if there is such a thing as purgatory when was it created??
361803
If God exists outside of time which I find likely if he created the Universe including time, then heaven and hell would not be bound by the laws of time or space. So a better answer to your question is "where" was purgatory created, the answer: outside of time.\n\nFor those of you who don't know, Purgatory is essentially defined as: "a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace are not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions."\n\nReferences to a place of purgation (place where your purged of your sins) are made as far back as the beginning of the third century (by Clement of Alexandria) and are frequently referenced up to and beyond the bible's canonization (where they decided what books should go into the bible) in 390CE. While no direct references to purgatory were chosen in 390CE, it was acknowledged that the concept was worthy of incorporation into other church publications.\n\nWhen the Reformation came in northern europe, the concept of purgatory was something chosen to be dropped to help distinguish the reformers from the old Church. At the time the idea was being abused in some regions to encourage wealthy church patrons to help "buy" their way out of their sins. This is why many of the Protestant groups today are still contemptuous of the concept, despite it's importance to earlier Christian groups. \n\nThe second act of Dante’s Inferno deals with the concept of purgatory, but if you really wish to learn more you’ll need to read translations of the works of St. Augustine and other early Christian leaders. Dan 12:10; Zech 13:9; Mal 3:2-3; 2 Mac 12:42-45; Matthew 5:26; Lk 12:47-48; Lk 12:58-59; 1 Cor 3:13-15; Apoc 21:27: are some of the biblical passages which were included in 390 that many site provide for the existence of a state of purgatory.\n\nDoes it exist?  I have mixed feelings on the subject, it is a Christian teaching with an impressive historical record that I regard as one of many possibilities.  \n\nRegards,\nArmus
675923
@@ poohgirl - ever heard of Purgatory? Well, it's in the Bible. Bet they didn't teach you THAT one in Sunday School.\n\nBuddhist monks who have meditated many years will stay warm after death. Even their skin remains supple and rigor mortis will not set in. This has been witnessed and documented in non-Buddist hospitals in the west, even in the US. \n\nUnder Sources I have included a link to a very interesting interview that might interest you.
1068937
Could be, rabbit.  There have been so many ancient writtings kept from the spot light of Christianity, I guess anything is possible. \n\nEver see more people more confused about one book?\n\nHey, ask'em "if they believe the dead will rise up in the rapture or is there immediate life after death."  They'll pull their hair out trying to figure out what to think.  hehehehehehe!
1003881
so...are you asking a question or what? sounds to me like you already have your answer either way.\nthe idea you're talking about (better safe than sorry) actually has a name-it's referred to as Pascal's Wager. Pascal was some sort of famous thinker, and he posed that as his reason for obeying God.\nbut please keep in mind, not all Christians have this as their motivation. I don't know for sure that all nonbelievers are going to burn in a lake of fire, and you'll never see me threaten that on Yahoo.\nbelieve it or not, I serve God in the here and now, with a willing heart, and in the end, if He says there is no heaven, it wasn't a waste of time.
353108
Your not getting many unbiased answers here so I'll expand mine.\n\nIt is essentially defined as: "a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace are not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions."\n\nReferences to a place of purgation (place where your purged of your sins) are made as far back as the beginning of the third century (by Clement of Alexandria) and are frequently referenced up to and beyond the bible's canonization (where they decided what books should go into the bible) in 390CE.  While no direct references to purgatory were chosen in 390CE, it was acknowledged that the concept was worthy of incorporation into other church publications.\n\nWhen the Reformation came in northern europe, the concept of purgatory was something chosen to be dropped to help distinguish the reformers from the old Church.  At the time the idea was being abused in some regions to encourage wealthy church patrons to help "buy" their way out of their sins.  This is why many of the Protestant groups today are still contemptuous of the concept, despite it's importance to earlier Christian groups. \n\nThe second act of Dante’s Inferno deals with the concept of purgatory, but if you really wish to learn more you’ll need to read translations of the works of St. Augustine and other early Christian leaders. Dan 12:10; Zech 13:9; Mal 3:2-3; 2 Mac 12:42-45; Matthew 5:26; Lk 12:47-48; Lk 12:58-59; 1 Cor 3:13-15; Apoc 21:27: are some of the biblical passages which were included in 390 that many site provide for the existence of a state of purgatory.\n\nPersonally I think it’s a concept that has an impressive historical record that I acknowledge as one of many possibilities.  In the end you’re going to need to die to really know for sure. Also contrary to what many people here are telling you, Roman Catholics aren't the only Christians to hold on to the concept of purgatory as a teaching. \n\nGood luck with your research!\nArmus
843105
The doctrine of the Rapture can be traced back to 1830, by a preacher named John Darby.  Before that, the very concept had never been heard of in any part of Christianity.\n\nPurgatory can be traced back as far as the Jews. They didn't use the word "purgatory", but prayed for their dead, and still do to this day. 2 Maccabbees records an event where this occured. This is why Martin Luther through out those 7 books. He didn't agree with purgatory. \n\nPurgatory has nothing to do with paying for our sins.  That is an anti-Catholic invention. Jesus on the cross payed for our sins.  Purgatory is about paying for the conseqences of our sins. \n\nIf I throw a rock through your window, and I am sorry and repent and I am forgiven of that sin, the window is still broken.  A broken window is the consequence. JESUS DOES NOT PAY FOR THE WINDOW. That is my responsibility. Purgatory cleanses us of all the broken windows of our lives that we never got around to paying for. In this example, purgatory or final cleansing occurs when I take responsibility for my actions here on earth. \n\nThe reformist doctrine of "justification by faith alone" is why some Christians do not accept the doctrine of purgatory, but accept the Judgement Seat of Christ. It's basically the same thing.\n\nAs far as there being no scripture supporting purgatory, its really a matter of how well you can see. \nhttp://www.scripturecatholic.com/purgatory.html
200012
I totally know what you mean. I used to think about that all the time, but I would just exhaust myself. I think the only sure thing we know is that we know nothing. I am a bit of an agnostic, but certainly don't think that everything just happened by chance. Was there ever nothing? If so how did we ever get something? If scientist say there is an end to the universe, what is it like a wall? Plexi Glass that you just bounce of of? Or is it like Pacman where you just pop out on the other side? There is so much that is just unexplainable in t his world. I am just glad to be a part of it. I have pretty much given up on trying to figure it all out. While I am in no hurry to die, I am somewhat excited at the possibilty of everything being answered once I go. Good luck in your search for answers. We need the Teacher's Edition of the bible, one with all the answers in the margins( I wonder how much that would go for on eBay?)
381256
Haloween began as a pagan ceremony, but was moved to October 31, All Souls Day, when Europe became Christianized.  It became a day to pray for all the people who have died and are still in purgatory.
695928
I agree with Chris.  But I have a question for a couple of the others.  Why are you so insistent that it began in the 50's?  The only significant thing that came about in the 50's was sort of a coming out.  Wicca has been around for centuries in it's many forms (thank TPTB).  The persecution continues tho the punishment is not what it was.  Now many of us are still "underground" because we feel threatened.  We are labeled as "evil" and "worshipers of Satan".  We fear the ignorant, close mined few that would do harm to our property or things we hold dear (including family).  This seems to be especially true in the Southern States.   Please note that I did not generalize and accuse all Christians in that group, because that would not be the truth.  It is a small percentage of very vocal ignorant people that are the persecutors.
200597
Read Dante's Inferno to learn about it.  It is basically where people who have not been baptized, but have not sinned enough to merit damnation to the lower levels of hell go.  They have "natural" happiness, but are forever kept from seeing God.  The Catholic Church used to talk a lot about it, but does not talk so much about it today.  The concept has not yet been altered or abolished, but things seem to be going in that direction.  The newer concept is that good people who are not baptized, but who would have been had they known about the necessity of Baptism, might be allowed into heaven by God's grace without Baptism.
296321
"Purgatory", "original sin" and many other contrivances and rituals are purely inventions of the Roman Catholic Church when the early church elders in Rome decided to connive with Emperor Constantine, the high priest of the pagan religion [Sol Invictus] in 325 AD, to become the most powerful church in the entire Holy Roman Empire... and ruled for 1300 years that our history books have known to call as 'The Dark Ages'.\n\nBoth those words cannot be found in any Bible today no matter how many times you read it from cover to cover.\n\nI'm glad that you're finally beginning to open your eyes, too.
396465
References to a place of purgation (place where your purged of your sins) are made as far back as the beginning of the third century (by Clement of Alexandria) and are frequently referenced up to and beyond the bible's canonization (where they decided what books should go into the bible) in 390CE. While no direct references to purgatory were chosen in 390CE, it was acknowledged that the concept was worthy of incorporation into other church publications.  The Church, that is the Roman Catholic Church, continues to include it’s teachings on purgatory in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  I’m not exactly sure why some protestant individuals are so quick to lie about its continued inclusion in the Catholic tradition, they seem to enjoy ridiculing its believers enough you’d think they’d want it kept around.  \n\nI have mixed feelings on the subject. Personally I think it’s a concept that has an impressive historical record that I acknowledge as one of many possibilities. In the end you’re going to need to die to really know for sure. Also contrary to what many people here are telling you, Roman Catholics aren't the only Christians to hold on to the concept of purgatory as a teaching. \n\nWhen the Reformation came in northern europe, the concept of purgatory was something chosen to be dropped to help distinguish the reformers from the old Church. At the time the idea was being abused in some regions to encourage wealthy church patrons to help "buy" their way out of their sins. This is why many of the Protestant groups today are still contemptuous of the concept, despite it's importance to earlier Christian groups.  But like I said earlier I don’t understand why they are so quick to tell people it is no longer taught by the older churches. \n\nThe second act of Dante’s Inferno deals with the concept of purgatory, but if you really wish to learn more you’ll need to read translations of the works of St. Augustine and other early Christian leaders. Dan 12:10; Zech 13:9; Mal 3:2-3; 2 Mac 12:42-45; Matthew 5:26; Lk 12:47-48; Lk 12:58-59; 1 Cor 3:13-15; Apoc 21:27: are some of the biblical passages which were included in 390 that many site provide for the existence of a state of purgatory.\n\n\nRegards,\nArmus
1083566
I don't know but by the reactions from some of the people who answered it seems there are a lot of puritanical killjoys out there. Hope you find one and to all those others, live a little why don't you!
931478
Purgatory...\n\nWhen I die, I will not enter the kingdom of Heaven immediately, either...\n\nThe Bible distinguishes between those who enter Heaven straightaway, calling them "the church of the firstborn" (Heb. 12:23), and those who enter after having undergone a purgation, calling them "the spirits of the just made perfect." (Heb. 12:23). \n\nChrist Himself stated: \n\n"Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." (Matt. 5 :26). \n\nAnd: \n\n"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matt. 12:36-37). \n\nNO ONE ON THIS EARTH IS GUARANTEED TO GO TO HEAVEN JUST BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST OR BY GOD'S GRACE ALONE!\n\nGod's grace, alone, won't do it...(you can fall from God's grace)\n\nMy faith, alone, won't do it...(you can lose faith)\n\nHow I live my life, by itself, won't do it...(you can do bad things in your life that can prolong your stay in Purgatory, and also prevent your entry into Heaven)\n\nI know that I can only get to heaven through Jesus. Also, it is not just by this faith in Jesus, nor just the Grace of God, nor just the works that I do. It is a combination of many things. \n\nWe receive God's saving and sanctifying grace in many ways, and Christ Himself, into our souls when we are baptized and through the Sacraments. Yet we also know that Christ Himself has established certain conditions for entry into eternal happiness in Heaven.\n\n"Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."" (John 6:53-58)\n\nWe will be judged by this as well, so be warned...\n\n"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Cor. 11:27-29).\n\nWe will also be judged by our faith, but not by this alone, we will also be judged by the works that we do (Justification by faith alone is a Protestant doctrine; it was unheard of in the Christian community before the sixteenth century.)...\n\nIf St. Paul meant that faith ruled out the necessity of good works for salvation, he would not have written: \n\n". . . and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." (1 Cor. 13:2). \n\nIf faith ruled out the necessity of good works for salvation, the Apostle James would not have written: \n\n"Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only'? . . . For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead." (James 2:24-26). \n\nIf faith ruled out the necessity of good works for salvation, the Apostle Peter would not have written: \n\n"Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your call and election firm, for, in doing so, you will never stumble. For, in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord a
969733
God did not invent hell.  Catholics did.  The original term for hell in early early old testament was not burning in a lake of fire, it was being sent from the presence of god for all eternity, (a true hell in itself)  The final rule of dogmatic law also stated that whatever men (popes) hold true on earth, god will hold true in heaven.  So the lake of fire was born.  (Matthew 18:18; Matthew 18:19 for you doubters)\n\nPlease Christians note:  I never said there was no god or no hell, only that it was invented by the Pope.
217499
Ditto... there is and has been one in place for a while. Of course there should be one. If it were you standing there looking through the glass at the morgue at someone you loved wouldn't you want answers? Wouldn't you want them to do all that they could?
620123
In Catholic theology, purgatory is a spiritual state of being for those who are in need of spiritual purification before entering Heaven, which Revelation tells us allows nothing unclean.\n\nNobody who goes to purgatory goes to hell.  Those who go to purgatory have had their sins forgiven, but have not done penance for them.  \n\nIt is, in other words, a spiritual state where love of self is transformed into perfect love of God.\n\nPurgatory, contrary to what some anti-Catholic "Bible Christians" say, squares with the Bible.  \n\nJesus speaks of the sinner who cannot be forgiven, either in this life or the next.  In the next life, forgiveness cannot happen in hell, and it is not needed in heaven.  So, a third place must exist, or else Jesus would not have spoken about sins being forgiven in the next life.\n\nJesus speaks of those who "must remain in prison, till you pay the last penny."  This "paying the last penny" cannot occur in hell, which is permanent; nor does it happen in heaven, since heaven is no "prison" and there's no need to "pay" anything there.   So, again, a third place must be the topic of Jesus' words here.\n\n2 Maccabees speaks of praying for the dead being a "holy and wholesome thought ... that they may be loosed from their sins."  These prayers cannot help those in hell, and they are not needed for those in heaven.  Again, a third place must be the reference here.\n\nProtestant versions of the Bible don't contain 2 Macabees, which was removed from the Bible by the "reformers" -- probably because of its clear reference (mentioned above) to purgatory.