Buy your way to Heaven! The Catholic Church brings back indulgences

by Jason Cochran Feb 10th 2009 5:00PM
These days, you can get a deal on anything. Even salvation! Pope Benedict has announced that his faithful can once again pay the Catholic Church to ease their way through Purgatory and into the Gates of Heaven.

Never mind that Martin Luther fired up the Reformation because of them: Plenary Indulgences are back.

The New York Times reports that even though the church officially broke with the age-old practice -- you do something good, and the Church will help absolve you -- in 1960, the Pope has quietly reintroduced it. The Catholic Church had technically banned the practice of selling indulgences as long ago as 1567.

As the Times points out, a monetary donation wouldn't go amiss toward earning an indulgence. It writes, "charitable contributions, combined with other acts, can help you earn one." You can even buy indulgences this way for loved ones who are already dead, greasing their way to Heaven by doing something for the Church here on Earth.

Why would the Catholic Church agree to this reversal? It wouldn't be the harsh economy, would it, or the church's fading influence? Not at all, says a Brooklyn bishop. "Because there is sin in the world," he told the newspaper.

Reformation? What Reformation?

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39 Comments

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Mark

Sad but it appears the some secular progressive/collectivist are wondering in the desert and willing to accept anything that will support theier ever changing belief systems and condemn one that don't like. They would be well to remember what an old lawyer friend had learned going through life, "A piece of paper will stand still no matter what you write on it." As a 65 year old Catholic I have been never been taught I coud buy my way into heaven and ask any one that thinks the contrary to go to any Catholic Church and discover the truth in what I say. Thankyou for taking the time to read this.

July 04 2012 at 6:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe Cox

As Chrelsh says EVERY assertion in this article are proven falsehoods...why does this article still see the light of day...oh thats right Catholics are the only folks it is ok to hate and spread lies about....my bad. Its gonna suck being you all in the judgment if you continue to **** on the bride of christ.

May 14 2012 at 9:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe Cox

The USSR and Commie China are both atheists nations...how many have they killed?

May 14 2012 at 9:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Christinne

RELIGION - THE MOST LETHAL VIRUS TO HUMANITY

May 14 2012 at 5:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
howardtlewisiii

Satan does not have to buy indulgences from the pope. That must hurt.

If they are holding captive that dear lady who tackled the pope while he was doing the Vatican strut across the plaza two Christmases ago. tell the pope that she has a rebate coming whether she made a purchase or not. That was no compulsive evil act. That was a professional football grade tackle that would have made Dick Butkus envious.

May 13 2012 at 11:43 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
dave mowers

I was so totally worried about that girl I raped and had to strangle back in 1997 in New Orleans. Now, I can rest easy knowing God and Jesus will forgive me as long as I donate money to a children's fund. I think I'll hedge my bets by giving two donations just in case I ever see a pretty 10 year old again out tempting me by wearing a dress and walking around after dark. Little ***** begging for it.

May 13 2012 at 10:47 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Rip The Jacker

Whats funny is they actually think they are in charge...lol

May 13 2012 at 9:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
K-belo

What's really sad is, not only is there valid biblical evidence to prove Indulgences and Purgatory are nothing more than a Vatican contrived fund raising campaign, we also have well documented historic facts to prove many people (that opened Bibles) left the Catholic church because of all this! Still, Catholics don't see it. Basic reality is, the Vatican is not hurting financially. They are not only the richest nation on the planet, they have been reported to have more wealth than all the gold mines through history combined. However, being power and wealth hoarders as they are, they refuse to pay for the molestation scandals that are bankrupting their churches. So they allow for something as evil and easily proven extra biblical as indulgences begin again to pay the fines. Pray for the Catholic people dear ones. They not only allow the priests to molest their children, they help pay their court costs to boot! They have a lot to answer for when the Eastern sky splits. Pray they repent before that day comes!

May 13 2012 at 3:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
K-belo

Tsk, tsk.

May 13 2012 at 3:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

I have to correct something that I said in my last post. It is not the St. Michael the Archangel prayer that Catholics say for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. It is the prayer that Our Lord gave to St. Gertrude. A prayer to release many souls from Purgatory each time it is said and which was extended to include living sinners as well.

"Eternal Father, I offer You the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, for those in my own home and in my family. Amen."

Here's that Purgatory page that lists the Bible verses that mention Purgatory. It also has a section on the early Church’s belief in Purgatory.
http://www.scripturecatholic.com/purgatory.html

May 03 2012 at 4:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply