The purchase of paradise: ideas of purgatory in the mediaeval world
In order to reach heaven a medieval Christian had to spend time in purgatory being cleansed of sin. Come and find out what purgatory consisted of and how you could fast-track you way through it.
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We look at how the Catholic doctrine on purgatory emerged in the twelfth century and evolved until the present day. We will discuss how the living were encouraged through their actions to help the deceased on their journey to a state of Grace and union with God. Finally, we will discuss the impact of the Reformation on ideas of the afterlife.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
· Describe how and why the doctrine of purgatory came into being, and differentiate between purgatory and hell
· Explain the significance of the Second Council of Lyon (1274)
· Identify ways in which the living were encouraged to help ease the journey of souls to heaven
· Briefly describe the impact of the Reformation on the concept of purgatory.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. However, a good understanding of written and spoken English is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate key points and reading of contemporary extracts (in translation). There will also be whole group discussion. You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in HRS47 An introduction to Indian comparative religions, in August.
Check City Lit's website for full details of forthcoming religious studies courses.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-purchase-of-paradise-ideas-of-purgatory-in-the-mediaeval-world310547The purchase of paradise: ideas of purgatory in the mediaeval worldhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/21st-century-anthropology-1024.jpg4949GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Religion & belief/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/vm/Courses under £69/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in humanities22851177120214041355113457135721228511771404165313457In order to reach heaven a medieval Christian had to spend time in purgatory being cleansed of sin. Come and find out what purgatory consisted of and how you could fast-track you way through it.002815866The purchase of paradise: ideas of purgatory in the mediaeval world4949https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/21st-century-anthropology-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-06-06T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHRS554949The purchase of paradise: ideas of purgatory in the mediaeval world393249Vanessa Kingthe-purchase-of-paradise-ideas-of-purgatory-in-the-mediaeval-world/hrs55-2526In order to reach heaven a medieval Christian had to spend time in purgatory being cleansed of sin. Come and find out what purgatory consisted of and how you could fast-track you way through it.0000-Available|2026-06-06 00:00:00The history of purgatory.In order to reach heaven a medieval Christian had to spend time in purgatory being cleansed of sin. Come and find out what purgatory consisted of and how you could fast-track you way through it.We look at how the Catholic doctrine on purgatory emerged in the twelfth century and evolved until the present day. We will discuss how the living were encouraged through their actions to help the deceased on their journey to a state of Grace and union with God. Finally, we will discuss the impact of the Reformation on ideas of the afterlife.· Describe how and why the doctrine of purgatory came into being, and differentiate between purgatory and hell<br/><br/>· Explain the significance of the Second Council of Lyon (1274)<br/><br/>· Identify ways in which the living were encouraged to help ease the journey of souls to heaven<br/><br/>· Briefly describe the impact of the Reformation on the concept of purgatory.This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. However, a good understanding of written and spoken English is essential.There will be a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate key points and reading of contemporary extracts (in translation). There will also be whole group discussion. You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.<p>You might be interested in HRS47 An introduction to Indian comparative religions, in August.</p><p>Check City Lit's website for full details of forthcoming religious studies courses.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefvirtual394932HRS55NONESat06/06/2610:30 - 15:3010:3015:301 session1One-off onlyWeekendKSKeeley StreetVanessa KingAvailable courses2026-06-06T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeJun 2026Culture, history & humanities4949The purchase of paradise: ideas of purgatory in the mediaeval worldthe-purchase-of-paradise-ideas-of-purgatory-in-the-mediaeval-world/hrs55-2526In order to reach heaven a medieval Christian had to spend time in purgatory being cleansed of sin. Come and find out what purgatory consisted of and how you could fast-track you way through it.0000-Available|2026-06-06 00:00:00The history of purgatory.In order to reach heaven a medieval Christian had to spend time in purgatory being cleansed of sin. Come and find out what purgatory consisted of and how you could fast-track you way through it.We look at how the Catholic doctrine on purgatory emerged in the twelfth century and evolved until the present day. We will discuss how the living were encouraged through their actions to help the deceased on their journey to a state of Grace and union with God. Finally, we will discuss the impact of the Reformation on ideas of the afterlife.· Describe how and why the doctrine of purgatory came into being, and differentiate between purgatory and hell<br/><br/>· Explain the significance of the Second Council of Lyon (1274)<br/><br/>· Identify ways in which the living were encouraged to help ease the journey of souls to heaven<br/><br/>· Briefly describe the impact of the Reformation on the concept of purgatory.This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. However, a good understanding of written and spoken English is essential.There will be a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate key points and reading of contemporary extracts (in translation). There will also be whole group discussion. You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.<p>You might be interested in HRS47 An introduction to Indian comparative religions, in August.</p><p>Check City Lit's website for full details of forthcoming religious studies courses.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefconfigurable
