a place of eternal happiness and union with God for those who have lived righteously

a state of eternal separation from God for those who have rejected him or lived sinfully

in Catholic belief, a temporary state of purification for souls who are destined for heaven but need to be cleansed of sin first

being raised from the dead; the form that many Christians believe the afterlife will take, referring to either physical or spiritual bodies

Christian beliefs about death and the afterlife

Religious education

In this unit pupils will focus firstly on the relationship between religion and science - looking at ideas of creation. They will examine how Christians and non-religiious people view the world. Finally they will examine how people speak about the sanctity of life.

Issues of life and death

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

According to the Bible, those who believe in {{ }} will receive eternal life.

One of the main reasons Christians believe in life after death is Jesus’ {{ }}, which showed victory over death.

Souls are purified before entering heaven.

In Catholic teaching, what happens in purgatory?

Why do some people question the idea of an afterlife?

They do not believe actions have consequences.

How do Christian beliefs about life after death affect their behaviour?

All Christians believe in heaven and hell as literal places.

It focuses on relieving suffering rather than ending life.

It is only available for religious patients.

How does palliative care differ from euthanasia?

Which Christian belief might lead some to accept euthanasia in certain cases?

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10)

“Faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)

Which Christian teaching suggests suffering can have a purpose?

A living {{ }} is a legal document stating a person’s medical treatment preferences in case they cannot make decisions.

Some Christians fear legalising euthanasia could lead to a slippery {{ }}, where it becomes easier to justify ending lives in more cases.

The Catholic Church opposes euthanasia but allows pain relief that may shorten life. This is called the principle of {{ }} effect.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz