INDULGENCES Meaning and
Definition
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Indulgences are a concept rooted in religious doctrine, specifically in the traditions of the Catholic Church. They are understood as remissions or pardons granted by the Church for the temporal punishment due to sins, even after the guilt of those sins has been absolved through the sacrament of confession. In other words, indulgences are meant to alleviate the punishment or consequences of sin.
The practice of indulgences finds its basis in the belief of purgatory, a state of purification after death where the souls of the faithful undergo a process of cleansing before they can enter heaven. Indulgences are intended to reduce the duration or intensity of this purgatorial suffering.
Historically, indulgences were often obtained through acts of piety, such as devotional prayers, pilgrimages, charitable deeds, or donations to the Church. The idea behind these acts is that they demonstrate the penitent's repentance and faith, thus making them deserving of God's mercy.
In the past, controversies arose regarding indulgences, particularly leading up to the Protestant Reformation. Critics argued that the practice had become corrupt, with individuals abusing or selling indulgences for personal gain. These concerns ultimately led to a reevaluation of indulgences within the Catholic Church.
Today, indulgences are still recognized within Catholicism but are viewed differently than in the past. The emphasis is more on the internal disposition of the believer, with acts of piety serving as expressions of faith rather than direct means of obtaining indulgences. Proper understanding and use of indulgences are important components of Catholic theological teachings.
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Etymology of INDULGENCES
The word "indulgences" comes from the Latin term "indulgentia", which means "indulgence", "forgiveness", or "granting a dispensation". It is derived from the verb "indulgere", which means "to be kind", "to be complacent", or "to grant". In the context of the Catholic Church, indulgences refer to the remission of temporal punishment for sins, either for oneself or for the souls in purgatory. The concept of indulgences dates back to the early Christian church but gained significant attention and controversy during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
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