[redgolum]

Check ou the thread

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1098898/posts

Granted, it came from a Protestant source that isn't to fond of the pope. Yes they were sold, and yes the sale of indulgences was abused. It is in the Council of Trent.

[Desdemona]

What I saw on that thread was donations expected at the time of sacraments, which is not correct, but that has nothing to do with indulgences. Indulgences are, for lack of a better word, earned. By the church's own teaching they cannot be bought or sold.

I think the bigger thing is the resentment over using funds to finance the building of great cathedrals and financing art. Well, in the gospel, when Mary Magdalene poured perfumed oil over Christ's head and she was admonished by Judas, Jesus admonished Judas. He said, the poor you will always have with you. I will not always be among you. And so we follow suit. Only the best for God.