Theology You Should Know

The doctrine of transubstantiation of the Eucharist came to prominence in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Using the language of Greek philosopher Aristotle Medieval Scholastics formulated the doctrine, and Christ’s body and blood became present in the Mass. He came not only to those present, but also for those in Purgatory. Receiving its name in the twelfth century, Purgatory was the intermediate state where Christians would be purified of all remaining sinfulness before they could enter heaven.