what follows the physical life on earth; life after death

at the end of time, each person will be judged by God and rewarded or punished

the belief that God will decide whether each person should receive eternal life or eternal punishment based on their earthly life

The afterlife: judgement

Religious education

In this unit pupils will begin their study of Christianity by examining some of the key beliefs of this worldview. They will focus on concepts of God, Trinity, Creation and the story and role of Jesus as incarnation and means of salvation.

Christianity: Beliefs and teachings

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats is often used to support belief in the Day of ...

Only those who are perfect will go to heaven.

People judge themselves based on their own actions.

God decides who enters heaven and who goes to hell.

Which belief do most Christians hold about judgement?

Which parable is often used to support belief in individual judgement?

because they love God and have faith in Jesus, though judgement is a factor

because they believe they can avoid all suffering in life

Which of the following best describes Christian beliefs about why people follow Jesus’ teachings?

because it confirms that God is fair and just

because it allows people to choose their own fate after death

because it guarantees everyone will go to heaven

Why do Christians believe that God’s judgement is important?

It encourages them to follow Jesus’ teachings and do good deeds.

It means they do not believe in free will.

Which of the following best describes the influence of belief in judgement on Christians?

Some Christians believe that {{}} is not a physical place, but a state where people experience eternal joy with God.

Hell is a physical place of suffering and punishment.

Hell is temporary, and all souls eventually go to heaven.

Hell does not exist; it is just a metaphor.

What is a traditional Christian belief about hell?

It has no impact on their actions in life.

It makes them believe that actions on earth do not matter.

It encourages them to live according to Jesus’ teachings.

How might belief in heaven and hell influence a Christian’s behaviour?

Only those who believe in Jesus will go to heaven.

People who live good lives may enter heaven, even if they are not Christian.

Everyone will go to heaven, no matter what they believe.

Which of the following best describes an inclusivist view of heaven?

Hell is a place of eternal fire and torment.

Hell is a state of self-exclusion from God.

Hell is a place where souls wait before going to heaven.

Which of the following is a contemporary belief about hell?

Christians pray for the dead and find comfort in God’s love.

Christians do not believe in funerals, as only God decides the afterlife.

Christians avoid mentioning heaven or hell at funerals.

What is one way Christian funeral practices reflect beliefs about the afterlife?

Starter Quiz