Thus, we do not impose our Latin theological constructs on Eastern Catholics (i.e., the Eastern Churches which are in communion with us) or on Eastern Orthodox, like yourself. Now, with that said, we Romans also fully acknowledge the fact that the Apostolic mystery which we call "Purgatory" was not fully appreciated or developed in Eastern (Greek) theology as it was in our Latin theology. We do not, as I said, have the same freedom of choice when it comes to Purgatory, however. It still remains a viable theolegoumenon, which Catholics may believe if they choose to do so. Yet, it has not (as yet) been formally rejected by the Church. It has thus fallen out of favor for modern Church theology. Understood historically, limbo was essentially a pastoral measure to protect the necessity of Baptism, and nothing more. Limbo is not, and never has been, a dogma of Catholic belief, but merely a popular theolegoumenon (theological opinion). You are apparently thinking about the Pope's instruction that the theolegoumenon of limbo ( not Purgatory) should be reevaluated, which is what was called for this past October. We cannot deny it, and Pope Benedict most certainly never did deny it. ![]() Purgatory is an established dogma of the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict never declared that Purgatory does not exist, nor does he possess the authority to make such a declaration. Of purgatory has become harder for Catholics to defend since Pope Benedictĭeclared that it doesn't exist (We believe he did so on October 6th, 2006). To distinguish between a defense for prayer for the dead (an easy task) andĪ defense for purgatory (a not-so-easy task). church fathers definitely advocated prayer for the dead, noneĮxplicitly used the term "purgatory" or referred to any sort of in-between ![]() In referring to my article on Purgatory We got an email from an Orthodox Christian that said: ![]() A discussion of Purgatory with an Orthodox Christian?
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