Life was harsh but death was harsher. People were surrounded by death and the fear of Christ as the Lord of Judgment, in whose presence even the righteous trembled with uncertainty. Indulgences provided solace and certainty of salvation. Men embarked on crusades and died in foreign lands to gain indulgences. Relics, pilgrimages, altars, shrines, specific prayers and deeds were blessed with an indulgence. Eventually the contribution of money to a pious cause was also considered good work worthy of an indulgence. Money was given and accepted, sins were remitted and punishment averted. The door was open to corruption and cynicism.