Definition of purgatory

The word "purgatory" originated in medieval Christian theology, around the 12th century. It is derived from the Latin word "purgātorium," which itself originated from the verb "purgāre," meaning "to purge" or "to cleanse." The concept of purgatory was introduced as a means of reconciling the biblical teachings of heaven and hell with observed human experiences of the afterlife. It was believed that while the soul of a departed person would first go to either heaven or hell, there were some souls who were not quite deserving of paradise or condemnation. These souls were thought to be held in a state of purification, known as purgatory, until they could be deemed worthy of entering heaven. The idea of purgatory was disputed by some reformers within the Christian church, particularly during the Protestant Reformation. The Catholic Church's teaching on purgatory, as defined by the Council of Trent in the 16th century, holds that the souls in purgatory are "helped by the prayers of the faithful" and reflects the belief that the Holy Spirit can assist the souls in purgatory on their journey towards heaven. In summary, the word "purgatory" derives from the Latin verb "purgāre" and refers to a period of spiritual purification that intercedes between death and heaven for those who are deemed worthy of salvation but still require purification before entering paradise.