Impact of beliefs about death and the afterlife on the value of human life

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 religions view the world - examining concepts such as stewardship. Finally they will examine how religions speak about the sanctity of life.

Religion and life

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

that helping others is a way of serving Jesus

that eternal life is only for those who never make mistakes

What does the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats teach Christians?

because wealth determines a person’s value

because only religious people matter to God

According to Galatians 3:28, why do all human lives have equal worth?

it makes them ignore suffering, since the afterlife matters more

it encourages them to treat others with kindness and compassion

it teaches that actions in life have no consequences

How does a belief in life after death influence Christian behaviour?

supporting charities, end-of-life care and social justice causes

Which of these is a way that Christians might put their beliefs about the afterlife into action?

they believe that suffering has no purpose

they believe in ending life early to prevent pain

they believe that life has value and that showing compassion is important

human life is valuable because all people reflect God’s nature

suffering has meaning and those who experience it will be comforted

Match each Bible verse to what it teaches Christians about the value of human life.

What event in Christianity provides the strongest evidence for life after death?

it will decay, and the soul will cease to exist

it will be transformed into a spiritual body

What do some Christians believe will happen to their body after death?

Which of these is an argument against life after death?

only people who do good deeds will be saved

What do Christians believe about salvation and life after death?

Christians believe Jesus’ {{}} proves that death is not the end.

Some Christians believe that {{}} is a state of separation from God, rather than a literal place of punishment.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz