Growing up with a fair amount of religion I was introduced to the idea of purgatory. Here is a short definition of this idea from Wikipedia:

Purgatory is the condition or process of purification in which the souls of those who die in a state of grace are made ready for Heaven. This is an idea that has ancient roots and is well-attested in early Christian literature, while the conception of purgatory as a geographically situated place is largely the achievement of medieval Christian piety and imagination.

The notion of purgatory is associated particularly with the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church (in the Eastern sui juris churches or rites it is a doctrine, though often without using the name “Purgatory”); Anglo-Catholic Anglicans generally also hold to the belief. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed in an intermediate state between death and the final judgment and in the possibility of “continuing to grow in holiness there”, but Methodism does not officially affirm his belief and denies the possibility of helping by prayer any who may be in that state. The Eastern Orthodox Churches believe in the possibility of a change of situation for the souls of the dead through the prayers of the living and the offering of the Divine Liturgy, and many Orthodox, especially among ascetics, hope and pray for a generalapocatastasis. A similar belief in at least the possibility of a final salvation for all is held by Mormonism. Judaism also believes in the possibility of after-death purification and may even use the word “purgatory” to present its understanding of the meaning of Gehenna.

The word “purgatory” has come to refer also to a wide range of historical and modern conceptions of postmortem suffering short of everlasting damnation, and is used, in a non-specific sense, to mean any place or condition of suffering or torment, especially one that is temporary.

The thought that illustrates my idea is from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed in an intermediate state between death and the final judgment and in the possibility of “continuing to grow in holiness there.” Are we in this state now? Are we currently in purgatory. This is an intermediate state between death and final judgement, we were born into this world, and it is up to us if we are going to continue to grow in holiness. This may be a bit out there, but we ultimately have two very strong forces acting on us on a daily basis. We see the effects of these forces everyday. Unfortunately, when we turn on the news we see the effects of evil in the world. The greed of a few raping and stealing from the world. Companies trying to control our water supply and keep those without means from having clean water. Politicians demanding bribe money from children’s hospitals in order for them to get funding. Children killing children, and genocide and the disrespect for human life running as rampant as a virus. But you also see some people who risk their life for a stranger, such as a fireman storming into a burning building as others flee, and as simply as smiling to someone in the office, or waiting that extra ten whole seconds to hold the door or give someone a break in traffic. The work of so many in the peace corps and those dedicated community leaders that strive to provide help for families in need.

There is so much good available in the world, but we allow evil too often to steal our gifts. The forces of good are available to help and sustain our brothers and sisters. I am starting to look at this life as a choice and way to add some good into an often cruel world. The more we can start to output and positivity, and let greed and stupid fake social hierarchies lay by the wayside we can seriously make a difference.

Please pray for me as I will for you because the battle for our mind and hearts is never ending. We can win, and we can change the fate of humanity. If we do not do something soon we will run out of our natural resources and mother Earth will dispose of us. It is time for some action, and it has to start from within. We are capable and created to do amazing things. Keep your head and remember the positive effect you have on the people and the world in which we inhabit.

LiVe.LoVe.LiFe.

Peace.