GCSE RS Unit 3.2 Different Beliefs on Life After Death

Question 1

What are the Catholic beliefs about life after death?

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 are the non-religious reasons to believe in life after death?

Answer 2

1. Near Death Experiences (NDE)
> 10-20% of people who have an NDE have a conscious
i. "out-of-body experience"
ii. "towards the Bright Light"
iii. "meeting Loved Ones who are dead"
iv. "point of no return"

2. Evidence of the Spirit world (Paranormal) (e.g. ghosts, spirits)
   > Mediums - claim to communicate with the dead
3. Evidence of re-incarnation

Question 3

What are some reasons to not believe in life after death?

Answer 3

1. Lack of Evidence
   > What they mean is - evidence that is offered is not convincing
2. Belief in Materialism
   > Nothing more than the physical world
   > No spiritual world or place
   > When your body dies, you are dead
3. Atheism
   > Christians tend to believe in life after death
   > Atheists believe the opposite - so can’t have life after death
   > They also usually believe in Lack of Evidence + Belief in Materialism