Did the Church Ever Sell Indulgences?

When we think of indulgences, many of us think of an outdated and unfair Church practice that alienated many Catholics and sparked the Reformation centuries ago. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz sets things straight, explaining how indulgences are an offering of God’s grace-a way to remove the temporal consequences of sin. Even though Christ forgives our sins, we are still wounded by sin in this life. The Church offers indulgences as a sort of spiritual therapy as we recover from those wounds.
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[@oliviadnelson]

I'm a Lutheran, but I love this channel. I have always been taught that indulgences was buying your way into heaven. I now understand much more. Thank you!

[@Kitiwake]

A myth to justify protestantism.

[@Sirach144]

No they did do it. You're looking at it from a modern lens.

[@Kitiwake]

@@Sirach144 if they did that, it was ineffective and a sin, then and now. It's not looking at it though a modern lens. The truth is eternal .... and modernism is a heresy.

[@wakavachaflame]

they truly did let Catholics pay a certain amount of money to shorten time in purgatory. Not everyone excerpts this but I've seen it done within my own family.

[@brendanpowers7945]

@@wakavachaflame That's certainly possible. Individual church members have done all sorts of terrible things over the millennia. The key fact is that Rome never allowed the sale of indulgences.

[@oliversutari]

This is by far the most comprehensive answer given to those who attack the Catholic Church on the subject. Some of my own doubts have been cleared, thanks to the analogies. Thank you, Fr. Schmitz, and may our Lord Jesus do wonderful things through you.

[@HU-jw4mt]

He did zero research, he is misleading you. Go to the history channel, do proper research. pope Leo the X manipulated his way into the papal office, bribed his way to the top then used his position to promote his cousin to archbishop. Nepotism at its finest. rather than listening to priests who have a 4 year degree and never did any proper research, look into more yourself.

[@Sirach144]

Let your church also murdered millions of people and murder is a sin it doesn't mean that the church didn't do it. The church has killed millions of people sold indulgences touch dead bones for healing. I'm sorry there's nothing you can do to convince me that this churchs true

[@hoosierhillsqfk1985]

@@HU-jw4mt why are you watching this video if you feel this way? and why do you feel that the history channel would be infallible?

[@hoosierhillsqfk1985]

@@Sirach144 if you feel this way why are you watching the video? Sounds like you lost and searching - perhaps the information you are calling out is not accurate.

[@erichvonmanstein2568]

Why do you protestants get offended over the truth? Oh wait... you can just change the meaning of the Bible like Luther or some other protestant did🤭

[@grizzlydan8]

I have been a Catholic for 65 years, and that is the best explanation of indulgences that I have ever heard. I'm still trying to learn and between Fr. Mike S. and our own parish priests, I am still maturing spiritually. Thank you Fr. Mike

[@paigethornton8292]

i grew up in SC in the Pentecostal denomination......im 34 now and just found your videos last night....i watched for over an hour straight.....i get more out of these short videos than i think ive ever gotten out of any hour+ sermon ive ever been in? keep up the good work sir

[@Cashcash69]

are u catholic now?

[@TTigerTTJuego]

an hour straight? Nice

[@c3pobutworse]

Just wanted to say I love your channel. I've never belonged to any specific sect (no one in my family is a practicing Christian), and admittedly I have always had my reservations about Catholicism. But you put things into user-friendly terminology and give the message of the "good news" without just filling your channel with motivational cherrypicked fluff. Huge fan, please keep it up! God Bless.

[@AscensionPresents]

So glad! Thank you for the kind feedback!!

[@daniellion5289]

Hey Ari, why are you so naive? Do you really think God will bless this man? Do your research my friend. See my comments on this post. God makes it so easy to know HIM, but these catholic false teachers want you to believe that getting to know God is so mysterious. God will reveal himself if you seek HIM Ari, read his Word. Comment if you need more info. Remember, seek HIM.

[@mmargaretcole1989]

Hey friend, just want to know what you mean by "these catholic false teachers want you to believe that getting to know God is so mysterious" Fr. Mike seems to lay everything out very clearly to me. Can you point out specific things?

[@chuckHart70]

God wont bless him? Are you reading what you are typing. God Blesses all! What you are saying and preaching is the false teaching.

[@bucketmouth7667]

You should still have reservations -- they teach another gospel than what the Bible teaches. They teach a "works+grace" gospel. That is a lie. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!" Galatians 1:8 "I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily." 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

[@savvysaleslady]

Now I get i! I've been a Catholic some 60 years and finally I get it! Thanks Father...and I love your videos.

[@spiritualwarfare9522]

Please do NOT listen to what he says! Read your BIBLE a King James Bible! Every catholic doctrine is refuted by scripture. Repent and trust in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ to be saved!

[@Dabhach1]

And do what you want in the meantime

[@pedskon]

if the KJV was good enough for Abraham and the apostles - it's good enough for me :^)

[@pedskon]

In all seriousness - the KJV is missing 7 books and has many translation errors because it is not founded in the tradition of the apostle's and the early Church. Protestant lies will not prevail over the truth

[@ibachmike3]

Spiritual Warfare I did read my Bible, a KJV at the time and listened to the Holy Spirit, guess what, I'm now Catholic. You don't understand scripture and that's why you believe as you do. Scripture, properly understood, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, The Church or both, refutes non-Catholic sects and upholds Catholicism.

[@writegillian]

Thank you for this! Even 7 years later I'm enjoying this. As a Catholic Christian who teaches secular students (who ask questions about the Reformation) I find this is extremely valuable.

[@Brian-vk6tz]

What is Sin? Answer; TRANSGRESSION of the LAW ..JESUS said think NOT, that i came to Abolish the LAW...in the Millennial Reign, Saints will keep the Feast Days, and Sabbaths...n many of Pauls writings, where he writes about keeping the Feast Days n Sabbaths, many years AFTER Jesus rose from the grave, plze dont take my Word...get a King James Bible and Read it for yourself..plze

[@5192872146]

Pastor Mike there is something about you that makes me want to hear you. Plus your smile is contagious. You make me feel my glass is half full, instead of half empty. I still don't agrea with you religion. I feel you are a special person.

[@crw662]

I understand what he is saying, but at the end of the day, the church did say that if you give us money to build this church, we will give you an indulgence to relieve some of the cost of your sins. No where in scripture do we have the authority to do such a thing.

[@Wgaither1]

According to Mike what removes more temporal punishment praying or giving money? If it’s money the rich have a huge advantage

[@cathydrummond4721]

One of the controversies about indulgences was that Friar Johann Tetzel was accused of accepting money to provide indulgences to forgive sins that had not yet been committed, thereby providing permission to commit sin. I think everyone can agree that that would be objectionable.

[@stephenfernald2490]

As both a Catholic interested in this topic and victim of a torn (now healed) Achilles' tendon, this video is just perfect!

[@cincoboy3214]

The Catholic church definitely did monetize grace though. Johannes Tetzel would say "When a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs."

[@laureneonunkwo4519]

It happened, yep. And that was a bad thing. I'm Catholic and I've read the history. These bad things have stopped and the we regret they ever happened.

[@abjoseck9548]

@@laureneonunkwo4519 , the conclusive bad things happened because it was drawn from wrong assumption. Fast forwrd today, did the RCC reformed its wrong doctrinal assumption related to salvation?

[@laureneonunkwo4519]

abjos eck about what? I'll ask you to research what you seek at the moment. Which salvation doctrine are you talking about?

[@huangxxiao]

There is a difference between what a particular Catholic did and what the Catholic Church officially teaches.

[@abjoseck9548]

@@huangxxiao Give some example...

[@Sirangle]

Awesome stuff, Fr. Schmitz. Please keep them coming. God is using you in mighty ways.

[@michaelorsini9695]

Excellent video Father Mike!!! We can also gain Plenary Indulgences for souls in Purgatory on a daily basis if we go to weekly Confession, go to daily Mass, pray for the Pope daily, do the proscribed act each day (pray Rosary in a Church/Chapel OR do Stations of the Cross in a Church/Chapel, OR read the Bible for half an hour a day, OR give alms daily, OR do half an hour of Eucharistic Adoration daily) and not be attached to sin.

[@codefool3022]

This is a very good message, but I believe you are being somewhat disingenuous about the Church "selling" indulgences as merely a misunderstanding. The abuses of quaestores making outrageous claims in order to collect the maximum amount of alms in exchange for an indulgence in order to fund Church projects is well documented. Perhaps this is too heavy a topic for this series - but history is history - we Catholics should not hide from it or try to explain it away.

[@user-dapeng661]

I could't agree with Garyl more, being a fellow catholic as well. I trust the Church has good intentions and profound theological thinking coming up with this elaborate mechanism dealing with sin, indulgence and all. But i don't find them biblical. Where does Jesus teach about indulgence anyway? The whole concoction was badly abused in the 15/16th century under a string of corrupted popes (do the names Borgia and Medici ring any bell ?) who conveniently blame faulty or overzealous execution in the field. If there was nothing wrong giving monetary alms back then in funding building projects, why is the practice stopped now (not necessarily for building churches but i am sure there is no shortage of charity needs) ? The Protestant split remains a big wound to the Church of our Lord, and i don't see ecumenical hope if the church refuses to give teachings on indulgence a 2nd thought.

[@ricardoo6824]

indulgence is biblical, what do you think Jubilees were in the old covenant?

[@bermudaone9455]

Yes. He unfortunately doesn't know what he's talking about. Sadly, most people don;t know enough to spot a wolf in sheep's clothing. Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. He wants to defend the church like most good Catholics rather than stand on the truth of scripture like the reformers did. He, like catholic doctrine, makes things so complex that you can't even keep up with his point. Not sure how physics has anything to do with it. Bottom line Jesus blood is the only thing that can redeem a man. PERIOD I'll never understand why most catholics willingly remain ignorant of well documented historical records about their church.

[@ricardoo6824]

Nick Rich Funny you should ask, Nick. I ask myself the same question how the majority of blacks share the same allegiance to all these protestant denominations with the white Protestants that called them animals with no souls, and opressed them, on the basis of race, not so long ago... You don't stop to think why you like to share the same hatred the same white bible thumpers had that exploited your ancestors? There was no reformation. There was only an attempt at usurping authority, no different than that of Core against Moses and Aaron, Absalom against David, Satan against God.

[@ricardoo6824]

Nick Rich Let's be real, what did Martin Luther argued against? Simony? You're going to tell me the hundreds of protestant denominations aren't involved in simony? Because if you are, quite frankly I'm not sure how you like to call people blind when you seem to have a mote in your eye

[@eliolsen745]

Your channel is part of the reason why I’m converting to Catholicism!

[@jeffwilliams59]

Oh brother.

[@andrewdrew677]

Indulgence through works of the flesh can’t make you more holy before God . Our standing before the Father is based on Christ Jesus , what he has done .As he is so are we in this world 1 John 4 verse 17

[@Kitiwake]

Agreed. Diminishing the consequences of ones' wrongs can however be achieved by the use of indulgences.

[@manfromrome7710]

@@Kitiwake where is that in the bible?

[@Wgaither1]

@@manfromrome7710 it’s not

[@frankc392]

Very informative, but if the Church never sold indulgences then why did they banned the sale of indulgences in 1567?

[@daninspiration4064]

I think there was a part where fr mike said the church stopped because it was wrong. People make bad choices even priests but the religion in itself teaches the right things, people in power abuse it.

[@lanceneubauer1369]

@@daninspiration4064 then how can this organization with these admitadily corrupt people give an infallible interpretation of Biblical texts?

[@daninspiration4064]

@@lanceneubauer1369 If you can point out a specific person with their interpretation I can take a look at it to see if I agree or not. Be specific in showing me. As far as I go, I may not know as much as people here, but I live simply in trying to keep peace in my heart and seeing everyone as God's creation. I love to give and see people smile in giving and showing God's love and I give credit to ever since I prayed the Rosary I am able to meditate more on the passions of Jesus and his Love.

[@lanceneubauer1369]

@@daninspiration4064 let's go with the immaculate conception. This is rooted in very little scripture, since Mary is a character with only small pieces written about her. Furthermore, nothing direct is said about being absent from sin. Also in the epistles the issue is not touched by Paul at all. The repeated message in scripture after the gospels is simply the "all have sinned and fall short" Romans 3:23. There exists no asterisk for Mary. The issue is dogmas like this get created by a single body with absolute power and decree things in a godlike manner that cannot be changed.

[@jacobraji2442]

@@lanceneubauer1369 How can David who was a adulterer and a muderer lead the people of God? Simple answer: God's grace. There has been a handful of terrible horrible popes that have bought their way into their position in the Catholic church, just like there has been terrible horrible kings and high priests among the people of Israel- but through God's grace, he always protects his people and brings them back if they err. If you judge the entire group based on the acions of a few corrupt individuals, then you should reject the Apostles' message because Judas was once qn apostle.

[@KateCross1]

This is so very helpful. My anty christian/catholic peers have so many accusations and objections that I'm literally spending every free minut watching videos like yours or reading apologetic books. All of their attacks and me searching for defending arguments just makes me realize even more that the Catholic Church is teaches the Truth and that it is magnificent.

[@kimfleury]

I've found that Catholicism is the most intellectually stimulating of all religions. I have Faith because of Reason.

[@rafaelmatias6356]

I am also in that situation! Wonderful isnt it?

[@HyruleDude]

Rafael Matias It's amazing !

[@Palecasket]

Don't be a victim.

[@Palecasket]

KA Fleury that's a VERY bold claim..... And hard to support....

[@jimmcilvain4131]

Ephesians 2: 8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. You are saved by God's grace not your works!

[@julienielsen3746]

Amen.

[@daninspiration4064]

Still, as we do something bad and when we want to make good of something even if forgiven we want to atone for our mistakes. It's a choice and usually when I mess something up I dont just ask for forgiveness but i make it up to that person in different ways to say that I am sorry.

[@TheCornbreadthief]

Romans 2:6 For he will render to every man according to his works:

[@chrisflynn5727]

Read James 2:14-26. Particularly, James 2:24. "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." Of course we are saved by God's grace. My priest put it in a great way. God forgives all of us, but it is up to us to accept his forgiveness. Also, if you couldn't guess already, Martin Luther was not fond of the book of James.

[@petera.6568]

@@chrisflynn5727 Yup!! I ll be convertin' to Catholicism soon if God wants. I just don't like the way so many Protestants just know nothing about the Catholic Church.

[@bheadh]

God bless you Fr. Mike for your powerful witness. Catechism is severely lacking in today's Church. Thank you for your effort to change that.

[@ibachmike3]

Myron Buzzwannanots catechesis not catechism, the catechism is a book, catechesis is the teaching

[@ryanm2084]

The church never taught they should be bought or sold, and yet thats what happened. But i thought the catholic is the one true church who has never changed? Truth is the catholic church has changed quite a bit.

[@erichill8276]

Careful about minimizing the corruption of indulgences. Pope Leo X was the supreme authority in the Church when the reformation occurred. He did authorize return payments for remission of sins. He could have ignored Martin Luther but he didn’t because he was threatened by a schism. I think Jesus would have spoken about indulgences in the Gospels if they were really important

[@naomiarkison5365]

Thank you so much, Fr. Mike, for bringing clarity to this issue that has confused me so much.

[@flyingninja1234]

As a Lutheran, I found this video to be interesting. I can see where Martin Luther could have misinterpreted what was happening. Thank you & God Bless.

[@flyingninja1234]

+Agata Piety Thank you for the information.

[@savvysavages6931]

Yes, the selling, I mean dispensing, of indulgences to pay off the Fugers for that bishopric in Mainz had alot to do with Luther's "misinterpretation" of what was happening.

[@mmargaretcole1989]

From a Catholic, God Bless you too!

[@buzztrucker]

Great!

[@mrsandmom5947]

Z M God bless

[@Josiebydarn]

Father, this is probably the best explanation of indulgences that I have ever heard. Thank you.

[@americancrusader2133]

The Lord has worked in you to help many Father Mike, watching your videos has made my decision to convert from Protestant to Catholic much simpler. Weights have been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you!

[@jeffwilliams59]

More like Google's KZbin algorithm is your god.

[@nathanmontgomery5535]

I feel like I just got smacked upside the head and that the light bulb went on. This makes things so clear. Thank you!

[@Joshuaengels]

I am confused by something - when we say temporal consequences of Sin - I would assume that is here on earth. Reap what we sow. How then is this carried over after we die into another place that we need to be purified out of? It sounds like Christ's death wasn't quite enough. Even after we die...our spirit isn't whole and we need good works to get us out of purgatory....

[@christophercruz6884]

PS: even without the indulgences, one's sin is still forgiven through Jesus, so one will always end on Heaven sooner or later.

[@kimberlysmiley0033]

Thank you Father Mike for talking about this. That was really super clear and understandable. I've been wondering about that for a while since I first heard about it. And yes, you made perfect sense!

[@hoihoihoihoihoihoihoihoi]

If money is given by a donor, even as an act of alms-giving, and the donee makes a promise that the donor in return has x amount of years off purgatory, on a piece of paper comparable only to a receipt, and it is signed, you have a clear transaction. An assiduous person will not overlook the fact that contemporaneously, clergy were under instruction to extract as much revenue as possible from their congregations for St. Peter's. They were able to sell so very many indulgences through spiritual threats and bribes. It was a nasty situation.

[@davidwarren7279]

I love how his explanation of how the Church wasn't selling indulgences sounds exactly like they WERE selling indulgences.

[@dddd9586]

Thank you Fr.Mike God bless Pray for us

[@toddhawk9921]

As a Protestant, I’m not sure our friend Martin would agree with you. Sounds somewhat revisionist. But I do appreciate your presentations as they are always insightful. God bless.

[@MikeJKeator]

This is GREAT!!! I am going to start having my kids watch one of these each morning. Please keep it up Fr Mike.

[@jenniferyoung7818]

Great idea!

[@sug1733]

​@@jackmcgee8455 🤣😂😅

[@GrahamBartle]

"We didn't sell indulgences, we just took money to get you out of purgatory "

[@mintavia]

I get conflicted when my church says I need to pay 100.00 to have the confirmation classes. I have 4 kids. That's a lot of money. So my kids go unconfirmed. Makes me sad.

[@g.weg.3723]

You can catechize your own children and then request them to be confirmed. Get a good catechism like the Saint Joseph illustrated Baltimore catechism and teach from that

[@MaryKatherineMay]

I disagree with this double talk. Call it a "donation" until the Koochiching County cows move to New Orleans and say it with a smile all you want, the so-called "donation" was payment for forgiveness so the pope at the time could build St. Peter's. Simony. Works for forgiveness.

[@grandmazona2268]

Confused. Did those in the church not sell masses for The Souls of the deceased in order to build the churches riches?.

[@wms72]

No, but it's customary to give the priest a stipend for a holy Mass for a particular intention, including weddings and funerals.

[@grandmazona2268]

@@wms72maybe read up on church history

[@Lyc360]

I was educated in Catholic school prior to Vatican II. Catholic school children memorized the Catholic (Baltimore) Catechism from cover to cover. The Catechism and the Dominican nuns taught that that we were destined to suffer the same fiery agony in Purgatory experienced by those in hell except that the suffering would not be eternal. This was true even if we made a "good" confession. The only escape was being granted a plenary indulgence which was very rare. Our Sunday Missals had indulgence requirements printed on the bottom many pages which parishioners followed to reduce their time in the flames of Purgatory. That teaching was abject child abuse. There is no doubt that fear was the principal motivator in the sale of indulgences to finance St. Peter's Basilica

[@inquisitorquinnge8762]

This is why I like being Catholic. We aren’t blind, we apply logic and reason to the teachings in order to better understand them and to also better ourselves.

[@zerksepraga]

As if the logic and reason of your sect is enough to satisfy our queries. They don't. They are unbiblical. Maybe they are sophistical or logical, but that doesn't mean they are Biblical.

[@animalcart4128]

@@zerksepraga How do you define unbiblical?

[@jeffwilliams59]

So logic and reason is involved when moving pedophiles from one parish to another all the while declaring bankruptcy rather than paying legally determined (logic and reason) based abuse settlements? Got it.

[@nicklucia9044]

God gave you eyes but you cannot see. Have you researched this subject, then how do you know what you are talking about. The church is in big trouble, and there is a lot of damage control going on. Sadly, many of the priests are biblically illiterate, and only read Sunday morning passages that convey simple and redundant concepts of be kind to your neighbors. How many times have you heard a priest ask congregations to read the Bible?

[@inquisitorquinnge8762]

@@nicklucia9044 a lot

[@simonewilliams7224]

God bless you for your easily understood Catholic Church’s beliefs. You are so inspiring. God bless you.

[@heroldetes1341]

The Roman Church had made merchandise of the grace of God. The tables of the money-changers [Matthew 21:12.] were set up beside her altars, and the air resounded with the shouts of buyers and sellers. Under the plea of raising funds for the erection of St. Peter’s church at Rome, indulgences for sin were publicly offered for sale by the authority of the pope. --- The Great Controversy 126.4

[@buzztrucker]

2 problems here. 1) That verse (Matthew 21:12) had more to do with fulfilling prophecy and is a far cry from making it analogous to selling of indulgences. 2) The Great Controversy ironically in itself is a great controversy. Ellen G. White (alleged prophetess) wrote it and I believe her works and ministry are the underpinnings of Seventh Day Adventism which came about from the Millerite which was headed by a false prophet. One representative of the Roman Catholic Church (in this case Johann Tetzel) doesn't represent the teachings/motives of the entire church on indulgences. There were corrupt priests in the Old Testament that obviously didn't represent the teachings/motives of Judaism. There's this incorrect assumption that indulgences were some arbitrary non-Biblical invention by the Roman Catholic church to guilt people into giving it money. I just ask that you research it more and don't blindly take everything at face value that SDA or most Protestant doctrine/history/literature writes about Roman Catholicism.

[@Prudencia67]

Thank you! Alot of people have been asking about this. Thanks for explaining it thru examples. You are so intense, passionate. I love it. God bless you! ❣

[@Itinerantor]

"As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." Explain this one Father.

[@j.p.dunleavy1769]

Good actions- prayer, fasting. almsgiving- are indulgences that heal our souls and help the souls of the departed. He explained that some priests or bishops from the time misspoke or were misinterpreted in presenting that indulgences could be bought, but it does not work that way as that is the sin of simony. Ultimately, giving money for the Church and its mission is a good thing as it is the Bride of Jesus.

[@Nedubov]

As a teacher, I really like Fr.Mike’s analogies to break down and simplify concepts.

[@stever4181]

and totally without Biblical backing.

[@ethancanin]

With the building of the new St. Peter's in Rome there was a lot of pressure to raise money for its construction, and magnificent and luxurious it is!

[@LookForTheDay]

Man I’m so glad I listened to this. I finally understand indulgences!! I’m a new confirmed Catholic from Protestant. I am complete now!!

[@dustrock0725]

Another 9 min video on Catholic doctrine with no scripture.

[@bluegriffin9453]

The mistake you’re making is insisting that absolutely every nuance of teaching, understanding and practice MUST be found in Scripture and this is incorrect. No where in the Bible does it make such a statement. Jesus gave authority to His One True Church. Also, the New Testament wasn’t compiled until near 400 years after the Old Testament. So that only demonstrates the high vital importance of His Church. When Jesus left the world after His resurrection , He said, I leave you My Church, not, I leave you my Bible.

[@bluegriffin9453]

Do you believe in the Trinity? A Christian should. That word is no where found in Scripture. I have faith in the Catholic Church that gave us the Bible.

[@dustrock0725]

I made an observation. You are transferring a whole fallacious ideology onto my observation. That’s not charitable. But, if I were making the errors you are mentioning I would agree with you.

[@adverseinperpetuity]

A key misconception about Luther- he didn't want to leave the catholic church, he wanted to REFORM it, hence reformation. He was excommunicated from the catholic church for his beliefs /actions, but I think it's important not to think he just said like, "screw you guys I'm starting a new church." right off the bat ... He started a new church only after trying to change it from within.

[@barelyprotestant5365]

Martin Luther did not leave the Roman Catholic Church; he was kicked out.

[@jenniferwinston7842]

No he was not kicked out. Martin Luther excommunicated himself. After he posted his 95 Theses on the Wittenberg door, he refused to engage the pope who had reached out to him. Nice try

[@HerrFitztastic]

He certainly engaged the Pope at the Diet of Worms. Just look for yourself at historical indulgences and the words written on them. Look at those sold by Tetsel, who promised ignorant people remission of sins from purgatory (itself unbiblical) for a price. The ink in black & white speaks louder than all the soundbytes of this modern age. Ask yourself, truthfully, if the words of those indulgences are consistent with the mercy of a God whose work for us was accomplished at Calvary. Ask also: where is the biblical authority for the grant of temporal indulgence that is contingent on the action of man?

[@ceceliagrove1542]

I thought I understood indulgences, but that totally cleared up a lot of my misconceptions!! Thank you Fr. Mike! You're da bomb.

[@JesusPedroza]

Great video! I always had trouble wrapping my head around indulgences. Also, it's good to clear up the mess inaccurate history books and narratives have about them that's learned in history classes. I'm not sure if there were some that actually committed Simony, but anyways good straightforward explanation about the confusions and misunderstandings that not only most people have, but what mainline history has. God Bless you Fr. Mike! Also, I like the Bishop Barron and Catholic Answers name drops haha!

[@ursulabarreto2844]

I was guided by a minister in my own church at St. Anthony of Padua, The Woodlands, TX that if you rob you just go to confession and everything will be fine. I told them I do not believe that a mortal sin and even worse intentionally done, one is completely forgiven. God expect us to do reparation more than pilgrimages, or indulgences. One has to give back what has been taken unjustly to whomever you took it from and not only pilgrimages, indulgences, confession, prayer and communion will only help.

[@clipper6403]

I enjoyed your commentary father. And while you may be correct in saying that the "Church" never condone nor advocates the selling of indulgences. It would be disingenuous to say that it did not happen. And that every instance where it did appear to happen it was just a miscommunication of some sort. I'm Catholic and very proud to be one. But I'm also not afraid to admit to mistakes that the church made then or now. The people who make up the church are not perfect. And some of them have gone very evil things in the 2000 years we've been around. And the selling of indulgences did happen. Granted some of it may have been miscommunicated or misunderstood - it was nevertheless widespread enough to cause some real problems even at that time.

[@jenniferwinston7842]

He never said it didn't happen clipper. He is making it very clear regarding what the church teaches. Despite the Protestant rumors, the church does not teach that indulgences should be sold. Did you not listen and watch the whole video? Geesh

[@genesisbustamante-durian]

Yes, the Catholic Church did sell indulgences for the souls of people who were already dead. The idea was that the living could purchase reductions in time in Purgatory for their loved ones who had died with sins that had not been fully absolved. By purchasing an indulgence, it was believed that the time the soul spent in Purgatory could be reduced, allowing them to reach heaven sooner.

[@chiefkeefgaming2005]

But why?

[@genesisbustamante-durian]

@@chiefkeefgaming2005 Greed, perhaps. Being religious is not enough to become rich in virtues. And the temptation of behaving corruptly is ever-present in any position of authority.

[@Wgaither1]

@@genesisbustamante-durian aren’t buying mass intentions like indulgences

[@jktl88]

Great video Fr.Mike, thank you. Though I just find it troublesome and tiring at times to explain our Catholic belief to the non-Catholic Christians. They will have a tons of doctrines to throw at us but when we try to explain it, they simply won't listen. They are just so defiant.

[@MrWinMrWin-qr2bn]

Well the reason why it's so hard to explain is because Catholics aren't being honest about history. Just admit it was a mistake in the past for crying out loud. Neither the Apostles nor the Early Church Fathers ever used indulgences. Our sins are washed through repentance and the Blood of Christ. Popes can make mistakes and the issuing of indulgences was a mistake.

[@StephanieEnnis-uu8wt]

Prayer is an ongoing never ending CONVERSATION.

[@rublar75]

Your zeal for your church is great but just a quick question so I have a reference. Where is the Bible reference? Did I miss that in the video or is this a Roman Catholic thing only?

[@manfromrome7710]

Haha.. great question.

[@angergoggles]

Protestants and prooftexting. Go look for your scripture reference, but chances are, it could stare you in the face and you wouldn’t see it anyway… Have Faith and be filled with the Holy Spirit and the leadership of the Magisterium; or else you will see nothing.

[@heroldetes1341]

The giving of Alms as an act of indulgences sounds like that: You have a collections of books that you want to sell which costs are respectively 5$, 10$, or 20$. but you go knocking door asking for donations, :) . If the person gives 5$ donation you give him the one for 5$, if he give 20 you give him too., He doesn't know but you know, but you just ask for a donation. Tell is that a selling? That is selling smartly. In the christian faith, we don't pay tithes as a mean of "Indulgence" to escape punishment, but we give because God owns it, 10% of all what we possess, whether we have something in exchanges or not. But the Church as a so called minister of grace, is selling the grace smartly.

[@boogerandfriends]

What is your response to John Tetzel selling indulgences during the time of Pope Leo X for the building of St. Peter's? He supposedly had a saying, something like "Every time a coin rings, a soul from Purgatory gains his wings."

[@bluegrassproject]

Wenn die Münz' im Kasten klingt, die Seel' aus dem Fegfeuer springt. (German)

[@AD-sx7ix]

He answers your question in 6:55 - 7:55

[@jimmy5634]

A D actually, he doesn’t. Once again, it’s the emphasis of what the. “church” does not what God does through his Holy Spirit. The “ church” is not the means to sanctification, God’s Divine Grace is. Contributions to the church may give you a good feeling, they aren’t anything more than a psychological ploy to relieve guilt which is what the Catholic Church is big on.

[@therealwildwildwest]

The Medieval Popes through indulgence sells did say that you could buy your dead relations out of Purgatory for a money. Changed at a later date due to Luther’s 95 Theses. Indulgences seem to have changed over time to the more modern version of them.

[@markturner6974]

Nowhere in the Bible does it say the church can remove earthly punishments for sin. That is something only God can do.

[@joelm33]

Okay, I understand your point. I just don't understand why it wasn't explained this way to Priest Martin Luther. If what you say is true then he should have recognized this as a miscommunication and gone on his Mary way... but that's not what happened...

[@Kitiwake]

Well.. What was Luther saying about it? Johan Tetzel was reputed to be selling spiritual favors for money ..but many knew at the time that that was sinful and corrupt... Complain about corruption is ok. But it was and is not part of the theology around spiritual treasures. These come from acts of piety.

[@bneitsch]

well you know because the church always uses this and still does as a get outta jail free card which doesn't work. good works DO NOT cleanse you. nothing you can do saves you or cleanses you. Its profession in the Name of Jesus as Lord. Thats ALL. by faith

[@manfromrome7710]

@@bneitsch you need to read the bible more. Clearly you missed a lot.

[@manfromrome7710]

@@bneitsch rev. 20:13, james 2:14to26, titus 13:8,14, titus 1:6, 2 timothy 4:14, 2 tim 3:17 and 2:22, 1 tim 6:18, 2 thess 2:17, col 1:10, romans 2:10, matt 16:21, matt 5:16, and many other verses..

[@moisescastillo395]

Going by this someone with a lot of money can get Gods grace in record time.

[@shaunwilliams2312]

Without realizing it, he's demoting God and lifting up man

[@flippintobyland7257]

Anyone who watches this please read Martin Luther by Eric Metaxis , you can explain it however you like, in the end , they sold indulgences period . One man actually paid Tetzel for future sins as he was told it would absolve them as well so he later beat and robbed Tetzel(indulgence preacher ) of all his money after he paid for his future indulgence lol .. As well much of the indulgences sold were for souls of loved ones in purgatory , perfect cash machine for the church when a family wants Grandpa admitted into heaven quicker . Many before Luther came and spoke against indulgence selling as well Dr Dietrich Morung was excommunicated years before as he spoke against this as well and was put in prison for a decade as a result . Johannn von staupitz also preached against this as well before Luther , as well as many theologians at the Sorbonne in Paris recognized the indulgence trade as a problem in need of fixing at the same time of Luther . "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings the soul from purgatory springs " Will you not then for a quarter of a florin receive these letters of indulgence through which you are able to lead a divine and immortal soul into the fatherland of praise " Tetzel (indulgence preacher at the time of Luther )

[@micahmiller5431]

No where is scripture supports indulgences. Martin Luther was spot on with only faith, grace, Christ, scripture, and God's glory alone! As Jesus said to Peter I say to you, "Get away from me Satan" (Matt 16:23)

[@hhiimmddoo]

Historically they actually did sell them it was banned in 1567

[@mobileflea]

I love Roman Catholic word games.

[@josephjr.balazo6440]

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. John is talking to the believers here. That if we confess our sins to God, He is there to forgive and restore us. Its not about doing good things to surpass the bad things you committed or doing good things just to feel good again about yourself. The bible also says that, theres no condemnation in Christ. If you truly have the relationship with Christ, everytime we commit sin, our response should be repentance and asking forgiveness and not Do this and that and that so you will be forgiven or to dodge the temporal punishment/consequence. Besides, sin and bad decision always lead to consequences. You can not bribe the Lord... God bless you Sir.

[@chrisflynn5727]

You are not bribing God by performing an indulgence. Fr. Mike kind of says that. It is to help gain spiritual strength to help lead to prevention of sin.

[@danhelms8134]

You should get a gold medal for those mental gymnastics sir. Pope Leo X himself extended indulgences to those willing to help fund St Peters Basilica. Bishops all over Europe were selling indulgences. it was one of the direct causes of the reformation. the argument that it wasnt accctually the church that was selling indulgences (you know, just every person that made up the Church from the pope down)and it's not acccctually selling if you're just donating alms doesn't hold historical water. also, you got any scriptural references to back up your theology or is this just some stuff some dudes in Rome made up?

[@Wgaither1]

Well said

[@Tfichtenbaum]

Selling indulgences turned into confession....never understood how saying a few hail Mary's made things alright again ....

[@rebekahwalker290]

In Spain they pay €500 to carry the float of Mary (The Virgin) at Semana Santa. They pay to light an electric candle in order to spend less time in purgatory. I could go on and on. Indulgences existed and still exist.

[@manfromrome7710]

Here in the philippines, too. But people will believe his lies anyway.

[@BBThumper1939]

They did sell indulgences. That's what the 95 theses was about. He is a blind guide.

[@michaeldelossantos8560]

Thank you father mike, it is so refreshing to see the enthusiasm that you have. You carry the light well father!

[@joshuathewretchedmanjoshua6768]

Michael Delossantos Matthew 23:9 King James Version (KJV) 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

[@taylorboyd8936]

Joshua The Wretched Man † preach

[@turtletoons1016]

@@joshuathewretchedmanjoshua6768 so i cant call my father my father

[@mrjadexxxxxxx]

As a Protestant that watches your channel, I really enjoy it. I do disagree with some of your theological points (in part because the channel seems to be dedicated to Catholics from Catholics and therefore skips a lot of the justifications for certain beliefs), but on whole I like the channel. However, while the Catholic Church may not have sold indulgences Ex Cathedra or de Jure, they certainly sold indulgences de facto during the 1500's, in Germany at the least. I understand your point that the Church itself might not have done so, but priests did so, and I was hoping to see that admitted in the video.

[@ricksanchez3711]

God's grace is way easier than this. It is not that convoluted.

[@KingJoeCB]

Pat Aherne if you think you need anything besides Christ to receive salvation, He is of no affect to you. Galatians 5:4

[@loganmichael7314]

@soyboy - you’ll only find faith and works in the same sentence one time in the entire Bible and it refutes the Protestant belief of sola fida...James 2:24. Give it a read.

[@bassman_0074]

Rick Sanchez Acts 26:20 “but he declared first to those in Damascus then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea and also to the Gentiles, that they should *repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance.*”

[@bassman_0074]

Andrea Mendenhall John 20:22-23 When he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Priests are agents acting under the authority of the apostolic church which was granted the authority by Christ to bind and loose sins in accordance with God’s will.

[@michellemattocks4888]

How do Catholics feel about reading God's word after sin and then we give because we know that is God's will.

[@canadianpatriot9566]

I'm a catholic. SORRY father and I'm not buying your talk on indulgences.

[@Tyler_WI]

I still don’t understand why God’s grace has to be given through the church or strictly requires the church for grace. I’m a Christian but not catholic and absolutely value the church but just don’t see it the same as Catholics. We all still love God and Christ and agree on the main things, so a small disagreement I guess

[@victornguyen5507]

Fr. Mike, what seminary did you go to??

[@fathermikeschmitz4355]

+Victor Nguyen I went to the Saint Paul Seminary in Saint Paul, MN.

[@veronicav8712]

@@fathermikeschmitz4355 father I don't understand all this. I believe m very small n no where greater to your knowledge. But all I understand is sin is a sin. Punishment is a punishment. Jesus has said he is the truth n the life. If he says he is truth means what he has spoken is just true. He said come to me I will give u rest. He said no one will go to the father except through me (he did not mention any doctrine so I don't think I also need to focus on any) He said ask n you shall receive all I understand is if I want forgivness I ask my Lord Jesus who has authority to forgive my sins because scripture says Jesus forgave sins of the people during his ministry and he can do it now also through his spirit. If I call myself a Christian I have to follow Christ not any doctrine which leads to Christ. U know what is beautiful in this take your cross n follow me. When he says clearly follow me why are we wondering? Peace be with you in Jesus name Amen.

[@trevorbuchanan6226]

Where do st Peter , st Paul , st John mention this in the holy epistles .? Does giving money to the church equate to giving money to the poor ? What percentage goes to the poor ? Who thought up indulgences ? Has this finance ever been misused ?

[@BBThumper1939]

Why did you disable the comments on your immaculate conception of Mary video? Don't want anyone telling people the truth?

[@donnaterry85]

Wait, if it’s a sin to buy or sell spiritual things then why is there a catalog that I can buy rosaries and spiritual books from?

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > a video > Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest. 10 minutes 3 seconds.Thought it was worth mentioning.

[@jacquelinefitzgerald1168]

Thank you for your divinity, your graces are heard.... this is just a fabulous. Enduring Light and Prayers upon you Fr. Mike. God Bless!

[@blakewilliams8304]

Leave it to a charismatic priest to try to talk his way around admitting the Catholic Church has ever done ANYTHING wrong, let alone saying people could "buy their way in to heaven"

[@f-emi]

You said the temporal consequences of sin are biblical and commonsense. Where in scriptures does the book talk about temporal consequences?

[@Wgaither1]

It doesn’t

[@Selahsmum]

God gives these graces even to our temporary ramifications of sin for free, brothers and sisters.

[@cathyyosha]

Thank you for this.

[@RodrigoVzq]

Great video as always

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

Are we not separated from God right now? By His strips we are healed...

[@mspamela2008]

Father Mike, you are very entertaining to watch and I appreciate your ability to communicate Catholic Church truths. However, our problem is that because we are still in the flesh, our wounds can never fully heal because we are in perpetual sin...Mark 12:30 proves this. So, the question is...how many indulgences does one need to give in order to be healed from the temporal consequences of sin?....there is no way to quantify this, so you end up giving never ending indulgences. You can give all that you have, your life too...but it is never going to be enough, because we are in perpetual sin. The answer is....we look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith(Heb 12:2), to comfort us and give us peace over the wounds our sins create. And as He sanctifies us, by the Holy Spirit that dwells with in those who are born again(John 3:3), the desires to sin lesson. As we walk with Christ, our hatred for sin increases; therefore we continue to turn from it (repentance). And the consequence of this progressive sanctification is we sin less. It's the work of the Holy Spirit, not our work of indulgences, that accomplishes this beautiful transformation while on earth. In this life we will have consequences of sin, trials, etc. But JESUS says, come to me, I will give you rest. My burden is light and yoke easy. And happy are those who mourn over their sin, for they will be comforted.(Mat 11:28-30, Mat 5:4) It brings to mind what Paul says to us in Romans 7:18-8:2. This passage ends with: "For the law of the SPIRIT has set you free IN Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." The recovery from our wounds, that are caused by sin, are found in Christ. Christ is our all in all, not indulgences...Romans 11:36 proves this. May God bless you!

[@daniellengyel559]

If you are donating to get something in return, you aren’t donating. You are purchasing. Likewise; If you are giving gifts to those who donate (and they are aware of that), you aren’t giving gifts. You are trading. 7:08 "... so how about this: if you donate, give alms, to the Church to the building of St. Peter's, that's an indulgence." This is marketing. In order to have more people donate, you promise them indulgences. So when they make a donation, you give them indulgences to fulfill your promise, and not as a gift. Which is, in fact, trading of indulgences. Please, don't be dishonest. It's really not a good look for the Church. I'll be praying for you.

[@frankh.5378]

Where is the Biblical bases for this? And in the end who gives the right the ability to give this? Are you not acting God? And it is a fact that Church was selling indulgences for not only ppl who are poor but for them to guarantee their relatives's forgiveness. Where in the Bible is this justified? Also it is not Church that gives Grace. It is God.

[@Andromedon777]

It's not

[@MrTahref]

Its wierd how he just ignored historic fact people needed to give money in the catholic church to get their sins forgiven or parts of sins forgiven. If he wanted to defend the Catholic church he could atleast say, only small part of the Catholic church did it, but nope...

[@goldguilder9554]

Buying and selling indulgences is the beginning of the futures market which also gave birth to option chains.

[@TheChio116]

"Ask Catholic Answers" LOL You are hilarious father!!!! I love your videos! :D

[@kevinvoelkel203]

God bless you and your family and friends . Never lose hope . Go on peace .

[@joshuathewretchedmanjoshua6768]

Matthew 23:9 King James Version (KJV) 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

[@bobbiceryanec3766]

Always so Happy being Catholic,and especially for Preist like you Fr. Mike

[@schlammie446]

really awesome and informative to watch after coming back from sls16. I thought I knew about indulgences well enough. nope. definitely not the case.

[@OneRandomCommunity]

+Samuel Marek After the Fr. Mike keynote on Day 4 from sls, I was hungry for another talk and came to look in my subscription box when I got back from Dallas. Praying for you brother!

[@JohnRobenault]

It's always funny when you see someone you know in KZbin comments...

[@paulhill7726]

May GOD continue to Bless you Fr. Mike!!!

[@SKBottom]

Why can't you just admit that the Catholic Church of the time was very corrupt and needed some reformation? By the way, Luther had some wacky ideas, but he was right with many of his criticisms of the church. I'm Catholic, by the way.

[@richardmh1987]

A reformation was needed indeed, but Luther missinterpreted a lot of things, selling indulgences were just a small part of it. Those reforms needed actually came with the counter-reformation which was what the Church needed, to address those problems from within. Instead he chose to go nuts and start a movement that ultimately rejected not only Jesus teaching but even spread divisions on the very people that followed him. It´s a shame, he could´ve been right there with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Francis de Sales and many other Saints who addressed the problems within the Church, instead he became a divisive figure even among protestants themselves.