A cessation of bodily life, caused by the separation of the soul from the body (bodily or physical death). Death is, in general, universal (Hebrews 9; Romans 5). As to the debt (debitum mortis) it extends to all defiled by sin, therefore to all except the God-man and the Immacmate Virgin; as to the fact (factum mortis), it certainly extends to all except those who will be living at the second coming of Christ. Concerning these latter, theologians are not agreed (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4). Death is a punishment for sin. "By one man sin entered into this world, and by sin death" (Romans 5), and though the character of punishment is wiped away in Baptism, death itself remains as an effect of sin (prenalitas). Death marks the end of time for merit and demerit (Luke 23; Council of Florence, "Decretum pro Grrecis"). Besides bodily death there is spiritual death, i.e.,a privation of sanctifying grace; and eternal death, i.e.,damnation, called also "second' death" (Apocalypse 2; 20; 21). Christ by His atonement took away the second death, eternal damnation, but not physical death.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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