Life After Death

Question 1

Why do Christians believe in life after death?

Answer 1

• The resurrection of Jesus for Christians proves that there is life after death.
• Jesus tells Christians they will be brought back to life in John 11:25.
• St Paul said “I believe in the resurrection of the body and everlasting life.”

Question 2

How do these beliefs affect the way Christians live their lives?

Answer 2

Christians want to lead a good life as they believe when they are resurrected, they will be judged by God (Judgement Day).

Question 3

Why do Muslims believe in life after death?

Answer 3

• The Quran and Muhammed state that it exists.
• It is one of the ‘6 Fundamental beliefs’ of Islam
• Life is a test reward/punishment can only come in the next life

Question 4

How do these beliefs affect the way Muslim live their lives?

Answer 4

• To get to heaven they will lead a good life – following the 5 Pillars is a way to do this – also following Shari’ah law.
• All this gives meaning and purpose to their life and so they would be less likely to commit suicide.

Question 5

Non-Religious Reasons for belief in life after death

Answer 5

• Near-death experiences- people who have had these say that they were travelling through a tunnel or toward a light
• Reincarnation – people claim they can remember previous lives

Question 6

What is the case against life after death?

Answer 6

• Scientific evidence shows that when the body dies, everything decays.
• No one has returned from the dead to tell us.
• The end of life means exactly that, it is illogical to speak about life after death.
• Life-support machines prove the brain dies before the body