Dear Catholic Exchange:
One of my 7th grade students asked if it is possible to pray your way out of hell. I’m not sure how to respond. Can you help?
Thanks,
Susan Cockrell
Dear Susan,
Peace in Christ! Someone could not pray his or her way out of hell because hell is eternal.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines hell as the “state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed” (Catechism, no. 1033, emphasis added). Hell is by definition eternal.
God has given us free will. This means we have the power to choose between God and the world, between eternal happiness and eternal suffering. This choice, however, can only be made while we live here on earth. Our choice is sealed in death (cf. Catechism, no. 1021). This is especially evident in Scripture in Luke 16:19-31 (the parable of Lazarus and the rich man) and in 2 Corinthians 5:10.
For further discussion on the nature of hell, please see our FAITH FACT, Hell: Self-Exclusion from God.
Your student’s question also raises the issue of whether those in hell can or do pray. The Church does not have an official teaching on this either way. However, many theologians throughout history have proposed that after death the will is fixed; one either chooses God forever or denies Him forever. If the will is fixed, then those in hell would not want to pray because they have chosen to eternally push God away.
I hope this answers your question. If you have further questions on this or would like more information about Catholics United for the Faith, please contact us at 1-800-MY-FAITH (693-2484). Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to “support, defend, and advance the efforts of the teaching Church.”
United in the Faith,
Amy Barragree
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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