The return of indulgences

The New York Times has a curious story today about the return of indulgences in the Roman Catholic Church. It seems they never really went away but the current Pope is re-emphasizing the practice as part of a campaign for renewed Catholic piety. 

You may recall from your western civ course that indulgences were a major issue of the Reformation, with Martin Luther contending that we cannot buy our way into heaven. A contemporary Lutheran scholar, quoted by The Times, points out that the basic problem with indulgences is trying to quantify God's grace. That said, the writer gives this subject a fair treatment. See what you think. You can read the story HERE. The photo is from The New York Times and goes with the story.