YOU: No. Never could, either.
You and GCC Catholic seem to have a disagreement about the current sale of indulgences.
Per this post
"Yes, indulgences can be obtained. That said, a vast majority are gained through prayers or simple acts of penance which cost absolutely nothing."
(And that said, there must be a "minority" of indulgences out there that CAN BE and ARE obtained through filthy lucre.)
And this post
"Some indulgences tied to a particular location (a particular shrine or the like), and getting to them often requires some money"
Thus readers are to understand that it is still possible for indulgences to be sold and that this practice continues to this day.
If one can't state one's "opponent's" position clearly, completely, and correctly, in terms with which he would agree, and which he would find inoffensive, one has absolutely no business commenting on the matter.
I think your position has been stated clearly in this post and in GCCC's posts. Again, Rome contradicts itself at the expense of the truth.
NO. What I said is that some indulgences are tied to a place or thing at a specific geographical location. It is a simple fact of economics that traveling somewhere costs money. This is NOT money that the Church gets.
What I was speaking to in the post of mine that you pointed out is that frankly, some of the indulgences aren't simple . (did you actually look at the list I posted?) Attending the first Mass of a newly ordained priest? Not particularly easy. Visiting the Stational Churches of Rome? Free to obtain, but not free to get there (unless I plan to walk/swim), and in light of that certainly not easy.
You cannot, and as ArrogantBustard pointed out, never could "BUY" indulgences.
Baloney.
1) ""Yes, indulgences can be obtained. That said, a vast majority are gained through prayers or simple acts of penance which cost absolutely nothing." (And that said, there must be a "minority" of indulgences out there that CAN BE and ARE obtained through filthy lucre.)" ...
To GCCC's list must be added various works of mercy. You can 'ass-u-me' anything you like ... but your assumptions tell nothing about Catholic Doctrine.
2) "Some indulgences tied to a particular location (a particular shrine or the like), and getting to them often requires some money" Thus readers are to understand that it is still possible for indulgences to be sold and that this practice continues to this day."
Last time I checked, United Airlines was not part of the Catholic Church.
Finally, your article linked DID NOT support your false notion that indulgences are for sale. In fact, it cannot ... nor can anything else.
If one can't state one's "opponent's" position clearly, completely, and correctly, in terms with which he would agree, and which he would find inoffensive, one has absolutely no business commenting on the matter.
The Handbook of Indulgences available at Amazon.com