Impact of beliefs about death and the afterlife on the value of human life
I can explain how Christian belief in life after death influences views on the value of human life.
Impact of beliefs about death and the afterlife on the value of human life
I can explain how Christian belief in life after death influences views on the value of human life.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Christians believe life is a gift from God, created with eternal purpose, leading to an afterlife (Genesis 1:27).
- Christians believe earthly actions affect their eternal destination (Romans 14:10).
- Christians believe that Jesus' sacrifice offers salvation to all, so every human life has equal worth (Galatians 3:28).
- Suffering in this life can lead to spiritual growth and preparation for eternal life (2 Corinthians 4:17).
- Belief in life after death leads Christians to support hospice care and the CMF’s focus on preserving the value of life.
Keywords
Afterlife - what follows the physical life on earth; life after death
Compassion - the feeling of caring for someone’s suffering and wanting to help alleviate it
Eternal - lasting forever, without end
Purpose - the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists
Common misconception
Christians believe life on earth is unimportant because the afterlife is what truly matters.
While Christians believe in an afterlife, they still see life on earth as valuable. It is God-given and is an opportunity to do good (Matthew 25:40). Their actions in this life have eternal consequences.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Impact of beliefs about death and the afterlife on the value of human life, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Impact of beliefs about death and the afterlife on the value of human life, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion and life unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
human life is valuable because all people reflect God’s nature
suffering has meaning and those who experience it will be comforted
helping others is a way of serving Jesus