Replies

The Catholic teaching seems just fine. Now let's see what conclusions you draw from it.

First: You must know I don't believe there is such a place as Purgatory.

I realize that.

Second: We all know the abuse of Indulgences were the cause of great scandal in the Church.

The sale of them was an abuse. Whether they exist at all was a Reformation doubt.

Third: My skeptical nature causes me to believe they (and Purgatory) were "invented" for the sole purpose of raising money.

OK. But divorce them from money raising and then what?

Fourth: I believe the whole thing is abused.

Is this a different point than #2?

Fifth: I believe innocent youth are being "set up" to accept the practice as a normal thing.

Catholic kids are being taught their faith. If you don't like it then don't have your kids be taught the Catholic faith.

Good grief man, I could say the same thing about the poor Protestant youth being "set up" to believe Protestant lies, but I don't.

First: You must know I don't believe there is such a place as Purgatory.
I realize that.
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Second: We all know the abuse of Indulgences were the cause of great scandal in the Church.
The sale of them was an abuse. Whether they exist at all was a Reformation doubt.
(Exist or not; abuse is abuse.)
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Third: My skeptical nature causes me to believe they (and Purgatory) were "invented" for the sole purpose of raising money.
OK. But divorce them from money raising and then what?
(Purgatory and indulgances were invented for the express purpose of raising money. They can't be divorced.)
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Fourth: I believe the whole thing is abused.
Is this a different point than #2?
(Only if you think there is a difference between is and was. (Slick Willie)
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Fifth: I believe innocent youth are being "set up" to accept the practice as a normal thing.
Catholic kids are being taught their faith. If you don't like it then don't have your kids be taught the Catholic faith. (O.K.)
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Good grief man, I could say the same thing about the poor Protestant youth being "set up" to believe Protestant lies, but I don't.

(Good grief man, I would hope you would jump all over any "Protestant" preaching and/or teaching any unscriptural lies. It is much more difficult to "lie" if you stick to Scripture. Are you sure you haven't accused any "Protestant" (on this forum) of lying ? )