Question

Why would selling indulgences not have been possible before europe had switched to a money economy?

Answer 1

The landscape of Europe in the Middle Ages was seeing a major shift. The barter system was predominant for centuries, this means, trading one good for another. When Europe switched to a 'money economy', the Church started to use it as a tangible way to quantify a person's human worth.

This couldn't have been possible without a tangible currency system. However this later caused people to question the logic behind this system.

Quick fact: The church even started selling indulgences for dead people!

Have a great day!

Answer 2

The selling of indulgences would not have been possible before Europe had switched to a money economy since this involved people giving the church money directly in order to gain favor with God.