Relics+and+Indulgences


 * What are Relics?
 * Relics are body parts or things that either come from a recognized Saint or have come into contact with a Saint. The most important relics are anything that has to do with Jesus.
 * Why is this a big deal?
 * People in the Medieval time period believed that Relics could do or cause miracles, either by aleviating time in Purgatory, or healing people here on earth. As such they became extremely valuable to own.
 * Again, why is this a big deal?
 * The Church became involved in this process and began charging people or collecting a percentage from people who charged others to see this relics. The church was also responsible for verifying the authenticity of said relics. As the profits began to grow. The Church used them more and more. Priests began to steal from thier monasteries, to sell things for money, officials could be bribed to verify things were real when they werent.
 * Does this continue today?
 * Generally speaking no, Martin Luther and the reformation caused the power of the relics to fade away, but people still buy and sell them to collect.


 * What are Indulgences?
 * These are your "get out jail free" cards in monopoly, only instead of jail, people are getting out of Purgatory. The Christian church used to sell these to people, and in return for money the church would take time off of people's stay in purgatory.
 * Why is this a big deal?
 * There is no real foundation for indulgence selling in the Church's doctrine
 * Again Why is this a big deal?
 * The church used the selling of these to make a ton of money. As such the church and it's corruption came to rely on these as a source of income.
 * Does this continue today?
 * Generally speaking no, it was another thing that was let go after Martin Luther proved them to be wrong, although every once in awhile rumours pop up saying it goes on.