Page 57 - History of Christianity I - Student Textbook

Ockham’s love of logic and philosophy was subdued in the face of his theology. He believed that theology was
served by logic and academia in the academic world, but the simplest person could be inspired by the Holy Spirit
to understand and communicate spiritual truths. His courageous defiance of the pope and his brilliant
presentation of philosophical theories had a significant effect in the Middle Ages and beyond.
(https://www.gotquestions.org/William-of-Ockham.html)

Catherine of Siena 1378

Catherine was the 23 of 25 children of a wool dyer in northern Italy. As a young girl she
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showed great devotion to Christ. She survived the “Black Death,” a plague in 1348 to
1350 that caused the death of almost 1/2of the population of Europe. She is known for
her mystical encounters with God and her devout dedication to serving the poor and sick
around her. She lived mostly at home and directed her own activities in sacrificial service
to the poor and sick. Her life style attracted many followers.

Another wave of the plague struck Europe in 1374, and she faithfully ministered to the sick and dying as well as
winning prisoners to Christ. Her ultimate goal was to approach the popes of the East and West and help them
resolve the great schism that existed. She charged them to “Respond to the Holy Spirit who is calling you. I tell
you: Come! Come! Come! Don’t wait for time because time isn’t waiting for you.”

While her attempt failed to resolve any issues, the heart of Catherine’s teaching did touch thousands for Christ.
She said, “It was not the cross or nails that held Christ to the tree; those were not strong enough to hold the
God-Man. It was love that held him there.” She recorded God’s word to her: “My son’s nailed feet are a stair by
which you can climb to his side, where you will see revealed his inmost heart. For when the soul has looked with
her mind’s eye into my son’s opened heart, she begins to feel the love of her own heart in his consummate and
unspeakable love.”

Catherine died in Rome at age 33. In 1970 the Roman Catholic Church declared her a doctor of the church, an
honor bestowed on only 31 others, and only one other woman.

Is the Teaching of Purgatory Biblical?

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