INDULGENCE · Standing & Rebuilding Ministry

INDULGENCE

In Catholic theology, indulgences are the remission of temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven in the sacrament of Penance. They do not forgive sins themselves, but remove remaining temporal consequences, purifying the soul. Indulgences are granted by the Church, drawing from the treasury of merits of Christ and the saints.

Types of Indulgences

Plenary: Removes all temporal punishment due to sin.

Partial: Removes part of the temporal punishment.

How Indulgences are Granted and Gained

Indulgences are granted through prescribed, pious acts (prayers, pilgrimages, charitable acts). To gain one, the individual must be baptized, in a state of grace, and have the intention of gaining it. A plenary indulgence typically requires the pious act plus sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Pope's intentions. They can be applied to oneself or to souls in Purgatory.

Historical Context and Abuses

Historically rooted in the early Church's penitential system, indulgences aimed to shorten the penance required for sins. However, abuses arose, particularly in the 16th century when they were sold, leading to monetary exchanges for the forgiveness of sins. This sparked Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. The Church abolished the sale of indulgences in 1567. Today, they are never for sale and are solely based on devotion, prayer, and acts of faith.

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