joseph is a wealthy merchant in italy before the protestant reformation. he is concerned that the sins he…

joseph is a wealthy merchant in italy before the protestant reformation. he is concerned that the sins he has committed will prevent him from going to heaven when he dies. what can joseph purchase from the catholic church, which he believes might help him in the afterlife? a sacrament b excommunication c baptism d indulgence

joseph is a wealthy merchant in italy before the protestant reformation. he is concerned that the sins he has committed will prevent him from going to heaven when he dies. what can joseph purchase from the catholic church, which he believes might help him in the afterlife? a sacrament b excommunication c baptism d indulgence

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Before the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church sold indulgences. These were seen as a way to reduce the temporal punishment for sins. Baptism is a sacrament for initiation into the faith. Excommunication is a form of punishment within the Church. Sacrament is a general term for sacred rites. Since Joseph wants to address his sins for the afterlife, indulgence (which was sold as a remedy related to sin - punishment in the after - life context before the Reformation) is the relevant option.

Answer:

D. Indulgence