The Ancient Witnesses

270 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

“Not very well,” admitted Joseph, “but I know someone who can help me, right prof?” “This should be fun!” agreed Father Greg, and taking Joseph aside he began to rehearse him. “Okay champ, what do Catholics believe about Purgatory?” asked Preacher when the two returned. “All who die in God’s grace but still imperfectly purified have salvation,” said Joseph, quoting the catechism, “but after death they undergo purification, to attain the holiness needed to enter the joy of heaven.” 15 “And what do you Greeks believe?” I asked, but there was no more time to rehearse. As Joseph stood next to Tertullian at the threefold lectern, the contrast was striking. Both were dark skinned, but Joseph’s street clothes and youthful swagger set the two men apart—the ancient Carthaginian professor and the Church history student. Mentor prompted Tertullian to begin. 16 “All believers will experience Hades for a season after they die,” announced Tertullian. “Wait,” said Joseph, “I thought we were talking about purgatory.” “It’s the same thing,” said Father Greg, “the term purgatory wasn’t coined until later.” Tertullian looked at Mentor, who requested the ancient witness to begin again.

15 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section III, Article 12, 1030, and online at http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/ catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm.

16 The dialogue is based on the concluding chapter (58) of Tertullian’s Treatise On the Soul .