Death and the Afterlife Flashcards
What is the Christian concept of bodily resurrection?
The belief that at the end of time, the dead will be raised and given new, glorified bodies. Based on 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, where Paul describes the resurrection body as “imperishable.”
What is dualism in relation to death and the afterlife?
The belief that humans consist of two separate substances\; body and soul. At death, the soul continues to exist independently of the body.
What is monism in relation to death and the afterlife?
The belief that humans are a single unity of body and soul. Resurrection, therefore, involves the whole person being raised, not just the soul.
What did St. Augustine teach about resurrection?
He believed in the resurrection of the flesh, arguing that the same physical body would be restored, although perfected, as part of God’s final judgment.
What was John Hick’s ‘Replica Theory’?
Hick proposed that in the afterlife, God creates a perfect replica of the individual in a different realm, ensuring both physical continuity and personal identity.
How did Aquinas view the soul?
Aquinas believed the soul is the “form” of the body and survives death, waiting for reunion with the resurrected body at the final judgment.
What is the traditional Christian view of heaven?
A place of eternal union with God, described as a state of perfect joy, peace, and the fulfillment of human purpose.
How is hell traditionally understood in Christian theology?
A place of eternal separation from God, often described as a state of suffering or alienation due to rejection of God.
What is purgatory in Catholic teaching?
A temporary state of purification for souls who have died in a state of grace but still need to be cleansed of venial sins before entering heaven.
What is particular judgment?
The individual judgment of each person immediately after death, determining their eternal destiny (heaven, hell, or purgatory).
What is the Final Judgment in Christian eschatology?
The universal judgment at the end of time, where Christ will judge all people and establish the new heaven and earth.
What is the Parousia?
The Second Coming of Christ, marking the end of the world and the final judgment.
What is the issue of personal identity in resurrection?
The challenge of how the same person can exist after death if their physical body decays. Philosophers like Hick and Swinburne address this by considering the continuity of consciousness or God’s intervention.
What is the problem of hell in relation to God’s justice and love?
The challenge of reconciling eternal punishment with a loving God. Some theologians propose universalism (all will be saved) or annihilationism (the wicked cease to exist).
What is symbolic immortality?
The idea that humans achieve immortality through their legacy, memory, or influence, rather than through literal survival after death.
What is determinism and how does it impact beliefs about the afterlife?
Determinism is the belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by previous causes. This raises questions about moral responsibility in divine judgment.
How does the concept of free will relate to the afterlife?
Many religious traditions emphasise free will, arguing that individuals are responsible for their choices, which determines their afterlife destiny (heaven, hell, or reincarnation).
John 11:25
“The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
Matthew 25:46
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
1 Corinthians 15:42-44
“The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable… it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”
What was John Calvin’s view on the afterlife?
Calvin taught particular judgment, where the soul is judged immediately after death and enters either heaven or hell, awaiting the final resurrection.
What was Karl Barth’s view of the afterlife?
Barth rejected universalism but emphasised God’s grace as central to salvation. He believed in a final reconciliation, though he left room for divine mystery
