GCSE RS Unit 3.2 Catholic Beliefs on Life After Death

Question 1

What do Catholics believe?

Answer 1

1. The immortality of the soul
2. Judgement, Heaven and Hell
3. Salvation and Forgiveness of Sins
4. The Resurrection of the Body
5. The existence of Purgatory

Question 2

What is the Immortality of the Soul?

Answer 2

The Spiritual part lives forever when someone dies

Question 3

What is the Judgement, Heaven and Hell?

Answer 3

At death they face a particular judgement and go to:

i. heaven - a place of perfection with God
ii. hell - a place of separation from God

Question 4

What is the Salvation and Forgiveness of Sins?

Answer 4

a. Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God” - no one can be perfect
b. However, by dying, Jesus opened the way to heaven and offered forgiveness to all
c. Mark 16:16 “whoever believes and is baptised will be saved”
d. Those who deliberately reject God will spend an eternity separated from Him

1. Repent 2. Believe 3. Be Baptised

Question 5

What is the Resurrection of the Body?

Answer 5

a. At the second coming of Christ, God will create a new heaven and a new Earth
b. All the living and the dead will receive a new “spiritual body” - 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

Question 6

What is the Existence of Purgatory?

Answer 6

a. To do with the idea of purging and purifying from sin
b. Revelation 21:27 “Nothing impure can enter heaven”
c. Purgatory is a process of purification through which the saved must pass on their way to heaven

Question 7

Why do Catholics have these beliefs?

Answer 7

1. The Resurrection of Jesus - if there was no Resurrection, then there will be no belief
   > 1 Corinthians 15:17 “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins”
2. The Bible (the new testament) keeps on referring to the existence of life after death
   > Regular themes of Jesus’ teachings are heaven
3. The Apostolic Tradition
   > The Apostles Creed state” I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting”

Question 8

How does Catholic beliefs of Life after Death affect their lives?

Answer 8

1. Encourages them to keep the faith through perseverance
2. Gives them hope, as death is not the end of life
3. Encourages them to love God, by showing devotion
4. It reminds them to be humble, since all have sinned
5. It puts life in perspective, not having a short-term view (care about wealth and possession)
6. Makes them evangelise to share the good news