Question 1: Describe what some religions believe happens after death. Provide at least two different perspectives.

Answer: Many religions believe in an afterlife, such as Christianity which teaches heaven and hell, or Islam which believes in paradise and punishment. Other religions, like some forms of Buddhism, believe in reincarnation or rebirth based on karma.

Question 2: Explain why the concept of an afterlife is important in at least one religion of your choice.

Answer: In Christianity, belief in heaven and hell provides moral guidance, encouraging followers to live good lives to attain eternal happiness in heaven.

Question 3: Compare how two different religions view the purpose of life in relation to death.

Answer: In Christianity, the purpose of life is to develop a relationship with God and prepare for eternal life after death. In Hinduism, life’s purpose is to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth, which ends the cycle of death and rebirth.

Question 4: Discuss how the idea of death influences the way some religions conduct funerals or ceremonies.

Answer: Many religions conduct specific funeral rites to honor the dead and support the soul’s journey. For example, in Islam, the body is washed and buried facing Mecca, emphasizing respect and the hope for a peaceful afterlife.

Question 5: Why might some people find comfort in religious beliefs about life after death?

Answer: Religious beliefs about life after death provide hope, reduce fear of death, and offer reassurance that loved ones continue to exist in some form, which helps people cope with loss.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram or symbol that might be used in a religious funeral service to represent the concept of eternal life. [Draw a circle with an arrow pointing upwards]

Answer: A correct sketch would be a circle (symbolizing eternity) with an arrow extending upwards, representing ascension or eternal life.

Question 7: Explain the significance of the 'valley of the shadow of death' phrase in religious texts and how it relates to beliefs about death.

Answer: This phrase, from Psalm 23 in the Bible, symbolizes difficult times, including death. It reflects trust in God’s protection and reassurance that believers will find comfort and guidance through death’s fears.

Question 8: Identify and describe one ritual or practice associated with death in a religion of your choice.

Answer: In Buddhism, cremation is common, symbolizing the release of the soul from the physical body and the cycle of rebirth. Monks may also chant prayers to aid the deceased's journey.

Question 9: Reflect on how beliefs about death can influence moral choices during life.

Answer: Beliefs in rewards or punishments after death can motivate individuals to live morally upright lives, following religious teachings to attain a favorable afterlife or spiritual liberation.

Question 10: Write a short paragraph on how the concept of life and death can bring meaning to a person's life according to religious teachings.

Answer: Religious teachings often teach that life has a divine purpose and that death is a transition to a new existence. This belief can inspire individuals to live meaningful, compassionate lives, knowing that their actions have significance beyond this life.