Christian Beliefs about the Afterlife (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Heaven and Hell in Christianity
Heaven and Hell
Christians believe in Life after Death meaning that although the physical body dies, the soul can live on after death
Christians believe in the Immortality of the Soul and that the body will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement
Christians believe that Jesus was resurrected and that this is an example of what will happen to humans. I believe in…the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen (Apostles’ Creed). John 6:40
Christians believe that God will judge you to decide if you should go to Heaven or Hell.
‘Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life’ (Matthew 25: 46)
Some Christians do not see Heaven or Hell as places but instead as ‘states of mind’
In Heaven you will know God and are happy
In Hell you will not know God and be unhappy
Some Christians do not believe in hell as they do not believe that an omnibenevolent God would send people to hell
Some Christians called Roman Catholics believe in Purgatory a place where sins are punished and Purification takes place before Heaven
Last Judgement
Last Judgement and Resurrection
Many Christians believe that at some point in the future Jesus will return to Earth. This is called the Second Coming. At this point everyone who has died will be resurrected
‘Christ ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all men at the last day’ (39 Articles IV)
‘In Christ all will be made alive’ (1 Corinthians 15: 22)
Some Christians believe that at this point all of humanity will be judged at the Last Judgment
Other Christians (Roman Catholics) believe that judgment will take place as soon as a person dies rather than everyone being judged together on the Day of Judgement
Following Judgment God will decide if you go to Heaven (reward) or Hell (punishment)
‘For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due to us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad’ (2 Corinthians 5: 10)
What Christians believe happens when they die influences the way they live their lives
How Belief in the Afterlife affects Christians
Christians are comforted in the knowledge that this life is not the only life
An afterlife gives Christians meaning and purpose for this life
Belief in a judgment means that Christians try to live their lives according to the bible to be rewarded and not punished at death
Christians will believe in Jesus and try to live their lives like Jesus did
‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die’ (John 11: 25)
Ignoring the needs of others has consequences. If you look after others then you will be rewarded. This is explained in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25: 31-46)
Worked Example
Explain two ways in which belief in hell influences Christians today.
[4 marks]
In this example your answer needs to give two clear reasons are given as to how a Christian belief in hell influences Christians. Both reasons must relate Christian teaching to Christian belief and action
Answer:
Many Christians are influenced by the belief that they will be judged when they die, as in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, and that being sent to hell is a real possibility (1), so they may decide to follow Jesus’ teachings (1).
Some Christians will view hell as being separated from God (1) and will therefore live their lives according to the bible so that they can remain with God in heaven after death (1)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember that not all Christians believe the same things about life after death. Avoid saying All Christians and instead say Some Christians when referring to beliefs that are not universal for all Christians
For example,
Some Christians called Roman Catholics believe in a place called Purgatory
Some Christians do not believe that hell exists
Some Christians believe that judgment will take place at death whereas others believe it will happen at Judgement Day
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