Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This study explores the early history of purgatory as it developed from the first to the eighth centuries. Approaching the subject from a variety of angles, the book examines how ideas of post-mortem ...
More
This study explores the early history of purgatory as it developed from the first to the eighth centuries. Approaching the subject from a variety of angles, the book examines how ideas of post-mortem purgation as religious belief were forged from contested theology and eschatology, and how purgatory became the focus for such religious practices as prayer for the dead and the hope for intercession. Illuminating the various interests and influences at play in the formation of purgatorial ideas in late antiquity, this book discusses ideas about punishment and correction in the Roman world, slavery, medical purges at the shrines of saints, visionary texts, penitentials, and law codes. Confronting arguments that have viewed purgatory as a symptom of cultural shifts or educational decline, this book questions the extent to which Irish and Germanic views of society, and the sources associated with them — penitentials and legal tariffs — played a role in purgatory’s formation. In reassessing the significance of patristic discussion of purgatory, this study highlights Bede’s contribution to purgatory’s theological underpinnings allowing the future acceptance of purgatory as orthodox belief. Among those whose writings are examined are Origen, Augustine, Gregory the Great, and Bede.Less
This study explores the early history of purgatory as it developed from the first to the eighth centuries. Approaching the subject from a variety of angles, the book examines how ideas of post-mortem purgation as religious belief were forged from contested theology and eschatology, and how purgatory became the focus for such religious practices as prayer for the dead and the hope for intercession. Illuminating the various interests and influences at play in the formation of purgatorial ideas in late antiquity, this book discusses ideas about punishment and correction in the Roman world, slavery, medical purges at the shrines of saints, visionary texts, penitentials, and law codes. Confronting arguments that have viewed purgatory as a symptom of cultural shifts or educational decline, this book questions the extent to which Irish and Germanic views of society, and the sources associated with them — penitentials and legal tariffs — played a role in purgatory’s formation. In reassessing the significance of patristic discussion of purgatory, this study highlights Bede’s contribution to purgatory’s theological underpinnings allowing the future acceptance of purgatory as orthodox belief. Among those whose writings are examined are Origen, Augustine, Gregory the Great, and Bede.
Jerry L. Walls
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199732296
- eISBN:
- 9780199918492
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199732296.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This book is a philosophical and theological exploration and defense of the doctrine of purgatory. After a historical overview of the development of the doctrine, it examines Protestant objections to ...
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This book is a philosophical and theological exploration and defense of the doctrine of purgatory. After a historical overview of the development of the doctrine, it examines Protestant objections to the doctrine as well as Protestant accounts of how believers are purged of their imperfections and made ready for heaven. It goes on to show that the doctrine of purgatory has been construed in different ways, and that some of these are compatible with Protestant theology. Next, it shows that purgatory assumes not only continuity of personal identity but also conscious survival between death and resurrection. Such continuity of identity also arguably requires gradual moral development over time, which also supports a doctrine of purgatory. The traditional doctrine of purgatory is not understood as a second chance for salvation, but rather, only as a matter of perfecting persons who die in a state of grace. It is argued that the doctrine of purgatory should be modified to allow for postmortem repentance and conversion. The final long chapter of the book shows that popular writer C. S. Lewis not only believed in purgatory, but proposed a version of the doctrine that may appeal to Christians on both sides of the Reformation divide.Less
This book is a philosophical and theological exploration and defense of the doctrine of purgatory. After a historical overview of the development of the doctrine, it examines Protestant objections to the doctrine as well as Protestant accounts of how believers are purged of their imperfections and made ready for heaven. It goes on to show that the doctrine of purgatory has been construed in different ways, and that some of these are compatible with Protestant theology. Next, it shows that purgatory assumes not only continuity of personal identity but also conscious survival between death and resurrection. Such continuity of identity also arguably requires gradual moral development over time, which also supports a doctrine of purgatory. The traditional doctrine of purgatory is not understood as a second chance for salvation, but rather, only as a matter of perfecting persons who die in a state of grace. It is argued that the doctrine of purgatory should be modified to allow for postmortem repentance and conversion. The final long chapter of the book shows that popular writer C. S. Lewis not only believed in purgatory, but proposed a version of the doctrine that may appeal to Christians on both sides of the Reformation divide.
Henry Chadwick
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199264575
- eISBN:
- 9780191698958
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199264575.003.0039
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History, Early Christian Studies
This chapter discusses the debate about purgatory. To normal Latin view immediately on death souls received their reward, the damned to hell, the just to paradise, the imperfect to purification in ...
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This chapter discusses the debate about purgatory. To normal Latin view immediately on death souls received their reward, the damned to hell, the just to paradise, the imperfect to purification in Purgatory. Discussions and its circulation precipitated reactions on the subject of disagreement between Latin and Greek churches. The report of the debate about purgatory which survived from the Otranto meeting gives the Greek side, but a Latin account went at once to Rome.Less
This chapter discusses the debate about purgatory. To normal Latin view immediately on death souls received their reward, the damned to hell, the just to paradise, the imperfect to purification in Purgatory. Discussions and its circulation precipitated reactions on the subject of disagreement between Latin and Greek churches. The report of the debate about purgatory which survived from the Otranto meeting gives the Greek side, but a Latin account went at once to Rome.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0000
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter argues that the early history of purgatory must be discussed on its own terms and not as a precursor to later medieval Catholic doctrine. It explains the use of the term “purgatory.” It ...
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This chapter argues that the early history of purgatory must be discussed on its own terms and not as a precursor to later medieval Catholic doctrine. It explains the use of the term “purgatory.” It identifies major modern scholarly contributions to the field and the historical and interpretive issues raised by sixteenth-century reformers. The chapter explores Bede’s historical status as an author of purgatory.Less
This chapter argues that the early history of purgatory must be discussed on its own terms and not as a precursor to later medieval Catholic doctrine. It explains the use of the term “purgatory.” It identifies major modern scholarly contributions to the field and the historical and interpretive issues raised by sixteenth-century reformers. The chapter explores Bede’s historical status as an author of purgatory.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter examines the role of punishment in correction as discussed by early Christian authors and the Roman elite as a way of understanding how punishment became associated with both hell and ...
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This chapter examines the role of punishment in correction as discussed by early Christian authors and the Roman elite as a way of understanding how punishment became associated with both hell and purgatory. It examines metaphors of paternal power and slavery. It suggests that the idea that the elect, too, must suffer violence in the afterlife arose from discussions about original sin at a time when the Roman elite were increasingly anxious about the erosion of legal immunities that had traditionally protected them from judicial torture. It highlights the ongoing importance of the metaphor of slavery to the way corporeal punishment was described in the afterlife, particularly in the Vision of Paul, and it considers notions of retributive justice and the fear of hell.Less
This chapter examines the role of punishment in correction as discussed by early Christian authors and the Roman elite as a way of understanding how punishment became associated with both hell and purgatory. It examines metaphors of paternal power and slavery. It suggests that the idea that the elect, too, must suffer violence in the afterlife arose from discussions about original sin at a time when the Roman elite were increasingly anxious about the erosion of legal immunities that had traditionally protected them from judicial torture. It highlights the ongoing importance of the metaphor of slavery to the way corporeal punishment was described in the afterlife, particularly in the Vision of Paul, and it considers notions of retributive justice and the fear of hell.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter challenges a school of thought that proposes that purgatory emerged in the seventh century as a result of the contact of Mediterranean Christianity with Irish religious culture. It gives ...
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This chapter challenges a school of thought that proposes that purgatory emerged in the seventh century as a result of the contact of Mediterranean Christianity with Irish religious culture. It gives special attention to the Vision of Fursey as evidence for postmortem purgation and questions the argument that penitential tariffing had a direct influence on evolving conceptions of purgatory. The chapter also examines Bede’s epitome of the Vision of Fursey, the Fragmentary Vision of 757, Vision of Paul, Redaction 6, and the Bigotian Penitential.Less
This chapter challenges a school of thought that proposes that purgatory emerged in the seventh century as a result of the contact of Mediterranean Christianity with Irish religious culture. It gives special attention to the Vision of Fursey as evidence for postmortem purgation and questions the argument that penitential tariffing had a direct influence on evolving conceptions of purgatory. The chapter also examines Bede’s epitome of the Vision of Fursey, the Fragmentary Vision of 757, Vision of Paul, Redaction 6, and the Bigotian Penitential.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter examines how purgatory was described and understood in the works of Bede and Boniface. Particular attention is given to Bede as the author of works in which purgatory was given ...
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This chapter examines how purgatory was described and understood in the works of Bede and Boniface. Particular attention is given to Bede as the author of works in which purgatory was given theological context and legitimation as orthodox belief. The chapter examines the role of friendship ties and gift-giving in Anglo-Saxon society and in the intercessory practices of Bede’s time. The chapter also considers the cultural and religious influences that informed Anglo-Saxon Christianity and explores the potential importance of Anglo-Saxon England’s close ties with eastern Christianity. Key texts discussed include Boniface’s Vision of the Monk of Wenlock and the works of Bede: the Vision of Drythelm, Homily for Advent, Commentary on Isaiah, and Commentary on Proverbs.Less
This chapter examines how purgatory was described and understood in the works of Bede and Boniface. Particular attention is given to Bede as the author of works in which purgatory was given theological context and legitimation as orthodox belief. The chapter examines the role of friendship ties and gift-giving in Anglo-Saxon society and in the intercessory practices of Bede’s time. The chapter also considers the cultural and religious influences that informed Anglo-Saxon Christianity and explores the potential importance of Anglo-Saxon England’s close ties with eastern Christianity. Key texts discussed include Boniface’s Vision of the Monk of Wenlock and the works of Bede: the Vision of Drythelm, Homily for Advent, Commentary on Isaiah, and Commentary on Proverbs.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter examines the role of purgatory in Anglo-Saxon writings (especially those of Boniface) and in missionary eschatology. It discusses how pagan and Christian beliefs about the afterlife were ...
More
This chapter examines the role of purgatory in Anglo-Saxon writings (especially those of Boniface) and in missionary eschatology. It discusses how pagan and Christian beliefs about the afterlife were represented by contemporaries, and how they have been represented by scholars and archaeologists. It examines the role played by the limitations of the Christian afterlife during the Frisian mission and in King Radbod’s failed conversion. This chapter also considers the relative appeal of ideas about purgatory, universal salvation, and posthumous salvation in a missionary environment.Less
This chapter examines the role of purgatory in Anglo-Saxon writings (especially those of Boniface) and in missionary eschatology. It discusses how pagan and Christian beliefs about the afterlife were represented by contemporaries, and how they have been represented by scholars and archaeologists. It examines the role played by the limitations of the Christian afterlife during the Frisian mission and in King Radbod’s failed conversion. This chapter also considers the relative appeal of ideas about purgatory, universal salvation, and posthumous salvation in a missionary environment.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter asks the question: were the barbarian invasions responsible for the rise of purgatory? Examining ancient sources and modern interpretations, this chapter assesses the role of barbarian ...
More
This chapter asks the question: were the barbarian invasions responsible for the rise of purgatory? Examining ancient sources and modern interpretations, this chapter assesses the role of barbarian institutions and law on descriptions of purgatory, in particular, the claims made for the influence of legal tariffs on purgatory. The chapter assesses the evidence of the Vision of Paul, Redaction 6. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the eschatological and judicial ordeal.Less
This chapter asks the question: were the barbarian invasions responsible for the rise of purgatory? Examining ancient sources and modern interpretations, this chapter assesses the role of barbarian institutions and law on descriptions of purgatory, in particular, the claims made for the influence of legal tariffs on purgatory. The chapter assesses the evidence of the Vision of Paul, Redaction 6. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the eschatological and judicial ordeal.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter returns to the critical importance of Bede’s approach to purgatorial thinking and his willingness to confront Origen’s heretical views on the subject, as representing a formative and ...
More
This chapter returns to the critical importance of Bede’s approach to purgatorial thinking and his willingness to confront Origen’s heretical views on the subject, as representing a formative and lasting contribution to purgatory’s early development, and as a critical juncture in the acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory as Catholic belief in the middle ages and beyond.Less
This chapter returns to the critical importance of Bede’s approach to purgatorial thinking and his willingness to confront Origen’s heretical views on the subject, as representing a formative and lasting contribution to purgatory’s early development, and as a critical juncture in the acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory as Catholic belief in the middle ages and beyond.
