This book examines the concept of Purgatory. However, in contradistinction to the many monographs and edited volumes published in the past 50 years devoted to historical, cultural, or theological treatments of Purgatory-especially in proportion to the voluminous output on Heaven and Hell-this collection features papers by philosophers and other scholars engaged specifically in philosophical argument, debate, and dialogue involving conceptions of Purgatory and related ideas. It exists to broaden the discussion beyond the prevailing trends in the academic literature and fills an important intellectual gap.
"This is a valuable contribution that will spur further research on the fascinating doctrine of purgatory and how it relates to our ultimate destiny as human beings." (Jerry L. Walls, Journal of Analytic Theology, Vol. 7, July, 2019)
"This is a collection of sixteen exciting essays on the notion of Purgatory, not a from historical or cultural but philosophical point of view, unlike the other essays published on the subject in the last years." (Andreea-Maria Lemnaru, Metapsychology Online Reviews, Vol. 23 (28), 2019)
"Vanhoutte and McCraw have brought together 16 original essays on the topic of purgatory. ... There are not many books devoted solely to the philosophical dimension of purgatory, so this volume is welcome. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty." (A. Jaeger, Choice, Vol. 55 (9), May, 2018)
"This is a collection of sixteen exciting essays on the notion of Purgatory, not a from historical or cultural but philosophical point of view, unlike the other essays published on the subject in the last years." (Andreea-Maria Lemnaru, Metapsychology Online Reviews, Vol. 23 (28), 2019)
"Vanhoutte and McCraw have brought together 16 original essays on the topic of purgatory. ... There are not many books devoted solely to the philosophical dimension of purgatory, so this volume is welcome. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty." (A. Jaeger, Choice, Vol. 55 (9), May, 2018)