Purgatory
CSA Apologetics
William Woodley
Opening Prayer
Almighty and merciful God, we gather here today to explore the mystery of
your grace and justice. As we discuss the ways you purify and transform
souls, we ask to be guided by your Holy Spirit in wisdom and understanding
to discuss and listen with charity and respect. We also humbly ask you to
help us who struggle with temptation and sin, recognising that we all are
sinners and are in need of your salvation. May this dialogue help us deepen
our faith and draw us nearer to your eternal love.
Through your saving son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Catholic Teaching - Purgatory
Dogma De Fide:
The souls of the just, which, in the moment of death, are burdened with venial
sins or temporal punishment due to sins, enter Purgatory.
CCC 1054: Those who die in God's grace and friendship imperfectly purified, although they are assured of
their eternal salvation, undergo a purification after death, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter
the joy of God.
BC 1381–1383: Purgatory is the state in which those suffer for a time who die guilty of venial sins, or
without having satisfied for the punishment due to their sins. This state is called Purgatory because, in it,
the souls are purged or purified from all their stains; and it is not, therefore, a permanent or lasting state
for the soul. The souls in Purgatory are sure of their salvation, and they will enter Heaven as soon as they
are completely purified and made worthy to enjoy that presence of God which is called the Beatific Vision.
The Catholic Teaching - Scripture
2 Mac. 12:45: [The honourable Judas] was looking, however, to that best
reward laid up for those who die in godliness, and so this was a pious
and holy thought. Thus he made an offering of reconciliation so that the
dead would be forgiven of their sin.
Matt. 12:32: Anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be
forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
1 Cor. 3:14–15: If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a
reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved
— even though only as one escaping through the flames.
St Clement, Tertullian, Origen, St Cyprian, Lactantius,
Eusebius of Caesarea, St Ephrem, St Gregory of
Nyssa, St Ambrose, St Jerome, St Augustine, St
Gregory the Great, St Thomas Aquinas
Why Debate at All?
1. Prepare you by simulating real life
conversations you will likely inevitably
have.
2. Faith formation of the debaters by
strengthening their theological
understanding.
3. Faith formation of the spectators (in
RCIA, etc.).
4. Providing a space for people to ask
questions and practice critical
thinking.
5. Maintaining a respectful dialogue
with other denominations in the
college.
Motion
We move that purgatory both exists and is a
necessary process within the order of salvation as
understood by the Catholic Church.
Debate
For Opening Statement 3 minutes
Against Opening Statement 3 minutes
For Proposition Constructive 5 minutes
Against Opposition Constructive 5 minutes
Break 5 minutes
For Rebuttal 5 minutes
Against Rebuttal 5 minutes
For Closing Statement 3 minutes
Against Closing Statement 3 minutes
Discussion 30 minutes
Discussion
1. Does the idea of purgatory offer hope, fear, or confusion? Why might different
Christians respond differently to this dogma?
2. How does the concept of purgatory balance God’s justice (punishing sin) with His
mercy (offering purification and enternal union with Him)?
3. Does praying for the dead presuppose purgatory, or can such prayers have meaning
in other theological frameworks?
4. Do personal experiences with loss and grief have any influence on your belief in or
rejection of the dogma of purgatory?
Further Reading
St Augustine St Faustina St Gertrude St Catherine (Genoa)
Enchiridion Diary: Divine Mercy Herald on Divine Love Treatise on Purgatory
The Archbishop’s Podcast
Up Front with the Archbishop – Episode 84
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to gather here tonight to reflect on
the depths of your mercy and your plan of salvation. Thank you for this
respectful exchange of ideas that brings us closer to understanding you.
You are the source of all truth and wisdom, guiding us through mysteries
beyond our comprehension.
Grant your peace, O Lord, to all who suffer here on Earth or in the next life,
and draw us all, we pray, ever deeper into your divine mercy and love.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
THANK YOU
Next Week (29 November):
New Ageism
Adoration
SJC Chapel
7:00 to 8:00
CSA’s Alpha Omega Plays:
Friday: 7pm, 9pm
Saturday: 11:30 am, 2pm, 8pm
