MY EXPERIENCE WITH A PROTESTANT ON THE ISSUE OF "PURGATORY".

One of the things I enjoy doing (when the need calls for it) is to engage myself in an intelligent argument regardless of the topic being discussed. I believe that arguments improves our learning if both parties involved are open to listen to each other.
Sometime last week, one of my colleague at the office (a Lady and an ardent member of Redeemed Christian Fellowship) tried engaging me in a religious argument on the topic 'PURGATORY' and its relation in the Sacred scriptures. At first, I resisted the urge to argue since I sensed she wanted to make a mockery of the topic but then with her persistent urge to learn (though not with an open mind), I accepted the challenge.
I tried my best to make her understand the basics and what the term Purgatory implies before we look into the Sacred scriptures. At a point, the argument was not yielding fruits (since she was not ready to listen to my points), I simply told her that I will forward some articles written by me, learned Catholic clergies and seminarians etc to help her in understanding the term purgatory.

Today, I was on my own, she came seeking to know more on the issue of Purgatory. This time around, I took my time to make her understand the basic fact that 'Purgatory' as the name implies is a temporary place of purification and according to the teachings of the Catholic church, it does exist. I explained to her circumstances that can lead one to Purgatory. I did my best to teach her but then HER MIND WAS MADE UP. In fact, she made a mockery of whatever I said. Her baseline was that 'It is appointed unto man death, after that comes Judgement'. I equally understand this fact but then the Catholic faith teaches us that Purgatory does exist. I stated it categorically to her that Heaven and Hell does exist so as Purgatory whether she believes or not. After all, her personal opinions does not change the veracity of the topic being discussed.
At the end, it occurred to me that she engaged me in the argument to ridicule the Catholic faith because for her 'CATHOLICS ARE IN DARKNESS' and only the 'HOLY SPIRIT CAN REVEAL THE TRUTHS TO US'. Mehn, I laughed out loud when she made the statement. I was like, between me and you, who needs the Holy Spirit more? Between the both of us, who is in darkness? I simply had to let her be with her own beliefs since she wasn't ready to listen despite the fact that I did all within my power to enlighten her.
I made her understand that in arguments, you don't mock your opponents view rather you counter their points with facts which she failed to do despite the fact that I respect everybody's religious belief.
Well, I believe I did my best and I hope she reflects on what I told her. In all, we serve the same God but in different ways and beliefs.