EA_Man:
Correct - the Church found an effective fund raising tool in indulgences during the Crusades. As the monetary system of Europe matured, perfoming “acts of contrition” as in Francis’ day was gradually replaced by cash.
The building of St. Peter’s and the overall financial mismangement of the Papal States provided the “need” of selling indulgences. The selling of relics was a big money maker for years as well.
Peace
Correction!! One monk found such and ALL of this was answered and corrected by Trent.
None of what you guys have cited excuses the errant winds of doctrine that Luther let loose in the church.
In fact, I post here again a fine example of the nature of Martin Luther and the arrogance and errors that he openly espoused.
Talk about pride and arrogance! Listen to Luther’s own words:
“You tell me what a great row the Papists are making because the word ‘alone’ is not in the text of Paul If your Papist makes such an unnecessary row about the word ‘alone’, say right out to him: ‘Dr. Martin Luther will have it so, and say: Papists and asses are one and the same thing’ I will have it so, and I order it to be so, and my will is raeson enough. I know that very well the word 'alone is not in the Latin and Greek text, and it was not necessary for the Papists to teach me that.” (John L. Stoddard’s Rebuilding a Lost Faith TAN Books, 1990)
Then Listen again:
" I hate Esther and 2nd Maccabees so much that I wish they did not exist; they contain too much Judaism and no little hrathen vice." (F.F. Bruce, The Canon of Scripture , 101)
All this because he chose to alter the very Word of God on his own egotistical authority and to support the very errors that he created that had not existed prior to 1517. Now today you want to tell us how cool he was and believe his doctrines? You follow him… I’ll stay with the original Christian church and her teachings.
I love this guy’s humilty and rationality :whacky: