PJ beliefs

Salvation and eternal life

Catholics believe that God’s love leads to salvation and eternal life.

The Catholic Church teaches that choices made in this life impact one’s eternal destiny.

Belief in eternal life provides meaning to suffering and death

Free will and moral responsibility

Catholicism teaches that humans possess free will, enabling them to choose between good and evil.

True freedom is achieved by choosing what is right.

Seeking eternal life with God

Catholics believe human life extends beyond the present world, aiming for eternal union with God in heaven.

This belief offers hope and meaning during suffering.

It reinforces Catholic teachings on heaven, purgatory, and salvation.

Value of suffering

Catholicism teaches that suffering holds redemptive value when united with Christ’s Passion.

Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross provide meaning and purpose to human suffering.

Eternal reward

Catholics believe suffering in this life is temporary, with God promising eternal joy in heaven to those who endure trials faithfully.

Offers hope and meaning during suffering, emphasizing that pain is not everlasting.

The Soul’s destiny

Upon death, each soul faces an immediate particular judgment.

God determines the soul's destiny: Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell, based on its faith and deeds.

Catholics are encouraged to live virtuously in anticipation of this judgment.

Sin

Sin separates humans from God, but Catholics believe God’s mercy enables reconciliation through repentance and forgiveness.

Forgiveness

Catholics believe forgiveness is vital for human relationships. God forgives humanity through Jesus Christ, serving as a model for forgiveness.