There is no purgatory. Like so much else, the Catholic Church just made it up early on because otherwise there was no hope for anyone of ever getting to heaven.
Their message was you were born sinful and will die sinful and just about anything you ever thought or did was enough to send you straight to hell for all eternity.
They quickly realized that they had to have some plan for those who committed what might be called minor sins.
Hence, their concept of purgatory. Of course you could buy indulgences from the monks which gave you some time off from purgatory. Also, certain prayers came with a number of indulgences.
The selling of indulgences and fake relics was one of the things Martin Luther was protesting when he split from the Vatican.
Doesn't mean we shouldn't pray for the dead if you believe in any kind of life after death. It probably does help them in some way and keeps us connected to those we love who have passed on.
Quoting: anonanon 1156520Part of the reason for the denial of Purgatory is not
understanding the degrees of sin. All sins aren't equal.
Common sense, yes? Some preach all sin is equal! Not
true. There are lessor sins, venial and grave sins which
are mortal and must be confessed. We lose God's grace in
our soul when we commit mortal sin.
The abuse of the selling of indulgences was taken care of
at the Council of Trent. Martin Luther went too far and we
see the terrible results.
