Rpe: Life and Death

What are religious views on death/life after death?

• Christians believe in a linear life where we are sorted based on who has been faithful to God in life when ‘the son of man comes’ (Parable of Sheeps and Goats) and then we either “go away to eternal punishment’ or if righteous go to ‘eternal life’. (It’s unclear if this happens individually or on the day of judgement in the future)

What are non religious views on death/life after death?

• They may believe in life after death because they believe their soul lives on after their body dies (dualism) or they may see death as the end of consciousness or have had a NDE

• They also might not believe in life after death because science rejects the belief due to significant lack of proof, NDEs are explained by lack of oxygen

what are non religious views on the meaning and purpose of life? (meaning)

• Aristotle’s Eudamonia: Aristotle's
  idea of "eudaimonia" (flourishing) suggests that the purpose of life is to achieve well-being and happiness through the cultivation of virtue and reason. Meaning comes from fulfilling one's potential and living virtuously, independent of religious teachings.

• Altruism and legacy refers to the belief that helping others and contributing to society gives life meaning. Many people find purpose in what they leave behind, whether it be through family, community service, or other forms of positive impact.

• Happiness and pleasure (Epicureanism) is posited by Epicurus as the ultimate aim of life, suggesting that the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain lead to a fulfilling existence. This philosophy emphasizes enjoying simple pleasures and maintaining a tranquil state of mind.

• Secular Humanism: Secular humanists believe that human life has inherent value based on reason, empathy, and the pursuit of knowledge and happiness. They argue that meaning can be found in human relationships, intellectual pursuits, and ethical behavior, without relying on religious beliefs.

what are non religious views on the meaning and purpose of life? (No meaning)

• Nihilism: Friedrich Nietzsche and other nihilist philosophers argue that without a higher power or divine plan, life has no inherent meaning or purpose. In a universe without God, life is seen as a random, purposeless occurrence, and any attempts to create meaning are ultimately futile.

• Materialism: A strictly materialistic worldview, which holds that everything is a product of physical processes (e.g., atoms, forces), suggests that human consciousness and life itself are the results of blind natural forces. In this view, life is an accident of evolution, and without a spiritual or metaphysical dimension, it lacks inherent

• Determinism: If the universe operates solely on deterministic principles-where all events, including human actions, are determined by natural laws— then free will and self-determined meaning are illusions.This deterministic worldview undermines the idea that individuals can create their own meaning.

what are religious views on the meaning and purpose of life?

• CHristians believe that the purpose and meaning of life is to forge a relationship with God

• Without God lifeIs Meaningless:

  Christian teachings argue that without God, life lacks a transcendent purpose. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "Apart from me, you can do nothing," indicating that any meaning derived outside of a relationship with Christ is incomplete or empty. Non-Christian pursuits are often viewed as ultimately unsatisfying and futile.

• Grace: Christian theology teaches that God's grace is available to all people, not just Christians. This grace means that non-Christians can experience goodness, beauty, and love, which may give their lives meaning, even if they do not explicitly recognize it as

  coming from God (Matthew 5:45).

What is the Sanctity of Life?

The Sanctity of Life is the belief that human life is sacred and has inherent value, often rooted in religious or ethical frameworks. This principle emphasizes the importance of preserving and respecting human life, arguing against actions that would intentionally harm or end it. In Christianity, the Sanctity of Life is grounded in the belief that humans are created in the image of God, and thus, every life holds eternal significance and purpose. It calls for the protection of life from conception to natural death, reflecting God's love and intention for humanity.

Often used against abortion and euthanasia: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5), "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13, Ten Commandments)

What are non religious beliefs on euthanasia and abortion?

Non-religious beliefs on euthanasia and abortion often focus on individual rights and the principle of autonomy. Many argue that personal choice should guide decisions regarding one's body and end-of-life care, advocating for the right to make medical decisions based on personal values and circumstances.

In England, abortions are very accessible provided that they meet legal criteria (but this can be mental health and quality of life based), often emphasizing a woman's right to choose and the importance of healthcare access. And assisted dying is currently being debated and may or may not be legalised.

In Brazil abortion is illegal except in a cases for rape or risks to the life of the mother. In Switzerland euthanasia is legal and doesn’t seem to have bad implications

What are religious beliefs on euthanasia and abortion?

• Catholics and the Church of Englandgenerally oppose euthanasia and abortion, viewing them as morally wrong. Catholic teaching emphasizes the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, often citing that every life is a gift from God. The Church of England also upholds the value of life but has some pastoral flexibility regarding individual circumstances, particularly in cases of severe suffering.