Indulgence

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/indulgence

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the theological basis?Remission of temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt is already forgiven
2. What is the source of efficacy?The treasury of merit, derived from Christ and the saints
3. What is an indulgence in the Catholic Church?An indulgence helps remove the extra time we need to heal after we have already been forgiven for a sin. It is like a special blessing that cleans up the remaining effects of our mistakes.
4. How can someone receive an indulgence?A person can get an indulgence by praying special prayers, visiting holy places, or doing good deeds, and they must be in a good heart and ready to do the work.

Temporal Punishment: Spiritual consequences of sin requiring purification after guilt is absolved.
Treasury of Merit: The superabundant spiritual merits of Christ and the saints available to the Church.
Sacramental Confession: The Catholic sacrament where sins are confessed and absolution is granted.
Purgatory: A state of purification after death for those who die in God's grace but still need to be cleansed.