Christians don't "know" where we are going when they die and Scripture teaches nothing unclean (with sin) will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27). Based on those facts how could I possibly 'know of anyone who died that I might think is right now in 'purgatory''?
Ok. Thank you. I do hope you will further explain yourself and belief, since you seem to think I know nothing of "Catholic" doctrine by implication. This is now your opportunity to teach. I am listening.
Since you, as a "Catholic" "don't
"know"" (sic) where you are going when you die, or for that matter, where others go when they die, then, how can you, as a "Catholic" possibly pray '
to' those whom you, as a "Catholic", accept as being in "Catholic" "Heaven"? You
"know" they are there?
How can you, as a "Catholic", pray "
for" anyone whom you might "think" is in "Catholic" "purgatory", when all of them
just might be in "Catholic" "hell" (which then prayers are unavailing even accord to "Catholic" standards), or those whom you, as a "Catholic", accept as being in "Catholic" "Heaven", might actually still be in "Catholic" "purgatory", yes? You
"know" they are not there?
If "Catholic" "purgatory" actually exists (I don't believe that it does based upon Scripture (KJB), but let's assume a minute), and there are actual "souls" therein, How do you, as a "Catholic", know when to cease praying "for" such "souls", when if they are 'released' and enter "Catholic" "Heaven", what would such prayers do for them, and how would you
"know" if they are released?
In matters of the "Catholic" doctrine of "the communion of the saints", can a living "Catholic" pray "to" a "soul" in "Catholic" "purgatory", and if not, why not? What is the difference, between praying "to" a "soul" in "Catholic" "Heaven", and "Catholic" "purgatory"? Surely, some "souls" in "Catholic" "purgatory" are closer to the "Beatific vision" than yourself, as a "Catholic" on earth, and would therefore, have some "merit" to share, yes? Again, if not, why not? Does the "merit", only get tabulated, once the "soul" enters "Catholic" "Heaven", and then becomes available?
Thank you for taking the time to address these. If you truly think I do not understand "Catholic" doctrine, then please take this as an opportunity to teach and correct. Thank you. Feel free to use "Catholic" scripture in your replies.