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Thanks for asking this question. Martin Luther was particularly horrified by the selling of indulgences. Indulgences are merits attached to actions and plenary indulgences are seen as a way to avoid purgatory. Of course, no one really knows for certain how this actually works. Nonetheless, we know enough about how God acts in the world to be sure that BUYING "get out of purgatory free" passes WON'T work! The 95 Theses that Martin Luther wrote included this and other practices that probably warranted criticism but I don't really have a source that states what they all were. Sorry about that!
The Church authorities actually agreed with Luther that his 95 theses had merit and that the selling of indulgences was wrong. But, as often happens with people in authority and rebels, each became somewhat defensive of their position. To his credit, Luther did apologize, though he never took anything back. Many people were quite happy to follow Luther's approach to faith, agreeing with his criticisms of Church practice as well. One of his biggest arguing points was what is called "Faith Vs. Works." This relates to indulgences in this way. Luther, and Lutherans today, emphasize salvation by faith; Catholics emphasize that good works flow from faith and count a great deal. It's not really that Lutherans don't believe in good works or that Catholics don't believe in faith. It's a matter of emphasis and, at the highest levels, both Churches are talking at this time to try and iron it all out. It could happen. I hope so. |