Sure. The church was super reach in middle age, they collected taxes on everyone and their monasteries were working hard and were very efficient. Also people made a lot of donations in hope of staying out of hell

[–] cafeinux 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Also people ~~made a lot of donations in hope of staying~~ bought their way out of hell.

Indulgences were literally sold, those weren't considered donations.

[–] yannic@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

The "purchaser" should have read the fine print. Indulgences are only effective if the penitent has gone to confession and is contrite in heart.

And it's usually brass plated, not solid gold, because it's much more sturdy, looks just as good, and costs a lot less.