Question 1: Describe what the concept of an afterlife means in religious terms. Why do many religions believe in life after death?

Answer: An afterlife refers to the idea that a person's soul or spirit continues to exist after their physical death. Many religions believe in an afterlife to provide hope, moral guidance, and a sense of justice, as well as to explain the purpose of life and the existence of a divine plan.

Question 2: Compare the beliefs about the afterlife in Christianity and Hinduism. Highlight two similarities and two differences.

Answer: Similarities include the belief in an existence beyond death and the importance of moral conduct influencing the afterlife. Differences are that Christians believe in heaven and hell as eternal destinations, while Hindus believe in reincarnation and the cycle of rebirth until achieving liberation (moksha).

Question 3: Explain the significance of the concept of karma in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs about the afterlife.

Answer: Karma refers to the idea that a person's actions influence their future rebirths. Good karma leads to better rebirths or liberation, while bad karma results in suffering or lower rebirths. It encourages moral behavior to improve one's future existence.

Question 4: Identify three different ways that religious individuals might prepare for the afterlife according to their faiths.

Answer: Practices include performing religious rituals and prayers, leading a moral life according to religious teachings, and participating in rites of passage such as funerals or pilgrimages that affirm beliefs about the afterlife.

Question 5: Discuss how the belief in an afterlife might influence a person's behaviour and decisions in life.

Answer: Belief in an afterlife can motivate individuals to act morally, follow religious commandments, and seek spiritual growth, as they believe their actions affect their eternal destiny. It may also provide comfort and purpose.

Question 6: Draw a diagram that illustrates the cycle of reincarnation in Hinduism or Buddhism. Label the key stages involved.

Answer: A correct diagram would show a cycle starting with birth, followed by life, death, and rebirth, then returning to birth. Key stages include karma influencing rebirth, and the goal of escaping the cycle (moksha or nirvana).

Question 7: Explain what is meant by the term 'judgement' in Christian beliefs about the afterlife.

Answer: Judgement refers to the belief that after death, individuals are judged by God based on their actions and faith, determining whether they go to heaven or hell.

Question 8: Describe how some religious traditions might conduct a funeral service to reflect beliefs about the afterlife.

Answer: Funeral services may include prayers, readings from sacred texts, rituals to honour the deceased, and rites that affirm beliefs in an afterlife, such as prayers for the soul's peace or journey to the next life.

Question 9: In your own words, explain why the concept of an afterlife provides comfort to many believers.

Answer: The afterlife offers hope for reunification with loved ones, justice for the wronged, and the promise of eternal peace, which helps believers cope with the fear of death and loss.