Life After Death

Question 1

Why do Catholics believe in life after death?

Answer 1

1. Jesus rose from the dead
2. The Bible says there is life after death e.g. Parable of the rich man and Lazarus and the parable of the sheep and the goats
3. The churches teach that there is life after death
4. The Creed says there is life after death
5. There is the possibility of life after death as reports of near-death experiences and the paranormal suggests

Question 2

What is the soul?

Answer 2

A soul is what’s inside a human and a soul can’t be seen. It’s non-physical and linked between humans and God and it’s immortal

Question 3

What beliefs are we taught about the soul?

Answer 3

1. Old Testament - genesis - humans like animals until God breathed into Adams nostrils and gave life
2. Plato - Greek and Roman philosophers - had idea of souls separate from body and do not die when the body dies
3. New Testament - St. Paul taught body and soul often in conflict. Soul lives on forever - resurrection was proof of life after bodily death.
   “If there is a natural body there is also a spiritual body” 1 Corinthians 15.42-44

Question 4

What do Catholics believe about judgment?

Answer 4

The catechism states there are 2 judgments

1. Particular judgment immediately upon death
2. General or final judgment at time of second coming when Jesus will return in glory and bring age of time and space to an end

Nicene Creed says Jesus will come again to judge living and dead
This is the final judgment by Jesus

Parable of sheep and goats Mt25:41 teaches Jesus will return and judge people and their behaviour those who look after the hungry and needy will be sent to heaven (sheep) the rest go to hell (goats)

Parable of rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19. The rich man goes to hell because he ignored Lazarus who needed help. We will be judged on our behaviour.

Question 5

What do Catholics believe about hell?

Answer 5

Traditional view is underground full of fire and eternal torment run by devil - resting place of evil sinners.
Threats of fiery hell scared people into following church.

Modern view - poetic description of eternity with out god rather than A real place. There is no “lake of fire” as in Revelations.
Christians believe in a forgiving God.

Question 6

What do Catholics believe about heaven?

Answer 6

The Soul is raised from the dead and goes on to eternal life with god after bodily death - an existence where evil and suffering no longer exist
Traditional view is of paradise with clouds, pearly gates and angels with harps
Heaven is nothing like we live on earth so we cannot describe it
It is a place of peace and love
“There will be no more death, mourning, crying and pain”

Question 7

What do Christians believe about purgatory?

Answer 7

A state after death when people are not ready to go straight to heaven
Soul stays in purgatory until free from sin
Catholics pray for souls of those who died in the hope they won’t spend too long in purgatory
State of existence until sent to heaven - not to hell - when
Purified of sin - cleansing
Mary immaculate conception meant she went straight to heaven