[narses]

This was a doctrine purely and simply invented by and exploited by a church that had a monopoly on doctrine and sought to extract as much money from the populous as they could.

Nope. From the Bible:

If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.-- 1 Cor 3:15

And more:

For [human fathers] indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful ... -- Hebrews 12:10-11

[Carl from Marietta]

If you read that verse in context you’ll find it means nothing like what you’re representing that it does.

[Iscool]

If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.-- 1 Cor 3:15

If you change enough of God's words, maybe you can justify bowing to your pope when you see him...

The verse say 'by' fire...Not thru fire...Big difference...