When we say "repose of the soul" do we mean that the person is not in heaven?

[fakename]

When we say “repose of the soul of x” do we mean to imply that x is not in heaven? What if we’re wrong?

 

[odile53]

We don’t mean that they are not in heaven, we’re just covering our bases in case they aren’t, since we have no way of knowing. Or maybe I should say, we’re covering their bases!

 

[puzzleannie]

When we say “repose of the soul of x” do we mean to imply that x is not in heaven? What if we’re wrong?

we mean the full context of the expression, that we pray for the repose of the soul of X. That is, we pray for their entrance into heaven. It in no way implies that we are dictating when this happens or declaring that it has not happened. If I say a prayer for your good health does that imply I am a doctor and have diagnosed all your illnesses?

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

When we say “repose of the soul of x” do we mean to imply that x is not in heaven? What if we’re wrong?

That is a literary expression called euphemism, that consists in saying hard things in a mild way. Mainly used with death and sex subjects. “eu” in greeek means “good, well” and “phemism” is expression, from the verb phemi, which means “to say”

Your imagination refuses death. Try to imagine you dead, as death would be the end of all. You cannot do it, because your imagination refuses “nothingness”.

That is my favorite proof of the existence of soul and that the soul is eternal and immaterial.

You use an euphemism. Instead of saying the truth, “that your body is rotten and eaten by virus and bacteria and worms” I say the symbols of sleep, of rest, of peach, of never ending. So, rest in peace, sleep in peace, everlasting sleep, in the hand of God, in the right hand of God, and as I am not a native English Speaker, I would love, if any member is interested, in making a collection of english euphemism for death, other than the ones I said, for I find them very moving and beautiful. So, if anybody has got any contribution, It would be very much appreciated by me.

 

[midori]

If X is already in heaven enjoying the beatific vision, they’re perfectly happy to the fullest of their capacity. What kind of prayers would a person like that be in need of? Likewise, if X has no hope of ever enjoying the beatific vision, what prayers would ever benefit that individual? Prayers are most beneficial for those who die “in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified.”

We have no way of knowing the true state of anyone’s relationship with God, let alone the state of their soul. So we pray for the repose of their souls. No prayers are ever wasted-- so even if the soul we have in mind has no need for the merits from our prayers, those same merits will be applied to someone else in the manner God sees most fit.