Aerial Toll-Houses
The theory of Aerial Toll-Houses regards the soul's journey after its departure from the body.
Dn. Andrew Werbiansky summarizes the theory (described in Fr. Seraphim Rose's book The Soul After Death) as follows: "following a person's death the soul leaves the body and is escorted to God by angels. During this journey the soul passes through an aerial realm which is ruled by demons. The soul encounters these demons at various points referred to as "toll-houses" where the demons then attempt to accuse it of sin and, if possible, drag the soul into hell."[1]
Contents
Controversy
There is controversy regarding the validity of this theory within the Orthodox Church. Many opponents of this theory, which include Archbishop Lazar (Puhalo) of Ottawa, describe it as gnostic.
Reference
- ↑ Death and the Toll House Contraversy by Deacon Andrew Werbiansky
See also
External links
Discussion
- Death and the Toll House Contraversy by Dn. Andrew Werbiansky
- The Debate Over Aerial Toll-Houses Extract from the Minutes of the Session of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside or Russia (1980)
Support
- State of the Soul After Death According to the Teachings of Saint John Damascene by Hieromonk Dionysios
- Life After Death by St. John Maximovitch
- On the Question of the "Toll-Houses": Our War is not Against Flesh and Blood by Fr. Michael Pomazansky
Opposition
- Against the Gnostic Story of the Judging Demons - the "Toll-Houses"
- Two troubling teachings reported by Archbishop Lazar Puhalo
- Regarding the Toll Houses various articles by Archbishop Lazar, Fr. Michael Pomazansky, and others
- Questions and Answers: Archbishop Lazar Puhalo