N
NoNameMe78
Guest
I could anyone answer me what is Purgatory and how do current Catholics today view this?
Thank You
Thank You
- Status
D
dmelosi
Guest
Please see the attached.
Is the teaching on purgatory one of the reasons you left the Catholic Church?
Is the teaching on purgatory one of the reasons you left the Catholic Church?
J
JRKH
Guest
From the Catachism of The Catholic Church: (Bolding mine)
1030 All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.
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:
Hope this helps.
Peace
James
N
NoNameMe78
Guest
Thank you JRKH and dmelosi for your answers. They are helpful.
demelosi, Over 10 years later, I can not really say why I left the Catholic church. I had attended a Catholic church regularly and when available attended daily Mass. Then I moved to another city and went to a few Catholic churches here. They just did not seem welcoming and warm. I even found one to be offensive. So when another group of church people met me, I thought I was making a good decision. It turn out to be horrific and really bad. I was expected to ask permission to go home to see my folks, even when buying anything I was expected to get advise. My job, I was expected to discuss everything so they could direct me regarding my job. If I did not do this I was put down, critized, told I was struggling and luke warm and God was going to spit me out of his mouth. They wanted me to give up my pet that I had for over 13 years (I was working with animals at the time), I would not do this. When I cried over my mom’s cancer surgery, my roommate got upset and went into her room since she did not want to see me cry. I was showing emotion and that was sin. It was HELL ON EARTH. When I told them I wanted to leave, I was told that “You do not leave, we kick you out.” This is making me mad even now yet. This is only a sampling. I had to re-learn scripture all over again, slowly, at my own pace. It was an experience you do not want any of your loved one to go through. It is extremely hard. I turned my thoughts over to God and God was there for me. I could never turn my back on God, as I know there is a God. He does exist.
I am just challenged right now as to which I belong, Catholic or Presbyterian. I feel a pull back to the Catholic church; however, am hesitant. My dad was really mad when I joined that other church. It was the first time I ever heard him cuss. They did not have any services on Christmas or New Years, unless it fell on a Sunday. Then it was still an ordinary service. Thinking about what I went through then and after getting out. (the church no longer existed, since they said we were not growing and no new members. So we had to go through 3 meetings with the leaders of the church. This was the amount of time given to get “out heart right” if we made it past the 1st meeting. Well I told them exactly what I thought and they told me I was not a member) A person gets sucked in without even realizing it. Just writing this brings back hurt, and tears to my eyes. It was that horrific. You can NOT even imagine. It is maddening. I read numerous forgiveness books, trying to forgive them. Enough!
demelosi, Over 10 years later, I can not really say why I left the Catholic church. I had attended a Catholic church regularly and when available attended daily Mass. Then I moved to another city and went to a few Catholic churches here. They just did not seem welcoming and warm. I even found one to be offensive. So when another group of church people met me, I thought I was making a good decision. It turn out to be horrific and really bad. I was expected to ask permission to go home to see my folks, even when buying anything I was expected to get advise. My job, I was expected to discuss everything so they could direct me regarding my job. If I did not do this I was put down, critized, told I was struggling and luke warm and God was going to spit me out of his mouth. They wanted me to give up my pet that I had for over 13 years (I was working with animals at the time), I would not do this. When I cried over my mom’s cancer surgery, my roommate got upset and went into her room since she did not want to see me cry. I was showing emotion and that was sin. It was HELL ON EARTH. When I told them I wanted to leave, I was told that “You do not leave, we kick you out.” This is making me mad even now yet. This is only a sampling. I had to re-learn scripture all over again, slowly, at my own pace. It was an experience you do not want any of your loved one to go through. It is extremely hard. I turned my thoughts over to God and God was there for me. I could never turn my back on God, as I know there is a God. He does exist.
I am just challenged right now as to which I belong, Catholic or Presbyterian. I feel a pull back to the Catholic church; however, am hesitant. My dad was really mad when I joined that other church. It was the first time I ever heard him cuss. They did not have any services on Christmas or New Years, unless it fell on a Sunday. Then it was still an ordinary service. Thinking about what I went through then and after getting out. (the church no longer existed, since they said we were not growing and no new members. So we had to go through 3 meetings with the leaders of the church. This was the amount of time given to get “out heart right” if we made it past the 1st meeting. Well I told them exactly what I thought and they told me I was not a member) A person gets sucked in without even realizing it. Just writing this brings back hurt, and tears to my eyes. It was that horrific. You can NOT even imagine. It is maddening. I read numerous forgiveness books, trying to forgive them. Enough!
J
JRKH
Guest
NoName -
Thank you for sharing the above. After the experiences you have had I can see why you are confused. I don’t know how long ago this was but obviously it has wounded you terrifly.
I’m glad you are here. :hug3:
Please let me assure you of one thing dear heart. If you feel a, “pull back to the Catholic church”, do not be afraid. Under church Law you are still Catholic and always will be.
Like me, indeed like many of us, you fell away from The Church.
Also, like many, you feel a “tug” to come home. This is perfectly natural.
As John Paul II said - “Be Not Afraid”.
Since you are already Catholic returning to the sacraments could be as simple as going, and making a good confession.
I believe that you will find your return to the sacraments to be the most healing thing you can do. At least that is what is was for me - and for many others who have posted here.
P.S. If you are stuggling to understand Church teachings before “coming home”, don’t worry. I still struggle with some of them.
Not understanding something is not an impediment to your returning. Heck if understanding all of the teachings was necessary there would be NO catholics at all, since no one can really understand the trinity.
Keep in touch.
Peace
James
Thank you for sharing the above. After the experiences you have had I can see why you are confused. I don’t know how long ago this was but obviously it has wounded you terrifly.
I’m glad you are here. :hug3:
Please let me assure you of one thing dear heart. If you feel a, “pull back to the Catholic church”, do not be afraid. Under church Law you are still Catholic and always will be.
Like me, indeed like many of us, you fell away from The Church.
Also, like many, you feel a “tug” to come home. This is perfectly natural.
As John Paul II said - “Be Not Afraid”.
Since you are already Catholic returning to the sacraments could be as simple as going, and making a good confession.
I believe that you will find your return to the sacraments to be the most healing thing you can do. At least that is what is was for me - and for many others who have posted here.
P.S. If you are stuggling to understand Church teachings before “coming home”, don’t worry. I still struggle with some of them.
Not understanding something is not an impediment to your returning. Heck if understanding all of the teachings was necessary there would be NO catholics at all, since no one can really understand the trinity.Keep in touch.
Peace
James
- Status