Johann Tetzel is no longer alive to sell indulgences; however, the spirit behind what he merchandized is still very much alive in the church today. So, as I write my last commentary for 2006 (on this web site at least), it is my prayer that I at least will be cognizant of any attempts by my false self to enegage in the sale of any modern day indulgences: otherwise know as FEAR! Behind the Catholic phrase, “As soon as the coin in the coffer RINGS, out from purgatory a soul SPRINGS,” was the FEAR of a loved one lost forever. Sadly, much of the church still merchandizes FEAR. Let me explain.
I grew up in the FEAR of the rapture. Any day Jesus would return and I would be “left behind” if I did not embrace the doctrines of my denomination. FEAR of the impending rapture that find me all alone while my neighbors were lifted into the sky to meet Jesus was preached regularly and forcefully.
I was also constantly reminded of my need to be “right with Jesus“, and “have my sins confessed up to date“. My mother enforced this thinking with the comment that I needed to change my shorts every day. You never know when you might be in a car wreck you know. This phobia and FEAR of some unconscious SIN was ever before me.
I guess it was partially a good point. 
Of course the biggie was the FEAR of eternal hell fire and damnation! If I didn’t do everything right, I might wind up swimming in a lake of fire for all of eternity. God was one to FEAR! Don’t mess with Texas? Don’t mess with God! 
Did I mention tithing? Giving? The Devil was waiting for me to slip up in that area! More FEAR!
Probably one of the biggest FEARS though was of “catching something evil“. You know, being lured in by the bad guys. There were demons in every denomination but mine that were lurking about trying to snare me with some heretical idea that would cause me to lose my way. Like the movie, The Village, by M Night Shyamalan, I needed to stay close to my denominational roots and not stray from their pure and righteous doctrine, because there were bad things everywhere, except with our denomination.
The currency of too many churches today is FEAR when Jesus merchandized in the currency of FAITH!
God help me to not enegage in the sale of FEAR indulgences!
And while you’re at it, deliver your church from the Tetzel spirit as well! (Click here for a New Years Wish)
You know, even though our raising was a few years apart, we were both raised in that Baptist mindset. And I don’t know if that religion should get the credit or not, but one of the first credible memories I have “after” is laughing with my Mom and hoping I had good underwear on!:):) She said even though she had told me my whole life it did that it didn’t matter in the end!!!:):)