Inquiries on Indulgence

[kingsan]

I would just like to ask those knowledgable about this subject. When did the teaching on indulgence started? Is there any basis for this in scripture and is it doctrine? Thank you!

 

[Richca]

I would just like to ask those knowledgable about this subject. When did the teaching on indulgence started? Is there any basis for this in scripture and is it doctrine? Thank you!

The doctrine of indulgences went through a gradual developement in the history of the Catholic Church. I think it was in the middle ages that the granting of indulgences by the Church became a general practice. The practice grew out of the penalties imposed on sinners especially from the early church before a sinner could receive communion again and be admitted fully into the liturgical celebration of the Church. The early church imposed some stiff penalties on some sinners such as adulterers in order to atone for their sins and which could last for a year or more. Gradually the Church understanding that Christ bequeathed to it a treasury of infinite merit and giving to the Church the power of binding and loosening began offering indulgences for the satisfaction of sins. The sacrament of confession has three parts, namely, contrition, confession, and satisfaction. Indulgences pertain to the satisfactory part of atoning or making up for our sins. It is a beautiful doctrine of the Church whereby we gain some knowledge of the infinite mercy of God.

The Enchiridion of Indulgences is the official document and teaching of the Church on indulgences. I recommend you read it especially the Apostolic Constitution, The Doctrine of Indulgences, promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1967 which is found near the end of the book. After Vatican Council II, the Church revised the practice of indulgences to some extent, for example, it no longer grants indulgences according to a specific number of days or years. The Enchiridion of Indulgences can be found online here: 2heartsnetwork.org/The.Enchiridion.of.Indulgences.pdf2heartsnetwork.org/The.Enchiridion.of.Indulgences.pdf

And yes, the doctrine of indulgences is the official infallible teaching of the Church (cf. CCC) and it does have scriptural basis. Atonement for sins can be found all over in Holy Scripture. The Israelites of the Old Testament were prescribed according to the Mosaic Law to offer to the priests certain things in atonement for their sins.