"Fell asleep in the Lord" -- is this something just for Easterns or can Latins use this too?

[JesuXPIPassio]

As I understand it, the Eastern Catholics who don’t believe in purgatory believe instead that our dead fall asleep. So it makes sense to say that when someone died, they fell asleep in the Lord.

But as Latins believe differently, can we apply the same phrase?

(And should this question go in another forum?)

 

[LoyalViews]

It is my understanding that Eastern Catholics believe in the same things that Latin Catholics do, including purgatory, but since you said “some” I think you don’t mean all. I think the phrase is acceptable, because once you attain the beatific vision after suffering in purgatory, you are in the arms of the Lord.

 

[Vico]

Latin Catholics fall asleep in Eucharistic Adoration.

Purgatory from Latin purgare, to cleanse. The faithful receive the benefit of intercessory prayers made for them, after falling asleep in the Lord, awaiting the great judgment.

 

[Alveus_Lacuna]

This phrase means that death is defeated by Christ’s death and resurrection, therefore it is inaccurate to state that Christians die. They “fall asleep” or “repose” in the sense that their body is inanimate, but only temporarily until the resurrection of the dead, when it will “wake up.” This should not be taken to imply that the Orthodox endorse the heresy of “soul sleep.”

 

[dvdjs]

This phrase means that death is defeated by Christ’s death and resurrection, therefore it is inaccurate to state that Christians die. They “fall asleep” or “repose” in the sense that their body is inanimate, but only temporarily until the resurrection of the dead, when it will “wake up.” This should not be taken to imply that the Orthodox endorse the heresy of “soul sleep.”

Good answer. And it should be remembered in all of those debates, so strange in this light, about whether or not the Theotokos died.

 

[Alexander_Roman]

Dear Friends,

“Fallen asleep” in the East is simply another way to say that someone has died. The dormition of the Mother of God indicates also that she fell asleep or died, but that owing to her great sanctity and All-Holiness, her death was as light and sweet as can be.

Those who have fallen asleep in Christ (i.e. died in Christ) are alive in Him in the next life.

The Eastern Churches all believe that prayer for the dead is absolutely necessary and they pray for the dead assiduously. And they believe that this prayer can bring souls closer to Christ on their way to full union with Him, especially if they had not had an opportunity to do sufficient works of repentance during life etc.

The Orthodox Metropolitan Saint Peter Mohyla of Kyiv included Purgatory in his Orthodox catechism and confession of faith and insisted on keeping it in even after the Orthodox Patriarchs ordered it to be expunged.

One problem I find with Purgatory these days is that Latin Catholics appear to have differing and sometimes confusing views as to what it is (a “state” or a “place”).

If Purgatory is intended to affirm that souls not ready to go to heaven are in a state where our prayers and Divine Liturgies/Masses can assist them, then the Eastern Churches has always believed this without calling it “purgatory.”

Alex

 

[JesuXPIPassio]

This phrase means that death is defeated by Christ’s death and resurrection, therefore it is inaccurate to state that Christians die. They “fall asleep” or “repose” in the sense that their body is inanimate, but only temporarily until the resurrection of the dead, when it will “wake up.” This should not be taken to imply that the Orthodox endorse the heresy of “soul sleep.”

Oh. I guess I misunderstood on that point.

The way I understood it was that Easterners believe the soul goes to Hades till the General Resurrection and that they are asleep while they wait. Could you clarify this for me?

Sorry, I didn’t mean that in a derogatory way. I admire the East, it’s just that it’s not easy to find resources to learn about it. I’ve tried looking at books but they’re not easy to find.

 

[Alexius]

Oh. I guess I misunderstood on that point.

The way I understood it was that Easterners believe the soul goes to Hades till the General Resurrection and that they are asleep while they wait. Could you clarify this for me?

Sorry, I didn’t mean that in a derogatory way. I admire the East, it’s just that it’s not easy to find resources to learn about it. I’ve tried looking at books but they’re not easy to find.

The idea of soul sleep is forbidden, though I am certain you will find some Orthodox (especially converts) who mistakingly believe this to be authentic Orthodox teaching.

Your statement about Hades is what some believe, especially within the Coptic community. One difference with that idea; however, is that unlike with Purgatory, all souls are believed to go to Hades, not just those destined for Heaven. It is a waiting room of sorts. These souls; however, are not “asleep,” they are still active and participating in theosis. The term “asleep” refers to physical death, not spiritual death for the reason I just stated.

The trouble with trying to understand the Orthodox perspective on where the soul goes after death is that it has not been defined in detail, so there are really many perspectives. Several theories; however, such as “soul sleep” and toll bridges have (for the most part) been condemned. This is not meant to be an insult to any Orthodox at all, I am simply saying that the Orthodox do not find it necessary at this point to define what happens after death, just occassionally state what does not happen and continue to pray for those who have passed, knowing that it aids their journey.

Prayers and petitions,
Alexius