In Catholic practice at the beginning of the sixteenth century, indulgences referred to
A)excesses in the enjoyment of earthly pleasures.
B)decrees releasing rulers from having to pay homage to the pope in person.
C)cancellations of punishment for sins in return for cash payment.
D)tolerance of marginally heretical beliefs.
E)None of these

Question

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Indulgences were granted by the Catholic Church to reduce the amount of punishment that one has to undergo for their sins. In the sixteenth century, selling indulgences became a common practice, whereby the Church would collect cash payments in exchange for cancelling punishment for sins. This practice was one of the primary factors that led to the Protestant Reformation.

In Catholic Practice at the Beginning of the Sixteenth Century