[matthewrobertolson]

This common idea of the "selling" of indulgences is mostly due to a misunderstanding. The Protestant understanding usually relies on the assault of characters: people like Johann Tetzel are demonized — perhaps rightfully — for abusing the system. But this abuse was not a doctrinal problem of the Church; rather, it was a disciplinary problem of men. Indulgences simply remove the temporal punishment due for past sin — they are not a "Get out of Hell free" card — and even when they were "sold" (meaning, donations were received) they required some sort of penance. Indulgences only have a salvatory effectiveness (remittance of time in Purgatory) if the recipient is already destined for Heaven.

So, it would seem that the fuss is all about nothing.

[xone]

This common idea of the "selling" of indulgences is mostly due to a misunderstanding.

LOL, what a dope!