 2009 5:56 PM

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