[annalex]

Why on earth don't I see Catholics signing themselves and reciting this "customary formula" repeatedly, non-stop

Believe it or not, some do. Blesed are those who have the freedom to do so, and thank God for the monks and nuns. Most of us, however, have families to feed, and no, praying instead of doing the necessary work is not a Catholic virtue.

[post 39] Say there's a (hypothetical) Catholic that trusts in Christ's work through the Church to remit the eternal punishment for his sins. However, his attitude regarding temporal punishment is completely different. Far from taking advantage of indulgences to remit this punishment, he avoids them. [...] Anything wrong with this attitude? Would it be sinful?

It would be stupid, I think. The objective is to go to heaven, and the only way to get to heaven is to become a saint. If that is your desire, God will provide the way, as you live or at death. Prayers of others, when answered, are also divine will; it is stupid and serves no purpose to reject it.

[armydoc]

Believe it or not, some do. Blesed are those who have the freedom to do so, and thank God for the monks and nuns. Most of us, however, have families to feed, and no, praying instead of doing the necessary work is not a Catholic virtue.

But that's the beauty of this officially sanctioned 3 second "quickie" indulgence. You don't have to be a monk or a nun to cram a whole bunch into the nooks and crannies of your life! 5 minute wait in the check-out line at Wal-Mart? Don't waste it browsing the tabloids when you could crank out a hundred or so indulgences! 30 second elevator ride? Ten indulgences in the bag! 12 second computer boot-up? Four indulgences that you didn't have before. You get the idea.


It would be stupid, I think.

Not if you wanted to boast that you took some of the penalty for your sins. Right up there with Jesus!