Definition of indulgence

The word "indulgence" originated in the medieval Catholic Church as a way to describe the granting of remission of penances or temporal punishments for sins that had already been confessed. The practice of selling indulgences, which involved paying a fee to the church in exchange for this remission, became a contentious issue during the Reformation. The term "indulgence" comes from the Latin word "indulgentia," which literally means "mercy" or "clemency." It was originally used in a general sense to refer to any kind of merciful treatment, but in the context of the Catholic Church, it came to mean something more specific. In Catholic doctrine, sins can have both spiritual and temporal punishments. Spiritual punishments involve estrangement from God, and may include feelings of guilt or remorse, a loss of graces, or even damnation. Temporal punishments, on the other hand, are punishments for sins that have already been confirmed, such as penances, fasting, or extra prayer. An indulgence, in this context, is a remission granted by the church for some or all of the temporal punishments that are owed as a result of a sin. This remission is said to come from the accumulated good works and sacrifices of saints and martyrs, which are considered to be a kind of spiritual treasure. In practice, indulgences were often sold by the church as a way to raise funds for various projects and works, such as building cathedrals or paying off debts. This practice was condemned by the Protestant Reformers as being a form of corruption and greed, and it helped to fuel the rise of Protestantism in the 16th century. Today, the practice of selling indulgences is no longer a part of Catholic teaching, and the granting of indulgences is seen as a purely spiritual matter. However, the term "indulgence" continues to be used in Catholic teaching to describe acts of mercy and forgiveness, and to remind Catholics of the importance of striving for holiness and spiritual growth.