L2 - Eschatology

Where do we learn of Jesus’ resurrection?

In the GOSPELS in the bible

When Mary Magdalene went to anoint the body of Jesus on the Sunday – Jesus’ body was gone.

The Apostles felt Jesus’ wounds (St Thomas)

‘Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he was buried; and that on the third day, he was raised to life’ - 1 Corinthians

What are some arguments against the resurrection of Jesus.

Some people suggest Jesus never really died he just revived over night.
Some people suggest Jesus’ body was stolen by Romans to stop followers taking his body
Some people suggest that Jesus’ body was stolen by the disciples to prove that he was the Son of God.

What Catholics believe about the soul?

Christians believe that the soul is the inner self of humans which is immortal. At some point, Jesus will return (the parousia) and the dead will be raised with their new spiritual bodies.

What do Catholics believe about Bodily resurrection?

The resurrection of Jesus shows that both his body and soul physically rose from the dead.

Death is not the end - We have eternal life after death. The body dies but the soul will live on as it is immortal.

St Paul uses the ‘seed analogy’ to compare how the shell of the seed will die and be left behind where a new plant will grow from it is just like our body dying but leaving behind our soul.

Why do some people not believe in life after death?

Atheists believe that this life is all there is, space exploration has shown there is no heaven above the sky. Scientific discoveries have not suggested that there is life after death and the paranormal or near death experiences have been criticised.

Name parables that talk about judgement in the afterlife.

The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke)

The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew)

The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew)

Explain Catholic beliefs about Heaven.

Those who have accepted God's grace and forgiveness in this life will enjoy an eternal existence in God's presence in the next life. God is loving and so wants all people to join in the happiness of heaven.

‘There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain’ - Revelation

Explain Catholic beliefs about Hell.

Those who through the exercise of their own free will ultimately reject God's grace and forgiveness, will have chosen to live eternally outside of God's presence. It is not that God chooses to punish but It is that the individual chooses to reject God’s love. They will remain in a state of spiritual darkness and has been traditionally seen as a place of endless burning and torment.

‘Anyone who says, you fool! ,will be in danger of the fire of hell.’ - Matthew

Explain Catholic beliefs about the purgatory.

It means to cleanse or get rid of venial sins. Eternal life with God is about being in a state of perfection. Cleansing or purging mistakes enables a person to be fully in the presence of God. Every soul in the purgatory will eventually go to heaven.

‘Pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins’ - Maccabees

What do other christians believe about judgement in the afterlife?

Some Christians, such as Anglicans, do not accept the idea of Purgatory. They believe that people either accept God and are in a state of grace with God, or they reject God.

Describe beliefs about the paranormal.

Some atheists believe in life after death because they are convinced by the testimony of those who claim to have seen ghosts or because some people can talk to ghosts (psychics)