Beliefs about life after death (Judaism) Flashcards
Death
Eventually all our bodies finish, but our souls go onto heaven and we wait for body and soul to be reunited Death is a new phase, eternal life. St Therese said, 'I am not dying, am entering life!
Judgement
After death we are judged. This is the moment of truth when we can no longer hide, we accept responsibility for our actions. Catholics believe that Jesus died to save our sins, so our judgement can be merciful
Heaven
Heaven is a place of eternal happiness, where God removes all cares and worries, It is for those who lived by God's guidance, God wants all of us in heaven, we have free will to choose.
Hell
Hell is the place for those who reject God and live eternally without Him. God doesn't send people to hell, we do ourselves, They live with the eternal knowledge and awareness of what they threw away.
Beliefs about Life After Death
Catholic believe body and soul will go to heaven. Other Christians only believe that the soul will resurrect, not the body too. Catholics believe all people can go to heaven, regardless of belief, other Christian’s think you have to be Christian to get to heaven.
What is Purgatory
A state of hope too as we know heaven awaits and people pray for us
A state of pain because our sins are removed and we are not in the full prescense of God
Why is Life after Death important for Catholics?
It gives us hope for something better when we die. We pray for this, e.g. ‘we look forward to the Resurrection of the Dead’, Our Father prayer.
It proves that everything written in the Scriptures is correct and that the bible is the true word of God. E.g. when Thomas touched Jesus Resurrected body.
Life after death gives us a purpose for our lives, if we live as Jesus taught us, we would be rewarded in heaven.
Death marks the end of one’s earthly pilgrimage and a return to God our Father in heaven, a coming home.
What do Jewish teachings suggest
Jewish teaching suggests there will be a return to God. Whether it is being with God or being apart of Him, it is unclear. Rabbi Maimondies believed in a revival of the dead.
What does Torah suggest about life after death
Torah suggests a reunion with those who have died. Genesis described that Jacob gathered his people when he died.
What do Jews Believe about resurrection
The Book of Daniel suggests this is possible. Others are unsure and focus on living a good life now following teachings of Rabbi’s such as Benjamin Blech.
What is Gan Eden
Gan Eden is reward for good people to go after they have died. It is unclear if this is a place for souls to go or part of the Messianic Age. Rabbi Maimondiess ays ‘All holy nations will be rewarded’.
What is Gehinnom
Gehinnom is a place of punishment for unrighteous souls ,e.g. people who neglected the Torah. When cleansed you can go to Gan Eden.
