... how the afterlife affects a person during life. Catholicism is very distinctive in certain beliefs that all have a very powerful influence over the religion as a whole. For one, Catholics believe the Pope to be nearly infallible (Thurston). Because of this, what the Pope believes is good for the religion is usually done. Another example of uniqueness is the seven sacraments of the Church, which are Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick (Thurston). They also believe in the use of prayers for the dead which is innately tied to the belief in purgatory (Robinson). Many devout Catholics have a fear of dying (Robinson). This is mostly because of the suffering they feel they will experience in purgatory. It is because of this that many feel the Catholic Church used purgatory as a motivator for not sinning (McCarthy). Salvation and moving from purgatory ...

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