Question 1: Describe the belief about the afterlife in Christianity. What do most Christians believe happens after death?

Answer: Many Christians believe that after death, the soul goes to Heaven or Hell based on their faith and actions. Some believe in the resurrection of the body at the end of time.

Question 2: Explain the concept of reincarnation as it is understood in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Answer: Reincarnation is the belief that after death, the soul is reborn into a new body. In Hinduism and Buddhism, this cycle continues until achieving liberation or enlightenment.

Question 3: Identify two similarities and two differences between Christian and Islamic beliefs about the afterlife.

Answer: Similarities: Both believe in an eternal life after death and that actions in life affect one’s fate. Differences: Christians believe in Heaven and Hell, while Islam also emphasizes the Day of Judgment and has detailed descriptions of Paradise and Hellfire.

Question 4: Describe what a Muslim believes about the Day of Judgment.

Answer: Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgment, all individuals will be resurrected and judged by God based on their deeds, leading to eternal reward or punishment.

Question 5: Sketch a simple diagram or flow chart that shows the journey of the soul according to the Islamic belief in the afterlife.

Answer: A correct sketch would show stages: death, soul crossing the Barzakh (intermediate state), resurrection, judgment, and then either Paradise or Hell based on deeds.

Question 6: Explain the Buddhist belief about what happens after death and how it differs from the Christian view.

Answer: Buddhists believe in rebirth and the cycle of Samsara, which continues until enlightenment is achieved. Unlike Christianity, Buddhists do not believe in an eternal soul or a permanent heaven or hell.

Question 7: What is the significance of the concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism’s beliefs about the afterlife?

Answer: Karma refers to the law that good or bad actions influence future rebirths. It determines the circumstances of one's next life and influences the cycle of rebirth.

Question 8: Describe how the belief in an afterlife influences the moral behaviour of believers in any one religion studied.

Answer: In Christianity, the belief in Heaven and Hell encourages believers to follow moral teachings, act kindly, and avoid sin to attain eternal reward or avoid punishment.

Question 9: Identify and explain two different ways that beliefs about the afterlife can influence how people live their daily lives.

Answer: Beliefs about the afterlife can encourage ethical behaviour, such as helping others, because they believe it will impact their afterlife. They can also provide comfort in times of grief, believing loved ones are in a better place or reborn.

Question 10: Reflect on why the concept of an afterlife might be important for believers and how it provides hope or meaning.

Answer: The belief in an afterlife offers hope for reunion with loved ones, justice, and eternal life. It gives meaning to life and encourages moral behaviour, knowing actions have significance beyond this life.