What Happens When We Die -- Part 1: The Problem With Purgatory

This is Episode 89 of the Jesus Society Podcast. And today I’m going to start a brief series talking about what happens when we die. Because I find that life after death tends to occupy an inordinately large place in our thinking. In fact, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that most Christian mission tends to be largely focused on making sure someone goes to heaven when they die.

Frankly, I think a Christianity focused on what happens after death is a misguided focus. But nonetheless, there are things we can say (and should say) about what happens after death, and so we’re going to spend the next few weeks sorting through some of those ideas.

So join me today as we discuss:

1. When did the idea of purgatory develop?

2. What's the basic idea of purgatory?

3. Why purgatory has become somewhat popular among universalists.

4. How some notable and influential Roman Catholic theologians have significantly walked-back their stance on purgatory.

5. Is there any biblical support for the idea of different categories of Christians after death?

6. How Paul's picture of redemption leaves no room for the idea of purgatory.

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Thanks for listening!

And remember, you are greatly loved.

Music and audio production by Nathan Longwell Music 

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Resources for Today’s Show:

1. N. T. Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWWBL24/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4DQ4CKBNJ3YRG44TN6NT)