Death and the afterlife Flashcards
christian concept of the soul
- people have souls which are capable of surviving death
- reject the idea of bodily rebirth (comparing with plato B&S)
- christians teach that life after death will take form as resurrection, person gives renewed ‘spiritual body’ to continue their journey into the afterlife
What is the ancient Greek view on the afterlife?
Ancient Greeks believed in an underworld called Hades where souls went after death. The quality of afterlife depended on one’s deeds.
How did Plato influence thoughts on the afterlife?
Plato introduced the idea of the immortal soul, which is distinct from the body. He believed the soul returns to the realm of forms after death.
What was Aristotle’s view on the soul and afterlife?
Aristotle saw the soul as the form of the body, without independent existence after death, thus rejecting personal immortality.
How did Christian thought initially develop regarding the afterlife?
Early Christians adopted Jewish concepts of resurrection but integrated Greek ideas of the soul’s immortality, leading to the belief in eternal life in heaven or hell.
What is the core Christian belief about the afterlife?
Christians believe in life after death, where the soul either goes to heaven, hell, or purgatory, based on God’s judgment.
What does the doctrine of resurrection mean in Christianity?
Resurrection refers to the belief that after death, God will raise the dead in a transformed, glorified body.
What role does Jesus’ resurrection play in Christian beliefs about the afterlife?
Jesus’ resurrection is central, demonstrating the possibility of eternal life and providing hope for believers’ own resurrection.
How do Catholics view purgatory?
Catholics believe purgatory is a temporary state where souls are purified before entering heaven.
