An indulgence doesn't forgive sin. It removes the punishment we receive for sin. This is exactly what I mean when I say you don't understand Catholic teaching. No amount of merit can get you into heaven if you die in sin. It can only lessen the effects of the fires of purgatory if you are going to heaven. For example if I murder you, then get an indulgence, but don't get absolved of my sin through confession I will go to hell. I think that indulgence thing is a forgery since Tetzel taught: Its either a forgery or the person it is granted to already confessed their sins. That is not to say that abuse of indulgences wasn't rampant in the 16th century. Reforming the practice was a major focus of the council of Trent. It should be noted that the Church never allowed for the sale of indulgences.
Just to add a little more to this subject. A man, maybe Billy Graham, lives his whole life for Christ. He has a car wreck and with his dying breath he curses God. In such pain, is he mentally there or what. Does he die in unforgiven sin? Does his past grant him forgiveness? A man, maybe (anyone you want to name here) lives his whole life in disrespect to God. He is one mean dude. Killed, raped, stole, lied, never accepted Christ. He has a car wreck and with his dying breath he prays, "Father, forgive me. Please accept me into thy kingdom. I believe you are truely the Son of Christ who died for my soul. I am so sorry for the life I lived. Thank you for your love." Does he go to Heaven with his sins forgiven while the other died in sin?:shock:
your logic is "god says so", so is his, through the church. you both are appealing to the authority of god for guidance. one of you believes god acts through the curch or whatever, no big difference. neither of you are any less or more crazy than the other, your faiths are just different.
Not to get too much into it but, with that statement, why does the Catholic church believe in pergatory and all the hoopla and donations you have to make to get them "out". If a man dies and is judged then nothing you can do can change that judgement. Does God wait to see what the family and friends are going to do if the fellow was luke warm?
The truth is we don't. I suggest you read this http://www.catholic.com/library/purgatory.asp if you want to know more about the doctrine. You are right on one thing, if you die in sin and go to hell no amount of prayer or mass intentions can help you.
