Quote:
Originally Posted by kerry
After a lot of googling, this is the best I've been able to come up with:
H-Net Reviews
It doesn't quantify the system of indulgences in $$ terms but does talk about projects funded with indulgences. |
That system of indulgences was one of the extra-biblical practices of the Roman church that Luther objected to. Luther was conflicted by this practice of the Church compared to the simple gospel, and what he read in Romans, "The just shall live by faith." "By Faith"; not by buying indulgences.
Luther's 95 Thesis eventually got whittled down to what the Reformers called "The solis " ( alone)
Christ alone, ( as opposed to Christ plus the Church Fathers)
Faith Alone, ( as opposed to Faith PLUS works)
Scripture Alone ( as opposed to Scripture PLUS whatever the Pope decreed.)
I am certain that the Reformation had an marked economic impact. Look at what the concept that believers could read the Bible for themselves did for Gutenberg and other printers.
Add in that the Pope, and his minions were not the actual keepers of the gates to heaven, and a lot of people, and their money, get diverted from the attempt to purchase salvation.