a place of eternal happiness and union with God for those who have lived righteously

a state of eternal separation from God for those who have rejected him or lived sinfully

in Catholic belief, a temporary state of purification for souls who are destined for heaven but need to be cleansed of sin first

being raised from the dead; the form that many Christians believe the afterlife will take, referring to either physical or spiritual bodies

Beliefs about death and the afterlife

Religious education

Religious teachings about the origin of the universe

The value of the world and stewardship

The use and abuse of the environment

The use of animals for food

Different religious views about animal experimentation

Religious teachings about the origins of life

The relationship between religious and scientific views on the origin of life

Sanctity of life

Quality of life

Ethical arguments related to abortion

Different religious views about abortion

Euthanasia

Different religious views about euthanasia

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

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 a person is reincarnated into a new body

that the body and soul are transformed after death

What does 'resurrection' mean in Christian belief?

because all religions believe in an afterlife

because Jesus’ resurrection shows victory over death

Why do Christians believe in life after death?

it gives them hope that death is not the end

it proves that everyone will go to heaven

it means they will never experience suffering

How does the belief in a life after death provide comfort to Christians?

they believe that heaven is simply the state of being in God’s presence

the Bible does not mention heaven or hell

Why do some Christians see heaven and hell as symbolic rather than literal places?

In Catholic teaching, {{}} is a temporary state where souls are purified before entering heaven.

One argument against life after death is that some accounts of paranormal experiences may be {{}}.

they believe life is a sacred gift from God

they think personal choice is more important than religious teachings

Why do some religious believers oppose euthanasia?

a person’s ability to make decisions about their death

how much pain and suffering a person is experiencing

the level of financial support available for end-of-life care

What does the term 'quality of life' mean in discussions about euthanasia?

a doctor administering a lethal dose of medication

a patient refusing life-sustaining treatment

According to UK law, which of the following is legal?

it could put vulnerable people at risk of pressure

Which of these is an argument against euthanasia?

respecting a person’s right to make their own choices

the belief that life is sacred and should not be ended by human choice

providing relief from pain without hastening death

One argument for euthanasia is that it can end unnecessary {{}}.

Beliefs about death and the afterlife

Lesson outcome

Content guidance