Answer :
Final answer:
Indulgences were viewed as corrupt because they allowed individuals to buy pardons for their sins, leading to ethical concerns about the commercialization of forgiveness. This practice contributed to the Protestant Reformation as it highlighted the disparities in access to divine grace. The acceptance of indulgences undermined the moral authority of the Church.
Explanation:
Indulgences and Church Corruption
Indulgences played a significant role in the historical context of the Christian Church, particularly during the Middle Ages. They were essentially permits or pardons that allowed individuals to reduce the amount of punishment one has to undergo for sins. By purchasing these pardons, people believed they could secure a place in heaven for themselves or their loved ones. This practice was widely viewed as a sign of church corruption because it commercialized forgiveness, allowing wealthier individuals to effectively buy their way out of sin, which raised serious ethical concerns within the church and society.
This issue was one of the catalysts for the Protestant Reformation, which sought to reform these practices, emphasizing that salvation could not be purchased but was a divine gift meant for all, not just those with financial means. Thus, the correct answer to why indulgences were considered a sign of church corruption is B. Pardons that people could buy.
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