Purgatory, Alms-Giving, and the Needs of the Dead

Philosophers have debated whether it makes sense to say that the dead have rights. They certainly may be granted some control over posthumous events, such as the disposal of their property. From the 13th century on, the new doctrine of Purgatory gave people an incentive to provide prayers and good w...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Delany, Paul 1937- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: [publisher not identified] [2020]
In: Interdisciplinary journal of research on religion
Year: 2020, Volume: 16, Pages: 1-24
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Commemoration of the dead / Death / Custom / Purgatory / Dying person / Will / Alms / Redemption
IxTheo Classification:CB Christian life; spirituality
FA Theology
KDB Roman Catholic Church
KDD Protestant Church
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei registrierungspflichtig)
Description
Summary:Philosophers have debated whether it makes sense to say that the dead have rights. They certainly may be granted some control over posthumous events, such as the disposal of their property. From the 13th century on, the new doctrine of Purgatory gave people an incentive to provide prayers and good works that would shorten their period of suffering after death. This had important consequences: a flowering of ritual, art and architecture; greatly increased wealth for the Catholic Church; the establishment of endowments to yield a perpetual income; and the rise of testamentary freedom as an alternative to primogeniture. The Protestant Reformation abolished Purgatory, but retained many of its social and economic consequences.
ISSN:1556-3723
Contains:Enthalten in: Interdisciplinary journal of research on religion