Catholics? Do you believe in Purgatory, or even know what that is?

Answer 1

Purgatory is not a Bible teaching. It is more of a Catholic tradition. But someone will say, You ignore entirely the testimony of tradition. But, we reply, of what value is tradition if it contradicts God’s Word? For a teaching to be true it must be according ‘to the law and to the testimony’, for ‘God’s word is truth’. Jesus condemned the religious leaders of his day because they sought to nullify God’s commandments by their tradition, and Paul said: “For God is true, and every man is a liar,” if he contradicts God’s Word.—Isa. 8:20, Dy; Mark 7:9; John 17:17; Rom. 3:4, Cath. Confrat.

The mere fact that some early church “fathers” believed something akin to purgatory does not prove that Jesus and his apostles did, especially in the complete absence of any mention of it in the “New Testament”. Did not Paul warn that there would be a falling away? (Acts 20:29, 30, Cath. Confrat.) Peter spoke of some distorting the Scriptures in his day, and John singled out one that was ambitious.—2 Thess. 2:3-7; 2 Pet. 3:16; 3 John 9

And where did the church “fathers” get the idea of purgatory since it is not to be found in the Bible? From pagan sources. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia the pagans had a belief similar to purgatory. And Professor Hislop gives proof that the ancient Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans believed in it, quoting Virgil, Plato and others.

Common sense does not demand a purgatory. Common sense rejects it!

Answer 2

Yes, Catholics believe in purgatory.

"But if someone's work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire." (1 Cor 3:15)

"So that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Pet 1:7)

Are you perfect now? Most people would say no.

Will you be perfect in heaven? Most people believe yes.

Purgatory (or purgation) is the process of God's love changing our imperfect selves into perfect beings.

Depending on the amount of change needed by different people, this can be an easy or slightly harder process.

Everyone in purgatory is on his or her way to heaven.

I do not think Mother Teresa of Calcutta had a very hard time of it.

For more information see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 1030: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art12.htm

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

Yes, I believe in purgatory.

Purgatory is the process by which the Grace Christ earned on the Cross is applied to the sinner's soul. In other words, it's how the sinner's soul is washed by the Blood of the Lamb until it's whiter than snow, which is necessary because (a) all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God and (b) nothing unclean can enter heaven.

Protestants believe in it, too, but there are some differences in belief about when, where, how, how long it takes, etc.

EDITED TO ADD BIBLE VERSES ABOUT PURGATORY:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body. (2 Cor 5:10)

The work of each will builder will come to light, for the day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one's work. If the work stands that someone built upon the foundation, that person will receive a wage. But if someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss, the person will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

For nothing unclean can enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27)

See also: Ps 66:12, Mt 12:32, Phil 2:10-11, Ecc 12:14, Lk 16:19-31, 1 Thess 3:13, Is 4:4 (cf. Eph 4:8-10; 4:7 6:5-7 1 Pet 3:19-20) 2 Tim 1:16-18, Mic 7:8-9, 1 Cor 3:11-15, Heb 12:14, Mal 3:1-4 15:29 12:29, 2 Maccabees 12:39-45, 2 Cor 5:10, Rev 5:3,13, Mt 5:25-6, Lk 12:58-9, 7:1, 21:27

Answer 4

i don't consider myself in any part of the religions, because I don't really pray..

but thinking about purgatory, hell and heaven..

I most want to believe there is purgatory.. since, the idealistic idea in my mind, is that, even though we're sinners, we still could be saved by those people who think about us and pray for us.

So, even if I don't believe in almost any spiritual things, I still am a scared person.

Answer 5

Purgatory is a place or state where those who are saved but not perfected are cleansed from their faults and remains of sin before they can enter heaven.
Purgatory is revealed by God in Sacred Scripture and it is of divine and Catholic faith.

Answer 6

Purgatory is in the Catholic Religion but not Biblical. It is a term meant for a state that happens right after death. They are given eternal salvation but still need to be purified. The Catholic priests used to take money from people in order to get their loved ones out of purgatory and into heaven (purify them). VERY non-Biblical. But now they just pray to the dead in order to receive grace and enter Heaven

Answer 7

I know what it is. I dont believe in it. Yes, I'm Catholic

Answer 8

Do you mean "Roman" Catholic?

I'm NOT "Roman" catholic...but I certainly do believe in a place of purgation, because I believe that a holy God demands perfection, and the "uttermost farthing" must be paid.

Answer 9

Yes, this is the place where just souls go final purification to enter heaven.

Answer 10

Purgatory doesn't exist, and catholics are not saved Christians.