Indulgences

"What are indulgences?"

3 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

An indulgence removes temporal punishment for sin that has already been forgiven. It draws on the treasury of merits of Christ and the saints.

Quick Overview

Imagine breaking a window while playing ball. Your parent forgives you—but you still owe for the window. Indulgences are like someone else paying for that window. Christ and the saints have extra 'credit' from their good works, and the Church can apply it to help us.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

2 Samuel 12:13-14

"The Lord also hath taken away thy sin... Nevertheless because thou hast given occasion to the enemies of the Lord... the child that is born to thee, shall surely die."

Why This Matters

David was forgiven but still suffered temporal punishment. Forgiveness doesn't erase all consequences.

Colossians 1:24

"I fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church."

Why This Matters

Paul's sufferings benefit the Church. The merits of the saints can be applied to others.

Matthew 16:19

"Whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed also in heaven."

Why This Matters

The Church has power to loose from punishment as well as guilt.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

An indulgence is a remission of temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven. It is obtained through the Church, which dispenses the treasury of Christ's infinite merits (CCC 1471).

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

Tertullian

c. 200 AD

"The martyrs could grant peace to those who had denied the faith in persecution."

— To the Martyrs, 1

St. Cyprian

c. 250 AD

"The peace which the martyrs have obtained should be given to the lapsed."

— Letters, 18:1

Mortal vs Venial

Merit

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