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New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Eschatalogical beliefs, heaven and hell

I can explain Christian beliefs about heaven and hell, and the importance and influence of these beliefs.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Eschatalogical beliefs, heaven and hell

I can explain Christian beliefs about heaven and hell, and the importance and influence of these beliefs.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Eschatology refers to final things; this includes death and the final destiny of the soul.
  2. For many Christians, heaven and hell are part of the afterlife.
  3. Traditional beliefs about heaven and hell include that they are physical places a person goes based on God's judgement.
  4. Contemporary beliefs about heaven and hell include that they are spiritual states, and hell is a separation from God.
  5. The belief in heaven and hell are important because they help guide behaviour, provide comfort and influence practices.

Keywords

  • Afterlife - what follows the physical life on earth; life after death

  • Eschatology - relating to final things; death, judgement, and the final destiny of the soul or humankind

  • Heaven - belief that after death Christians can enter a state of being with God for eternity

  • Hell - belief in a place of eternal suffering, or a state after death of being in separation from God

  • Sin - behaviour which is against God's laws and wishes/against Christian principles of morality

Common misconception

The belief in heaven and hell are only important because they help Christians to behave well.

The belief in heaven and hell can guide a Christian's moral behaviour; however, the belief is also important because it can influence Christian attitudes towards death and Christian funeral practices.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Eschatalogical beliefs, heaven and hell, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may wish to share the following passages with students to support slide 7: John 11:25-26, John 14:2-7.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Many Christians believe that humans can choose whether or not to follow God’s laws; this is known as will.
Correct Answer: free, Free
Q2.
In Christianity, refers to the unconditional and generous love that God shows to people who do not deserve it.
Correct Answer: grace, Grace
Q3.
Why do many Christians believe salvation is necessary?
because it ensures a perfect life on earth
because it removes free will
Correct answer: because sin separates humans from God
Q4.
What is one way Christians believe the Holy Spirit helps people?
Correct answer: by guiding them towards God
by forcing them to follow religious laws
by making sure they never sin
Q5.
How do some Christians believe salvation can be achieved?
only through faith in Jesus
Correct answer: through grace, Jesus, biblical law and the Holy Spirit
by doing good deeds alone
Q6.
What event in Acts 2 showed the Holy Spirit’s power?
Correct answer: The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke in different languages.
Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan.
The Ten Commandments were given to Moses.

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a contemporary Christian belief about heaven?
Correct answer: Heaven is a spiritual state of being in the presence of God.
Heaven is a physical city with golden streets.
Only those who never sinned can enter heaven.
Q2.
Which statement best describes an exclusivist view of heaven?
Everyone will go to heaven, no matter what they believe.
Correct answer: Only those who believe in Jesus will go to heaven.
People who live good lives may enter heaven, even if they are not Christian.
Q3.
Which of the following best describes the Catholic belief in purgatory?
a permanent place of suffering for sinners
Correct answer: a temporary place where souls are cleansed before entering heaven
a waiting area where souls decide if they want to go to heaven
Q4.
Which of the following best describes a pluralist view of heaven?
Only those who follow Christian teachings will go to heaven.
Correct answer: People of all beliefs and ways of life can reach heaven.
Heaven is only for people who live perfect, sin free lives.
Q5.
What is one way belief in heaven and hell influences Christian funeral practices?
Correct answer: Christians may pray for the dead and take comfort in the idea of eternal life.
Christians do not believe in funerals, as only God decides the afterlife.
Christians avoid discussing the afterlife at funerals.
Q6.
Some Christians believe that hell is not a physical place of suffering, but rather a state of from God.
Correct Answer: separation, Separation