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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Christian eschatology: afterlife

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

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Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Christian eschatology: afterlife

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

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. For many Christians, the afterlife consists of heaven and hell; these are known as eschatological beliefs.
  2. There are different interpretations of heaven and hell based on Biblical teachings.
  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 can help guide moral behaviour, provide comfort and influence practices such as funerals.

Keywords

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

  • Heaven - the ultimate end and the resting place of saved souls

  • Hell - the eternal separation from God

  • Sin - an act against the will or law of God

Common misconception

The belief in heaven and hell is only important because it influences 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 guide Christian attitudes towards death and Christian funeral practices.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Christian eschatology: afterlife, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You could extend learning by comparing and contrasting Christian beliefs about the afterlife and their significance with one of either Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, or Sikhism.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Many Christians believe in the resurrection of the after death.
Correct Answer: body, Body
Q2.
The Nicene contains teachings about resurrection and eternal life.
Correct Answer: Creed, creed
Q3.
According to Christian belief, what does resurrection mean?
the return of Jesus alone after death
the idea that people are reincarnated
Correct answer: the belief that both Jesus and humans can be raised from the dead
Q4.
Which Christian text affirms that “the righteous will live forever with the risen Christ”?
The Gospel of Mark
Correct answer: The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Ten Commandments
Q5.
How does the belief in resurrection influence Christian funeral traditions?
Correct answer: It influences prayers, hymns, and burial practices.
It requires all Christians to be buried.
It leads Christians to avoid mourning.
Q6.
What does 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 teach about the resurrection body?
It will be identical to the earthly body.
It will be weaker than the earthly body.
Correct answer: It will be transformed into an imperishable, glorified body.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The Church teaches that purgatory is a place of cleansing before heaven.
Correct Answer: Catholic, catholic
Q2.
In the Parable of the Sheep and the , Jesus describes the final judgement.
Correct Answer: Goats, goats
Q3.
What is one traditional Christian belief about hell?
Correct answer: a place of suffering and punishment
a temporary state before heaven
a place where all people go
Q4.
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church say about hell?
It is a place of physical torment.
It does not exist.
Correct answer: It is self-exclusion from God.
Q5.
Which Christian group rejects the belief in purgatory?
Catholics
Correct answer: Protestants
Orthodox Christians
Q6.
How might belief in heaven influence Christians?
Correct answer: It reassures them of life with God.
It encourages them to ignore death.
It makes them fear judgement more.