Death & The Afterlife - OCR A Level Religious Studies - DCT

What did Origen say about hell?

A spiritual state where "each sinner kindles his fire".

What did Gregory of Nyssa say about hell?

The judgement and torture comes from the soul's guilty conscience when placed in front of Christ.

What is the traditional view of hell?

Final judgement is universal and punishment is eternal, both physically and spiritually.

How do some say Hell can be justified as it illustrates God's love and justice?

It shows the necessity of belief in Christ and repentance - if sin were to go unpunished, God's goodness could be questioned. Hell is needed for this justice and to give value to God's goodness.

What did Dante say hell was?

- Utterly dysfunctional in all physical, mental and spiritual ways.

- Hell was 'harrowed' at Jesus' death when an earthquake awakened the dead.

- Antithetical to heaven.

What was the Harrowing of Hell in Dante's Divine Comedy?

Christ descended to hell before his death and freed the righteous from limbo who lived before his incarnation.

What quotes did Dante use to describe hell?

"Through me the way to eternal pain", "Abandon all hope ye who enter".

What were the 9 Aristotelian-inspired circles corresponding to sins that Dante used to describe hell?

- Limbo

- Lust

- Gluttony

- Greed

- Anger

- Heresy

- Violence

- Fraud

- Treachery.

Give examples in Dante's 9 circles about how the sin fits the punishment.

Limbo - The souls of pagans and the unbaptised wander caves in desperation.

Greed - Consumed in a pot of molten gold.

Treachery - Worst sinners where Satan is imprisoned in ice. For those who betray and exercise most heinous misuse of reason.

What were Dante's intentions?

- Make us think about consequences of sin.

- Emphasise lack of escape/redemption due to alienation.

- Not meant to be literal but not fully symbolic either.

What are the four major Christian views of hell?

- Eternal, conscious, physical and spiritual torment (Traditional).

- Eternal, conscious spiritual torment (Metaphorical).

- Eternal separation from God (Focus on relational consequence over mechanics).

- Conditional immortality (leaving existence after punishment).

What is Matthew 25:46 and how does it link to hell?

"Then they will go to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life".

- Hell is conscious and everlasting like heaven. Judgement is final.

- Hell as eternal conscious physical & spiritual.

Revelation 20:14

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

What is 2 Thessalonians 1:9 and how does it link to hell?

"They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord".

- Hell as eternal separation from God and all of his goodness.

What is Matthew 25:41 and how does it link to hell?

"Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels".

- Hell is eternal for those who reject God.

- Hell as eternal conscious physical & spiritual.

What is Matthew 10:28 and how does it link to hell?

"Fear not them who can kill the body but not soul. Be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell".

- God alone has authority, He should be feared.

- Hell is not just physical but also of the soul.

- Hell as eternal conscious and spiritual.

What is Ezekiel 18:20 and how does it link to hell?

"The one who sins is the one who will die...The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them."

- Each person is accountable individually to God and judged on their own sins.

- Eternal judgement is based on our personal choices.

- Hell as eternal separation from God.

When may existentialists argue hell-type language is justifiable?

If traditional metaphors of 'above' and 'below' are reinterpreted psychologically and spiritually to describe alienation.

What is Tillich's view on hell?

- If God reconciles all to him out of love, it would be contradictory and immoral to exclude some of his creatures.

- "Heaven and hell must be taken seriously as metaphors for polar ultimates in experience of divine".

- Hell maintains psychological significance as life alienated from God.

How can hell be seen for those who commit mortal sins?

- Everlasting for those who commit mortal sins.

- To die in mortal sin without repentance and accepting God's merciful love is to remain forever separated from Him.

What is mortal vs venial sin?

Mortal - Sin which is deliberately against morality and God's law.

Venial - Errors of judgement which can be repented easier.

How do Catholics view hell as caused by ourselves?

- Hell is self-exclusion, as a result of free choice of humans instead of God's active choice.

- Hell is not merely an idea, it exists eternally as separation from God.

- The notion of hell is for us to use our freedom wisely for good. This links to mission in converting non-believers.

- Hell is reserved for those who persistently reject God until judgement.

How do some conservative vs liberal protestants view hell?

Conservatives:

- As eternal torment. Some view literally, debate over whether unreached/unevangelised people go to hell.

Liberals:

- Some see hell as purely metaphorical, some like Hick say that any punishment is temporary and God's love ultimately saves all.

How does Hume criticise hell?

"Heaven and hell suppose two distinct species of men, the good and the bad. But the greatest part of mankind float betwixt vice and virtue".

- Hell calls God's justice into question.

- Finite sin can never deserve eternal punishment.

- Thus, hell seems unjust and immoral.

Summarise Pastor Rob Bell's views in Love Wins.

- Questioned traditional evangelical views on heaven/hell.

- Proposed universalist view instead of hell if no faith in Jesus.

- Sparked controversy among evangelicals, some said it was heretical.

Why so some criticise universalism?

- Undermines core evangelical doctrines, diminishes role of Jesus and the Church.

What is the concept of purgatory?

- A Catholic concept.

- Not followed by all Catholics.

- State of cleansing before entering heaven.

- You realise true nature of your sins and feel unworthy of God's love.

How does Revelation 21:27 indicate purgatory?

"Nothing unclean will enter the presence of God"

What type of place/state is purgatory?

An interim state after death where the soul is 'purged' (made clean/purified) before the person is ready to enter heaven.

What does the Catechism say about purgatory?

'All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.'

What did Ambrose consider purgatory to be?

A place where souls wait for judgement and have a foretaste of what is in store for them - either in heaven or hell.

What did Origen argue purgatory was like?

A probationary school when the soul is given the opportunity over many worlds of experience to develop and perfect itself.

What is apokatastasis?

The view that ultimately all souls, including the damned, will be reconciled with God - all will be restored to its perfect state.

What did Gregory of Nyssa view the purpose of purgatory as?

Similar to Origen - a purifying purpose so both wicket and good can be cleansed of sin and enter heaven. God completes his purpose to redeem and restore all of creation.

What is said in Matthew 12:30-32 that Pope Gregory links to purgatory?

"Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come."

- Pope Gregory said this links to forgiveness being possible in an 'age to come' after death.

- Thus, there must be an intermediate state to rid people of sin.

What do Catholics see punishment in purgatory as in nature?

Punishment with an end goal, that is more painful than anything possible on earth.

How do Catholics link prayer to purgatory?

Prayers of the living can contribute to cleansing, helping the dead soul to get through purgatory and reach the final destination.

How do some Catholics believe purging sin can start in this life?

Through confessions, repentance and putting right the things they have done wrong e.g. generosity.

Why do Catholics believe some souls cannot warrant heaven immediately even if they haven't done much wrong?

May not be in a sufficient state of grace and thus need cleansing.

How did Rahner develop purgatory?

A state where the soul becomes aware of the consequences of sin before judgement. The pain is more a self-inflicted pain of recognising your wrongdoings.

How do Protestants reject purgatory?

It is not a biblical concept and does not support Jesus' death and salvation it brought.

How may purgatory be problematic?

- Undermines the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and introduces salvation through works instead of faith.

- Raises questions over God's justice; why would those who accept Christ need further suffering to purify?

What is soteriology?

The religious doctrine of salvation.

What is election?

An act of God before creation in which he chooses some people to be saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of his sovereign good pleasure.

What is limited election?

God chooses only a small number to be saved (the elect).

What is unlimited election?

The view that all people are called to salvation but only a few will be saved.

What is universalism in election?

Everyone will be saved.

What did Pelagianism teach?

Pelagianism denied original sin and the need for grace in man's salvation. People could earn a place in heaven as born with blank slate.

What did Augustine teach about salvation?

People are reliant on the grace of God due to original sin.

What views did Augustine originally have then what did he move towards in relation to salvation?

- Originally believed people were predestined because of God's omniscience/foreknowledge of our actions.

- Moved towards view God chose those who were 'elect' as a sign of his grace and love.

What did Calvin believe in relation to predestination?

Double-predestination - God chooses those who are saved and those who are doomed to hell.

What is the Calvinist-Arminian debate?

Arminians - All humans have total free will.

Luther - Sin clouded our mind and so our free will was restricted, grace necessary to turn to God.

Calvin - We are totally predestined.

What Bible passage supports Calvin's view of total predestination?

Ephesians 1:4 - "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."

What time were Calvin and Arminius around?

Jacob Arminius - 1560-1609

John Calvin - 1509-1564.

What is five-point Calvinism?

- Total depravity

- Unconditional election

- Limited atonement

- Irresistible grace

- Perseverance of the saints.

What did Barth believe on election?

- Unlimited Election, Salvation is possible for all because of Christ.

- Combined election with the idea a loving God would not choose only a few.

- Christ is the only elected individual, through him all can have eternal life.

- Jesus is both the electing God and elected man in One.

How does John 3:16-17 link to Barth's view on election?

"For God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son."

- This suggests Jesus was sent with all able to be saved.

"Whoever believes in him will have eternal life"

- This indicates salvation is open to all, not only a few.

"God [sent his Son] to save the world through him"

- This supports the view of Jesus as the elected one.

How does 1 John 2:2 link to Barth's view on election?

"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

- Christ's atonement is for all people, not just a pre-selected group.

How does 1 Timothy 2:3-6 link to Barth's view on election?

"God our saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth"

- Salvation is available to all, not a select few.

"One mediator between God and mankind"

- Supports Barth's view of Jesus as the sole elected one. Election not selective but inclusive in Christ.

"who gave himself as a ransom for all people"

- Jesus gave himself to save everyone, not a select group.

What did Hick believe in terms of salvation & election?

- Universalism, God will save all people, giving them an opportunity in the afterlife to develop their faith and make decisions towards God.

- A loving God would not reject people of other faiths.

Which explored scholars follow limited election, unlimited election and universalism?

Limited - Augustine & Calvin

Unlimited - Barth

Universalism - Hick.

Why did Hick reject limited election?

- It is inconsistent with a loving and just God to predestine only some.

- Salvation is available through many religions, not just Christianity.

- Limited election sees immoral, God wouldn't eternally damn those with no opportunity for salvation.

How may Ephesians 1:10 support Hick's view of universalism?

"To bring unity to all things in heaven and earth under Christ" seems to indicate a universal reconciliation, suggesting all will eventually be brought back to Christ.

How does Ephesians 1:3-12 support Barth's view of election?

The repeated use of "in Christ" indicates that election is centred around Christ and thus all are elect through Him. "He chose us in Him before creation" indicates humanity as corporate, thus supporting the 'Unlimited Election' view that we can all reach salvation through Christ.

What does Barth believe about grace sustaining faith?

- God's grace through revelation lets us have faith.

- Grace through revelation is the ongoing support of faith through Christ.

- Faith is our 'yes 'to God's 'yes' in Christ. Faith is a response enabled by grace, NOT a kind of merit.

- Faith is participating in Christ's own faith and his unique position as the sole elector and elected one.

What is the distinction between Barthian election and Calvinist election?

Barth says election is an act of grace from God centred in Christ, not an act of division that splits us into a group going to heaven and a group going to hell.

Where in the bible is Sheep & Goats?

Matthew 25:31-46.

In Matthew 25:31-46, what happens?

- Jesus will sit on his throne and separate the righteous from the non-righteous.

- The righteous ones e.g. giving shelter, food, water to Jesus, will get eternal life.

- The non-righteous ones e.g. those who did not look out for others will get 'eternal fire' with the devil.

- What the good did for others, they did for Jesus. What the others didn't do for fellow humans, they didn't do for Jesus.

What are two interpretations of the 'eternal fire' discussed in Matthew 25:31-46?

Literal - Conscious physical torment of hell.

Metaphorical - Spiritual separation from God and pain of not participating in his kingdom.

How can sheep and goats be seen from an inclusivist perspective?

- Does not explicitly state those who got eternal life were those who believed in the Christian God, rather it was those who looked out for others.

- This suggests that salvation could be available for all, even non-Christians, providing they followed the example of looking out for and being selfless to others.

How could someone like Hick interpret Matthew 25:31-46?

Symbolic of moral growth and the spiritual consequences of not following God's ways. Hick may say this is temporary and ultimately all can reach salvation.

What is Annihilationism?

The belief that those who go to hell do not spend eternity there but are annihilated into non-existence.

How may Annihilationism be supported?

- In Matthew 10:27 Jesus said "fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna".

- In sheep and goats, Jesus said the sinful depart into eternal fire, not that they will be there forever.

- Hell might be eternal but that does not mean our souls will be in hell forever.

How may Annihilationism be discredited?

- Specified 'eternal punishment' in Matthew 25:31-46. Non-existence is not eternal punishment.

- 'Destroy' in Matthew 10 doesn't necessarily mean annihilate - it means the form and function of the body and soul in the image and likeness of God.

Why does Matthew 25:31-46 seem to discredit purgatory?

The people are split into the good (sheep) and bad (goats). There is no middle ground for in between where souls need to be 'cleansed'.

How does Ecclesiastes oppose purgatory?

Ecclesiastes 9:5 says "For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing.". How can the dead pay off their sins in purgatory if they know nothing?

How does Timothy oppose purgatory?

2 Timothy 4:1 says "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom".

Judgement is at the end of time, so purgatory doesn't make sense if people can't have debt for their sins before judgement.

How does purgatory seem a moral solution for some?

It seems unjust for someone to be condemned to hell for a minor venial (pardonable) sin. A place like purgatory for these to be purged seems a moral and just solution.

How did Luther claim purgatory was invented by Catholics?

To cover up for selling indulgences for sin - if you gave the Church money, the priests would pay for your recently dead relative to get out of purgatory faster.

How can Hick's argument for purgatory in the form of a 'vale of soul-making' be justified by Hume's reasoning?

Sending someone to hell cannot ever be justice since it is an infinite punishment for a finite offence.