Can someone explain to me how selling Carbon Offsets is any different from the selling of indulgences?

Individuals and companies can purchase Carbon Offsets for remission of the sin of introducing carbon into the environment. The problem is, this does absolutely nothing to reduce carbon emissions as well as nothing for the environment.

The Financial Times has an article which details the fraud, deception, and uselessness of this particular billion dollar practice.

I think it is time that a modern day Martin Luther nail his theses to the front door of Al Gore’s house to protest the selling of these indulgences. A house that is so large, by the way, he purchases carbon offsets for it. Gotta love these people.