Celebrating five centuries from one of the major events that led to the Reformation.
Even the Catholic Church has made some important changes as a result. They no longer burn heretics at the stake. (Neither do any Protestant denominations I am aware of.) They do not sell indulgences. And they cooperate with Protestants in many important civil matters like electing politicians who are pro-life, pro-liberty, pro-faith, and pro-family.
God has been calling people to Himself, through His Son Jesus our Lord and Savior, down through the centuries (before and after the Reformation), from all denominations and religious and irreligious backgrounds. And He has and is transforming these chosen ones through the power of the cross.
Salvation is through Him.
“They no longer burn heretics at the stake.”
The Church never did. The state did.
“They do not sell indulgences.”
The Church never did. Some unscrupulous members of the Church violated canon law and did so.
“They” never did. The laity did and, as with the Inquisitions, such measures were condemned by the Church.
They do not sell indulgences
This was never an official act. There was a priest charged with raising funds for the expansion of a church building, who went forth and began to solicit people, telling them that their contribution would merit an indulgence. However, he did not present it quite that way, instead “overselling” it by leading people to believe that indulgences could be purchased. This has never been true, nor implied or asserted by the Church.
And they cooperate with Protestants in many important civil matters like electing politicians who are pro-life, pro-liberty, pro-faith, and pro-family.
Indeed, and this is true ecumenism. Standing on the front lines of the abolitionist movement with non-Catholic Christians has been a great honor for me. On the matters you just mentioned, it is the perfect time to set aside our differences and do God’s work as one.
“God has been calling people to Himself, through His Son Jesus our Lord and Savior, down through the centuries (before and after the Reformation), from all denominations and religious and irreligious backgrounds. And He has and is transforming these chosen ones through the power of the cross.
Salvation is through Him.”
Beautiful! Amen.
The Reformation is the road paved with good intentions. From Martin Luther to Scientology - a recognized religion by the IRS...What else could go wrong?
Technically, they never did. Heresy was a civil crime that was prosecuted by the state, not the Church. If you read the transcripts of the Inquisition trials that led to the death penalty they end with "and he was handed over to the secular arm to be burned".