Question

Why were indulgences such an important issue for Martin Luther?

Answer 1

Indulgence can be considered as the primary cause of corruption in the society. Corruption is basically the abuse of vested powers given to an individual, done for any kind of personal gain. It is purely misuse of powers. In this case, Indulgence was the monetary benefit given to Church to escape any kind of punitive measure.

Martin Luther was strictly against Indulgence because of the following reasons:

• Indulgence increased the rate of corruption in Catholic Church
• Indulgence led to personal gains
• It led to unequal distribution of power and benefits
• It adulterated the quality of life and unity of the society