Is purgatory in the bible?

[rosapaul]

Is purgatory in the bible? When did it become a teaching of the church?
The church teaches that Jesus died and saved humanity. Then many are here on Earth living as good life as they can and I hear on EWTN that the suffering in purgatory is worse that anything on Earth. Whoses idea was this? Surely a compassionate God cannot allow this? Why does he want it? What does suffering have to do with becoming more loving?

From a former Catholic who is trying to understand the church’s teachings.

 

[Leonie_Ambrose]

rosapaul,

The following links should assist you in better understanding the roots and teaching of Purgatory. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.

**Recommended Reading:
**

• Purgatory in Scripture
• ** Do you have a history of Purgatory?**
• ** Purgatory and Salvation**
• ** What more can I do to help the poor souls in purgatory?**