what follows the physical life on earth; life after death

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

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

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

Beliefs about the afterlife: heaven and hell

Religious education

In this unit pupils will begin their study of Christianity by examining some of the key beliedfs 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

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Heaven is a physical place where God resides.

Heaven is only a symbolic idea, not a real place.

Only people who never sinned can enter heaven.

Which of the following is a traditional Christian belief about heaven?

Hell is a literal place of fire and punishment.

Hell is temporary, and everyone eventually goes to heaven.

What is a contemporary Christian belief about hell?

{{ }} is a temporary place that many Catholics believe souls will be cleansed before entering heaven.

It encourages Christians to follow Jesus’ teachings.

It makes Christians fearful of God’s judgment.

It has no influence on how Christians behave.

How does belief in heaven and hell influence Christian moral behaviour?

Only those who believe in Jesus will enter 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?

They believe funerals are unnecessary because only actions in life matter.

They focus only on mourning, as there is no hope after death.

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

They avoid funerals, as they believe death is the end.

How might belief in heaven and hell influence Christian funeral practices?

It will be exactly the same as the earthly body.

It will only exist in a spiritual sense, not physically.

What does 1 Corinthians 15 teach about the nature of the resurrection body?

Which Christian teaching affirms belief in the resurrection of the body?

It is evidence of life after death and salvation.

It marks the beginning of Christian teachings.

Why do many Christians believe Jesus’ resurrection is central to their faith?

It encourages them to follow Jesus’ teachings.

It means they no longer need to obey religious laws.

It leads them to focus only on the afterlife, not the present life.

How does belief in resurrection influence Christian actions?

The body and soul will reunite at the final judgment.

Only the soul continues after death, not the body.

Resurrection is only symbolic, not a real event.

Which of the following best describes Catholic beliefs about resurrection?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Beliefs about the afterlife: heaven and hell

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.