What is an indulgence? Does the Catholic Church still practice this ancient rite? In this document, we'll outline the basics...
Some Background: The Eternal and Temporal Consequences of Sin
As Catholics we believe that sin comes with consequence. And there are two types of consequences for sin: eternal and temporal.
When we ask God for forgiveness (e.g. the Sacrament of Confession) we receive forgiveness the eternal consequences of our sins.
But from time to time, we may still need to satisfy the temporal, or earthy consequences for our sins.
Temporal Consequences of Sin
The requirement to make satisfaction for the temporal consequences of our sin is a function of the fact that, very often, our sins are not just an afront to God. They also come with a human cost.
For example, suppose a person takes a baseball bat to someone's windshield in a fit of anger. The offender later acknowledges his guilt, confessing his sin to the owner of the car. Fortunately the owner of the car is a forgiving person. They forgive the offender for the damage done.
So, that's the end of it, right? The offender can consider the matter settled?
Hardly. If the offender is truly sorry for what they did, he or she needs to try to make amends for the action they were previously forgiven for by paying for a new windshield.
In a similar fashion, our sins sometimes come with human side effects. When this happens, we need to similarly make amends for the collateral damage done by our actions.
Making Amends for the Temporal Consequences of Sin
One way we can try to make amends for these temporal side effects is through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
But the Church offers another path... indulgences.
Indulgences
Christians throughout the centuries have offered prayers and sacrifices for the needs of others. As a Catholic Christian, you have no doubt done this yourself. It is what it means to be Catholic.
This overflowing fountain of prayers and sacrifices constitutes something we call the Treasury of Merit. The store of Christian goodness can be applied to make satisfaction for the temporal penalties associated with sin.
And this is what an indulgence is.
Indulgences are a utility of the Church -- a way for the Church to dispense the grace of the remission from sin to individuals.
Types of Indulgences
Indulgences come in two flavors:
- Partial
- Plenary
A partial indulgence entails a partial remission of the temporal penalties of sin. A plenary indulgence entails the full remission of the temporal penalties of sin.
Getting and Receiving Indulgences
Throughout the year, the Church may invite its members to participate in prayers, fasting, and almsgiving for the purpose of making satisfaction for temporal consequences of sin.
There is, for example, a particular plenary indulgence associated with the the Church's celebration of the Feast of All Souls.