Purgatory and knowledge of Heaven

[Elizium23]

When a soul enters Purgatory, does he know where he is? Is the suffering there qualitatively different from that in Hell? Is the soul somehow informed that he is now assured of a heavenly reward?

Clearly, there is no Church teaching in specificity on this, so it must surely be a topic for lively theological debate.

 

[DavidFilmer]

As you say, there is no Church teaching in this regard.

Western theology has traditionally portrayed purgatory as a place of physical suffering, but not to be compared with the suffering of hell. Eastern theology has traditionally portrayed purgatory as a place of spiritual torment and of emptiness where the separation from God is keenly felt. I’ve always preferred the Eastern opinion (which, as a Latin Catholic, I am free to accept).

Both lines of thought suggest the person is somewhat aware of his circumstances. If you are Catholic (and know your faith) you might retain your knowledge that your situation is temporary and you are destined for heaven, which might offer you some comfort (or you might be denied access to this knowledge, for this same reason).

If you are not Catholic, we have no idea if you acquire this knowledge. Which could be kinda scarey.

Of course, it’s possible that everyone takes an “introduction to purgatory” class at the beginning, so everyone is equally (and correctly) informed about their situation. This class is 16 hours long, the instructor puts up powerpoint slides and reads them to you (in a slow and monotonous manner), and refreshments and breaks are not provided.

 

[kepha1]

When a soul enters Purgatory, does he know where he is?

There is no time or space in purgatory (or heaven or hell for that matter) so there is no “where”. It is a state of being.

Is the suffering there qualitatively different from that in Hell?

I would think so. Purification and damnation must be qualitively different experiences.

Is the soul somehow informed that he is now assured of a heavenly reward?

I would think so.

 

[Elizium23]

There is no time or space in purgatory (or heaven or hell for that matter) so there is no “where”. It is a state of being.

I am fully aware of the nature of purgatory, but it is also perfectly acceptable to use locational terms for lack of better descriptions. But thanks for the clarification to benefit other readers who may not be so aware.

DavidFilmer:

This class is 16 hours long, the instructor puts up powerpoint slides and reads them to you (in a slow and monotonous manner), and refreshments and breaks are not provided.

This class would appropriately be taught by Ben Stein.

Who teaches “Introduction to Heaven” and “Introduction to Hell”, and what are those like?

 

[Jared_Sutsko]

I would assume so. Wouldn’t the soul know where it was going after God immediately judged them?

The quality of suffering would be different. In Purgatory, you are purged with fire (Sidenote: I believe in either Deus Caritas Est or Spe Salvi Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said that some theologians have speculated that this fire is a deep, burning love for Christ, please correct me if I am wrong that he said this). The fire in Purgatory would not be as unbearable as Hell, as you would have the hope that you would eventually enter into Heaven. That is not to say that the fires of Purgatory are just a mere sunburn! St. Augustine said that the fires of Purgatory are more painful than anything a man can experience in his life! I must admit that Aquinas did say the fires of Hell and Purgatory are the same, but “the damned have a lower merit”. You were right when you said there is so much theological debate on this topic!

It would make sense that the soul in Purgatory assuming the soul would know God judged it and was sent there.

Let us all pray for the souls in Purgatory!

 

[Elizium23]

Since the Sign of the Cross is a partially-indulgenced prayer, every time I bless myself with holy water, I offer the indulgence for one of several friends who has recently died. I believe in the frequent application of indulgences for souls in Purgatory. Please consider doing this out of charity.

 

[Mount_Carmel]

From the testimonies of saints and ‘visionaries’ it appears that those in Purgatory are well aware where they are and why. They do indeed know that ‘one day’ they will attain Heaven, BUT that a part of their spiritual cleansing ‘flame’ is that they do not know when.

 

[DavidFilmer]

IWho teaches “Introduction to Heaven” and “Introduction to Hell”

Intro to Heaven is taught by Fulton J. Sheen (obviously). I don’t know who teaches Intro to Hell, and I hope I never find out.

 

[4eva_catholic]

i am a bit confused.i do believe that purgatory really does exist but then if people die & go to purgatory,hell & heaven after their death then it means there will be no judgement day right?meaning they are judged immediately after death-i’m confused…

 

[Elizium23]

i am a bit confused.i do believe that purgatory really does exist but then if people die & go to purgatory,hell & heaven after their death then it means there will be no judgement day right?meaning they are judged immediately after death-i’m confused…

We are judged both at the point of death in the Particular Judgement as well as at the General Judgement at the end of the world. Good information is found here in the Catholic Encyclopedia.

 

[bsroufek]

I recall a vision * wherein Jesus said that there are some in the lowest parts of Purgatory who are denied the knowledge that they will be forgiven their sins.

Sounds pretty horrible to me.*

 

[Zekariya]

Yes, one would know the difference. Those in hell are separated from charity/love. If you love God, you are certainly in purgatory. When we die, we are either damned or not. You would know that you are in purgatory because you were not damned. If you are in purgatory, you would desire the prayers of the faithful. You would not desire them in hell.

 

[thistle]

When a soul enters Purgatory, does he know where he is? Is the suffering there qualitatively different from that in Hell? Is the soul somehow informed that he is now assured of a heavenly reward?

Clearly, there is no Church teaching in specificity on this, so it must surely be a topic for lively theological debate.

Yes. The Church teaches that the suffering in Purgatory is not equal to the suffering in Hell.

CCC 1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:

As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.

 

[Veritasologist]

CCC 1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.

I’m unsure, if heaven is infinite bliss then isn’t anything less than heaven infinitely worse. I mean both hell/purgatory would be infinitely worse “experiences” than anything one would undergo in heaven. I suppose that is a quantitative similarity though. Also, I was under the impression that hell is simply self-imposed exile from the love of God. I tend to think that the fire and brimstone creations of the minds of Dante and Milton, and perhaps a few lines of misinterpreted pieces of the bible. Of course, I am not well versed in theology nor Catholic doctrine…

Here is an interesting read by the way, if not one we will all agree with.
http://www.economist.com/news/christmas/21568590-hundreds-years-hell-has-been-most-fearful-place-human-imagination-it

Edit: Also this is my first post! looking forward to many fruitful conversations with you kind folks

 

[thistle]

I’m unsure, if heaven is infinite bliss then isn’t anything less than heaven infinitely worse. I mean both hell/purgatory would be infinitely worse “experiences” than anything one would undergo in heaven. I suppose that is a quantitative similarity though. Also, I was under the impression that hell is simply self-imposed exile from the love of God. I tend to think that the fire and brimstone creations of the minds of Dante and Milton, and perhaps a few lines of misinterpreted pieces of the bible. Of course, I am not well versed in theology nor Catholic doctrine…

Here is an interesting read by the way, if not one we will all agree with.
http://www.economist.com/news/christmas/21568590-hundreds-years-hell-has-been-most-fearful-place-human-imagination-it

Edit: Also this is my first post! looking forward to many fruitful conversations with you kind folks

Who has said otherwise here. Anyone in Purgatory is saved but has to go through a suffering and purifying before getting in to Heaven where it is eternal bliss.

No idea what your link is about because it can’t be accessed.