Purgatory: a burning issue?
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Authors
O'Brien, Jerome
Issue Date
2009-08-25T11:00:09Z
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
parousia , universalism , human suffering , theodicy , grace , justification by faith , soul , progress of the soul , role of tradition , amelioration of sin , sanctification , after life , intermediate state , purgatory , Eschatology
Alternative Title
Abstract
The thesis explores the subject of purgatory and its relative value for modern people. It summarises:
1. The manner in which biblical texts used to underpin the doctrine;
2. The history of the doctrine within the Roman Catholic Church and the reaction to it during the Reformation and beyond; and
3. Contemporary formulations of purgatory and purgatory-like ideas.
The thesis argues, from several perspectives, that a modern formulation of the doctrine is:
1. Reasonable;
2. Biblically consistent;
3. Meets the criteria of an established Tradition at practice within the Church; and
4. Is capable of assisting people in understanding and appreciating the existential questions of death and the after life.
The thesis is approached from the angle of a Legal Counsel presenting an argument for acceptance of the thesis.
Description
Citation
O'Brien, Jerome (2009) Purgatory: a burning issue?, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2080>