Limbo

By Crusader1307

 The Religious concept of ''Limbo'' is a Roman Catholic ideology, which traces it's origins to The Early Middle Ages (7th Century AD). Seen as a realm on the outer region of Hades, it was populated with the early Patriarchs of The Old Testament. Here after death, their Soul resided – neither in a state of punishment or eternal joy. This was due to the theory that without redemption from The Messiah (Christ, who would serve as the metaphorical ''bridge of Salvation'' with His sacrifice on The Cross), could not achieve ''Heavenly Perfection''. Additionally, infants and children not baptized were alloted a form of Limbo (thru no fault of their own). With the spiritual sacrifice of Christ, it was assumed that during His three days of ''laying in death'' prior to His Resurrection, Christ traveled to Limbo to ''release The Souls'' of The Old Testament Patriarchs (Moses, Joshua, Adam and a very long list of Biblical figures). Infants too were allowed to ''enter into Paradise'' as well. This ideology was perpetuated throughout The Dogma of The Early Church. Although somewhat modified, even The Eastern Rite Church (Orthodox), followed a similar view and teaching.

Although not written of in the traditional Western Bible, much of this information was gleaned from what has become known as The Apocryphal Texts (or Books of Forbidden Knowledge). Despite the rather ominous descriptive, these were seen as possible Gospels, whose Authorship was in question or could not be established beyond a reasonable doubt. While not released to The Faithful, some of the information was seen as relative, and was studied (in secret) by Clergy. Much of the theory of Limbo came from The ''Gospel of Jesus Christ'' (written, it was said, by Christ). With the advent of The Great Split (Protestantism) and it's various sub-sects, the theory of Limbo was discredited. One either went to Heaven or Hell, without pause or reflection. Judaism too has a version of Limbo, as does Islam. In Art (mostly Medieval) – Limbo was portrayed as a place of neither ''darkness nor light'', where One is very much aware of ''where'' they are. Mostly in thoughtful prayer for their ''Day of Redemption'', many Scholar cite that the theory of Purgatory was too born out of the theory of Limbo.