In medieval Europe, organised Christianity extended its reach into daily life through a growth in devout fervour, an ideological – and sometimes actual – war against Islam, and increased political power. One way in which the Church exercised power over believers was through the idea that after death one may suffer or linger in Purgatory due to one’s sins, instead of going to Heaven.
The concept of Purgatory was established by the Church in the early part of the Middle Ages and grew more pervasive in the late period of the epoch. However, the idea was not exclusive to medieval Christianity and had its roots in Judaism, as well as counterparts in other religions.
The idea was more acceptable — and perhaps more useful — than that of sin resulting in eternal damnation. Purgatory was perhaps like Hell, but its flames purified instead of consuming eternally.
Watch NowThe rise of Purgatory: from prayer for the dead to selling indulgences
Temporary and purifying or not, the threat of feeling actual fire burn your body in the afterlife, while the living prayed for your soul to be allowed to enter Heaven, was still a daunting scenario. It was even said by some that certain souls, after lingering in Purgatory, would still be sent to Hell if not sufficiently purified come Judgement Day.
The Catholic Church officially accepted the doctrine of Purgatory in the 1200s and it became central to the teachings of the Church. Though not as central in the Greek Orthodox Church, the doctrine still served a purpose, especially in the 15th century Byzantine Empire (albeit with interpretations of “purgatorial fire” being less literal among Eastern Orthodox theologians).
By the late Middle Ages, the practice of granting indulgences was associated with the interim state between death and the afterlife known as Purgatory. Indulgences were a way to pay for sins committed after being absolved, which could be carried out in life or while languishing in Purgatory.
A depiction of Purgatory by a follower of Hieronymus Bosch, dated to the late 15th century.
Indulgences could therefore be distributed to both the living and dead so long as someone living pays for them, whether through prayer, “witnessing” one’s faith, performing charitable acts, fasting or by other means.
The practice of the Catholic Church selling indulgences grew substantially during the late medieval period, contributing to the perceived corruption of the Church and helping to inspire the Reformation.
Devotion = fear?
Listen NowSince even a forgiven sin required punishment, dying with outstanding punishments or owing devotional acts to make up for the sin was an ominous prospect. It meant a purging of sins in the afterlife.
Purgatory was depicted in medieval art — specifically in prayer books, which were packed with images of death — as more or less the same as Hell. In an environment so preoccupied with death, sin and the afterlife, people naturally became more devout in order to avoid such a fate.
The thought of spending time in Purgatory helped fill churches, increased the power of the clergy and inspired people — largely through fear — to do things as diverse as pray more, give money to the Church and fight in the Crusades.
