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purgatory

noun

/ˈpəːɡət(ə)ri/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of purgatory

A state or place of temporary suffering for souls who have died in a state of grace, but who have not yet fully paid for their sins.
"Every step of the mountain ascent was sheer purgatory."

Detailed meaning of purgatory

Purgatory is the belief that there is a state or place after death where the souls of those who have died in the state of grace, but have not yet been fully purified, undergo a process of purification before they can enter heaven. The concept of purgatory is most commonly associated with the Catholic Church, but it is also present in some other Christian denominations such as the Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglicans, and some Lutherans. The idea of purgatory is based on the belief that even the most devout and faithful individuals may have some remaining attachment to sin or imperfections that need to be purged before they can enter the presence of God in heaven. The duration of purgatory is not specified, it can vary according to the individual's sins and the extent of the purification needed. Some belief that it is temporary, while others believe that it can be extended to centuries or even millennia.

Example sentences containing purgatory

1. Catholics believe in the existence of purgatory as a state of purification.
2. In purgatory, souls undergo spiritual cleansing to enter heaven.
3. Purgatory is seen as a place of temporary suffering and penance.
4. The concept of purgatory is central to Catholic theology.
5. Prayers for the deceased aim to expedite their time in purgatory.
6. The idea of purgatory offers hope for eventual salvation.

History and etymology of purgatory

The noun 'purgatory' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'purgatorium,' which is derived from 'purgare,' meaning 'to purify' or 'to cleanse.' In Christian theology, purgatory is believed to be a state or place of temporary suffering where souls who have died in a state of grace, but who have not yet fully paid for their sins, undergo purification before entering heaven. The concept of purgatory involves a process of cleansing or purifying the soul from the remnants of sin. The etymology of 'purgatory' underscores its historical association with the idea of purification, emphasizing the belief in a transitional state where the soul is made fit for eternal communion with the divine through suffering and purification.

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Further usage examples of purgatory

1. Some Christian denominations do not adhere to the concept of purgatory.
2. Purgatory is often depicted as a state of purification and growth.
3. Souls in purgatory are believed to seek God's forgiveness.
4. The duration of one's stay in purgatory is a matter of theological debate.
5. The Church offers indulgences to reduce time spent in purgatory.
6. Purgatory is a transitional state between earthly life and heaven.
7. Many believers pray for the souls of the departed in purgatory.
8. Purgatory serves as a bridge to eternal life in heaven.
9. Theologians contemplate the mysteries of purgatory and the afterlife.
10. She refers to the bullying she faces at school as her personal purgatory.
11. The concept of purgatory is central to the Catholic belief in the afterlife.
12. Many believe in the existence of purgatory, a place where souls are purified before entering heaven.
13. The doctrine of purgatory holds that souls may be purified by suffering before entering heaven.
14. Many people pray for the souls of their loved ones in purgatory, believing that it can help shorten their stay there.
15. The concept of purgatory is not accepted by all Christians and is not found in the Bible.
16. The idea of purgatory as a temporary state of purification after death is a medieval invention.
17. The Catholic Church traditionally taught that indulgences could be purchased to reduce the time spent in purgatory.
18. The depiction of purgatory in literature, art and pop culture has evolved over the centuries.
19. Some believe that purgatory is a state of mind, or an emotional state, rather than a physical place.
20. Purgatory is often associated with the idea of expiation or atonement for sins.
21. The concept of purgatory is often used as a metaphor for the process of self-improvement.
22. The idea of purgatory is meant to provide hope for salvation for souls that are not damned but not yet fully purified.