Exceed Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“The same fire" (which he decides to be material) " torments the damned in hell and the just in purgatory...The least pain in purgatory exceeds the greatest in this life.”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 78, Article 1, 1274
The fire of divine justice can torment souls in both hell and purgatory, with even the smallest suffering there surpassing earthly pain.
In simple terms: Divine justice can cause greater suffering after death than any earthly hardship.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the seriousness of moral choices and their eternal impact.
Themes
ethics
afterlife
justice
spiritual suffering
Mood
solemn
thoughtful
serious
Type
theological
didactic
When to use this quote
- confession
- ethical decision-making
- spiritual counseling
- religious education
Key Concepts
theology
moral philosophy
eschatology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this view suggest about the value of earthly suffering?
- How might this influence moral behavior?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations of purgatory vary, and some traditions reject its existence.
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