Rusviking876
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- Dec 10, 2019
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Tollhouses are not officially anything. Many have alleged the document it's based on is a forgery or simply the flawed recounting of a dream, which like all dreams was probably difficult to recall. Church Fathers are clear on not accepting dreams and spiritual experiences as an authority. And most here don't seem to believe it literally, but rather metaphorically or as a teaching tool that Orthodox can accept or reject. Taken literally, I believe it is heresy. I reject it for many of the reasons you do; it gives demons too much power. God's mercy is not represented. Christ tells us to treat the demons with contempt, not fear them.You know, if comparing it to the theology of purgatory (which is doubtful too) it comes of as to demon and occult centered.
In western theology it's all about Christ and his healing powers. In purgatory ones being purified in the light of God, and God is very present.
God accompanies the souls going through this process, he comfort them and his presence is everything.
In the toll house theology it's much closer to a part of the theology that we refer to as satanology. The demons enter the front stage and get to test humans as in trials. Its absurd and unsound.
Traditionally the weighting of good deeds and sins are made by the Archangel Michael, not demons.
Demons are having a field day with unbelievers and unrepentant Christians. It doesnt add up. Why does God give them power over humans after the human has died? Satans powers are traditionally seen as limited to the earth after he got kicked out of heaven.
This idea that Satan rules hades is heretical. So, Satan and his angles are kings and knights of the netherworld? Well, how is this defended theologically?
It's the post mortem aspect of the toll houses that I find gnostic and heretical. It's good reasons to believe that the devil torments people on their deathbed, but not unhindered by the angels and Gods presence. It's a spiritual war going on. It's not as if anyone gets off the hook regarding the end of life trials.
Even great saints have had great anxiety when approaching death.
I simply believe in the mercy and sovereignty of Christ in a much more fundamental way than some Orthodox does. It's no room for the huge powers of Satan except from this world. I believe Satans powers are now limited to time and space.
Fatima, on the other hand, is officially endorsed by the papacy.
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