“but I think what Vlad is trying to relay is that the “sale of indulgences” was not (and is still not) an official teaching of the Catholic Church. ”
Hmmmmm...
“You can knock a thousand years off your dear mom’s time of burning and suffering in purgatory, by donating 100 gold Florins to rebuild St.Peter’s Cathedral! Give today, and ease her pain!”
Or...
You can knock a thousand years off your dear mom’s time of burning and suffering in purgatory, for just 100 Ducats to rebuild St.Peter’s Cathedral! Do it now and help dear old mom!”
The difference is huge!
It is my understanding that indulgences are for the person performing the indulgences and include things like prayers, reading Scripture, visiting churches and cemetaries, etc.
Sorry, I misunderstood your “Mom” comment. I thought you were referring to someone’s future time in purgatory. Still, show me where the Church teaches donating money rather than saying prayers, etc obtains an indulgence for a soul.