Self, death and afterlife

Question 1

Give three different beliefs about
the purpose of life for Christians

Answer 1

To glorify God and have a personal relationship with him

To prepare for judgement

To bring about God’s kingdom on earth

Question 2

2.Explain two alternative ways of
understanding the term ‘the
Kingdom of God’

Answer 2

“The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news”
(Jesus, Mark 1:15)

Earthly (transformation of world) and/or Eschatological (end of this world).

1. As a transformation of this current world (synoptic link: liberation theology).
2. As a future eschatological reality

Many Christians believe that Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God, or look
forward to the time when Jesus will inaugurate the Kingdom (e.g. His Second
Coming).

Reza Aslan: “The first century was an era of apocalyptic expectation among
the Jews of Palestine”

Question 3

Explain why many Christians believe the
purpose of life is to glorify God – why and
how do they do this? Refer to ‘imago dei’

Answer 3

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your Father in heaven” (Jesus, Matthew 5:16).

To ‘glorify’ means to ‘praise and worship’ – an essential part of Christian life.

Christians believe God is the omnipotent creator and controller of the
universe, therefore is worthy of worship (synoptic link: God).

Humans in particular have an important duty to glorify God as they are made
‘imago dei’ (in the image of God). They should reflect God’s glory in their lives.

Part of this involves caring for his creation (synoptic link: stewardship).

Question 4

Explain how Christians believe they can have a personal relationship with God. Synoptic link: the nature of God and beliefs about Trinity

Answer 4

Through praying to God and seeing him as a heavenly Father, as Jesus has
taught them. ‘Our Father’ (Luke 11). This helps Christians to strengthen their
personal relationship with God.

St Paul says Christians can have a personal relationship with God through faith
in Jesus, who is God incarnate (God made flesh – in human form).

“In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (St Paul, Galatians).

Christians can develop a personal relationship with God through the Holy
Spirit, who is the third person of the Trinity and God’s active presence in the
world today. “Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you” (St
Paul Corinthians).

Question 5

Why do many Christians believe the
purpose of life is to prepare for
judgement? (Refer to scripture that
contains this teaching)

Answer 5

Christianity is an eschatological religion, focused on preparing for life after death.

Judgement is the traditional Christian belief that after death, people’s lives will be
assessed by God. The end of our short, temporary life in this world (and body) is not
the end of our existence – eternal life is promised by scripture.

Therefore, this life should be used to prepare for this important Judgement.

Our conduct in this life will determine our destiny after death.

Jesus: Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25): God will judge all people
based on whether they have performed good deeds in this lifetime. For example,
feeding the hungry and caring for the sick. Those who have (the sheep) will be
rewarded with eternal life, those who have not will be punished with eternal
damnation. Heaven is seen as a good reward for good behaviour, emphasising the
importance of preparing for judgement by doing good deeds (synoptic link:
justification by works).

Question 6

How do Christians actively prepare for judgement?

Answer 6

Performing good works, such as those outlined in the Parable of the Sheep
and the Goats: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, inviting
strangers in, clothing those who need clothes, caring for the sick, visiting those
in prison.

Prayer and Bible study – strengthening faith and commitment to God.
Discerning his purpose for your life and the rules He expects you to follow.

Pray for forgiveness of sins, put faith in Jesus Christ and his crucifixion (to save
you from Original Sin that is inherited from Adam and Eve).

Attending Church, participating in Sacraments, evangelising for the religion
(synoptic link: expressions of religious identity).

Avoiding sin, for example avoiding breaking the 10 Commandments (synoptic
link: God – ethical monotheism, Sinai Covenant).

Question 7

According to St Augustine’s understanding of
Genesis, what was the consequence of Adam and
Eve’s disobedience?

Answer 7

Augustine is known for his ‘Original Sin’ doctrine, which says all people are born sinful as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin.

God created a perfect world and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. There was no death, pain or suffering; ‘it was
good’.

Adam and Eve were placed in the garden to ‘take care of it’ (Genesis). They were given free will, because ‘a runaway horse is
better than a stone’ (Augustine).

They were told they could do anything, except eat from the Tree of Knowledge.

Disguised as a snake, Satan spoke to Eve and encouraged her to eat the fruit from the Tree. Satan encouraged her by saying that
she would become like God if she did. Eve took a bite, before giving Adam fruit to eat as well. They immediately felt shame.

As a result of this disobedience, Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden and condemned to a hard, difficult life. For
example, pain in childbirth and painful toil.

Their disobedience brought about ‘The Fall’ – it is a fall from grace. As a result of their actions, there is a separation between
heaven and earth. Evil and suffering enter the world, and there is disharmony in creation (explaining natural evil).

All human beings are implicated in their disobedience, because all people are present in their ‘loins’ (Augustine). Therefore, all
human beings now pay the price – they inherit Original Sin through sexual reproduction.

As a result, all people are born sinful and into a sinful, fallen world. They therefore need salvation through Jesus Christ.

In the same way that Sin has entered the world through man, it can only be overcome by man – Jesus Christ, the saviour!

Question 8

Explain why some Christians believe the
purpose of life is to bring about God’s
Kingdom on earth – refer to Jesus’ teaching in
the Gospels

Answer 8

Kingdom of God was a key concept in Jewish thinking. At the time of Jesus, there were different ways of
understanding this – some rabbis thought belonging to the Kingdom meant keeping all of the 613
commandments set out in the Law), other Jews thought it meant the coming of the Messiah as a military figure
who would liberate Israel from Roman occupation.

The key Christian belief is that Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God. The word Kingdom appears 162 times in
the New Testament. Jesus regularly speaks of the Kingdom, often using parables in order to do so.

First thing Jesus says: “The Kingdom of God has come near” (Mark 1:15)

Some Christians believe the Kingdom of God is something to be fully actualised in this world – a society
transformed by Gospel values, stewardship and justice.

Some Christians believe the Kingdom of God will be fully realised eschatologically – Jesus will complete this
with his Second Coming.

St Teresa of Avila: “Christ has no body now but yours” – it is a Christian’s duty to continue Jesus’ work. He began
inaugurating the Kingdom 2,000 years ago – they must continue the work today.

John Paul II in Redemptoris Missio: “Jesus gradually reveals the characteristics and demands of the kingdom through his words, his actions and his own person. The kingdom of God is meant for all mankind, and all people are called to become members of it”.

Question 9

Explain what Reza Aslan means when he writes
that ‘The first century was an era of apocalyptic
expectation among the Jews of Palestine’ – what does
this tell us about Jesus and his teachings?

Answer 9

The 1st century was a time of ‘apocalyptic expectation’.

People at the time were anticipating the end of the world – many thought that the world would end
within their lifetimes. This context is important for understanding the contents of Jesus’ teachings.

Therefore, Jesus’ eschatological teachings would not have appeared radical at the time – many
people were predicting the end of the world was imminent.

Arguably, what was radical about Jesus’ teachings was his preferential option for the poorest. Some
therefore believe that Jesus was unique because of his message about the need for social change,
rather than his eschatological teachings. The Kingdom is therefore a transformation of THIS world!

Jews of Palestine were on the ‘look out’ for the promised Messiah, who would liberate them from
the Roman occupation. Jesus’ followers believed that Jesus was this promised Messiah – however,
many people did not.

A belief that the end of the world was imminent is found in the teaching of Paul – he did not
advocate having children, but instead urged the earliest Christians to remain celibate. This suggests
they saw no need for sexual reproduction – they anticipated the world was going to end within their
lifetimes!

Christians must therefore be mindful of the contextual factors that influenced Biblical scripture.

Question 10

How do Christians work to bring
about God’s kingdom on earth?

Answer 10

Working to create the Kingdom: “On Earth as it is in heaven”

Engaging in Liberation Theology – emphasising the liberation of the oppressed, engaging politically in order to do this.

Evangelism: “Make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit” (Jesus,
Matthew 28). Today, 2.4 billion people are Christian.

Promoting peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Jesus, Matthew 5)

Promoting and embodying Christian values: “Clothe yourselves with compassion” (St Paul)

Performing Good Works: “Whatever you did for the least of these people you did for me” (Jesus, Matthew 25). Helping those
in need.

Empowering the poor and oppressed: “The last will be first, and the first last” (Jesus, Matthew 20). Challenging those who use
power to exploit others.

Protesting against injustices, such as Martin Luther King Jr and racial inequality.

Giving to those in need, helping to end poverty and suffering: “Sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have
wealth in Heaven” (Matthew 19)

Dedicating their lives to following Jesus; prioritising and implementing his teachings in the world, no matter how difficult this
is: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16)

Question 11

Explain why some Christians may
disagree with this kind of approach.

Answer 11

Some Christians have criticised approaches such as ‘Liberation Theology’ for
being too political.

They believe that Christianity should not become politicised.

This could risk turning Christianity into a ‘social movement’ or ‘political protest
group’ rather than a religious faith that transcends these worldly affairs.

Christians should be focused on worshipping God rather than getting too
engaged in worldly political issues and affairs.

For example, Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI condemned Liberation
Theologians for engaging with Marxism – they believed Catholicism should
remain ‘above politics’.

Synoptic link: Liberation Theology.

Question 12

Define ‘resurrection’ with
reference to scripture

Answer 12

Resurrection – rising from the dead.

Belief in the resurrection is the central tenet of the Christian faith.

Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. ‘He is not here! He is risen!’
(Luke 24). All four gospels state that the tomb was empty. Over 500+ saw Jesus.

“If Christ has not been raised, you faith is pointless and you are still in your sins” (St
Paul, 1 Corinthians)

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though
they die.” (Jesus, John 11)

“For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death
no longer has mastery over him” (St Paul, Romans).

“Without the resurrection, there would be no Christianity” (Pastor Adrian Rogers)

The Resurrection is interpreted differently: some believe it was physical, others
believe it was spiritual.

Question 13

Give three things that the Gospels teach about Jesus’ resurrection

Answer 13

Mary Magdalene found that the tomb was empty. An angel tells her: “Do not
be afraid, for I know that you were looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is
not here; He has risen” (Luke 24)

Doubting Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection without direct,
personal experience - when he saw the risen Jesus, he was encouraged to
‘reach out your hand and put it into my side’. This led to his belief. Jesus
responded: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those
who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20).

He appeared to over 500 people after his resurrection (St Paul, Corinthians)

Question 14

Explain what St Paul means when he
writes that ‘if Christ has not been raised,
your faith is futile’ (1 Corinthians 15:17)

Answer 14

Christian belief hinges on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If the resurrection has not happened, your faith is pointless.

Through the resurrection, Christians can “count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in
Christ Jesus” (Paul, Romans 6).

The resurrection confirms Jesus as divine (synoptic link: God – The Trinity).

The resurrection means that Christians have hope for life after death.

The resurrection means that death and sin have been overcome – good has achieved victory
over evil, the relationship between heaven and earth is restored.

“Salvation is the root – the resurrection is the fruit” (TD Jakes).

“The great gift of Easter is hope” (Basil Hume)

“The resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s kingdom. . . . It is the decisive event
demonstrating that God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven” (NT
Wright)

Question 15

What are the two different ways
of understanding resurrection?

Answer 15

Physical and spiritual.

Physical Body Resurrection – Augustine: Resurrection of the Flesh

“The bodies of the saints…shall rise again free from blemish and deformity”

“Already both the learned and unlearned have believed in the resurrection of the flesh and its ascension to the
heavenly places” (City of God).

Augustine’s belief in the Fall (Original Sin) is central to his understanding of the physical resurrection. In Jesus’
physical resurrection, both the spiritual and physical effects of sin are erased.

Spiritual Body Resurrection – St Paul: Resurrection of a Spiritual ‘Body’

“The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable…it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual
body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians)

“Flesh and bloody cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable” (1
Corinthians)

Paul believes in the resurrection of “a spiritual body”. The earthly body perishes.

Question 16

Explain St Augustine’s belief in
resurrection of the flesh, with reference to
his belief in Adam and Eve and ‘The Fall’

Answer 16

Augustine believed that, like Jesus in the Gospels, our resurrection after death will
be physical.

“The bodies of the saints…shall rise again free from blemish and deformity”

Our bodies will be raised and glorified, not abandoned to decay.

This will restore us to the pre-Lapsarian state, before ‘The Fall’ in the Garden of
Eden.

It was God’s intention for human beings – with their human bodies, made ‘imago
dei’ – to live eternally with Him.

It was Adam and Eve’s sin that brought sin – and so death – into the world.

It therefore makes sense that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross (‘lamb of God who
takes away the sins of the world’) secures eternal life not just for our ‘souls’ but for
our ‘body’ as well.

Question 17

Give a strength and a criticism of
belief in resurrection of the flesh

Answer 17

The Gospels record the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Bible is seen as the Word of God – belief in the resurrection of the flesh would be consistent with
a literal reading of the four Gospels, which all record the ‘tomb was empty’ and ‘he is risen’ (synoptic
link: sources of wisdom and authority).

Our bodies are important for our identity – makes sense that if we go to heaven, so do our bodies, as
we cannot be separated from them. (Link: Aristotle – soul is the essence of the self).

The physical body is mortal and perishable – we can see for ourselves that the human body is subject
to sickness, aging and ultimately death. It therefore seems improbable that our physical body could
be restored to a physical existence

This belief depends on belief that heaven is a physical place – very few Christians today believe this.
For example, the Catechism describes heaven as a ‘state’ instead.

Logistics!! Would we need to eat, sleep, use the toilet, exercise, get botox to maintain eternal youth
whilst in heaven with our bodies?!

Question 18

Explain St Paul’s teaching that
‘flesh and blood cannot inherit the
kingdom of God’ (1 Corinthians 15)

Answer 18

The physical body cannot enter heaven – we will not possess the physical body
that we have now when we are in Heaven.

This influences the Catechism’s teaching that Heaven is a ‘state’ rather than a
physical place.

Our physical body is subject to sickness, aging and ultimately decay. It is
perishable.

Key link: Plato’s dualism – ‘the body is a source of endless trouble for
us…[whereas] the soul is immortal and imperishable’.

Question 19

Explain what St Paul means when we writes
that ‘it is sown as a natural body, it is raised a
spiritual body…if there is a natural body, there is
also a spiritual body…’ (1 Corinthians 15)

Answer 19

Paul believes that we will receive a new ‘spiritual body’ after death.

Our physical, earthly bodies are perishable. They are subject to decay – flesh
and blood ‘cannot enter the kingdom of God’

Instead, God will give us a new ‘spiritual body’, which will have an eternal
existence in Heaven.

(Key Link: Plato’s dualism).

Question 20

Based on this, explain belief in spiritual resurrection

Answer 20

Resurrection will not be of this physical, earthly body. This body is subject to
sickness, aging and ultimately decay.

Instead, resurrection will be of a new, spiritual body – a body which is
imperishable.

This will enable us to enter the ‘eternal house in heaven, not built by human
hands’ (Corinthians) and exist eternally with God.

Catechism: Heaven is a ‘state of supreme, definitive happiness’.

Key link: Plato and Aristotle on the soul.

Question 21

Give a strength and a criticism of belief in spiritual resurrection

Answer 21

It is consistent with Paul’s teaching that ‘flesh and blood cannot inherit the
Kingdom of God’

It is not consistent with belief that Jesus’ resurrection was physical

Raises questions about identity without a body – all we know is what it means
to have a body. How would we ‘exist’ without one? Aristotle: Soul is the form
of the body.

Question 22

What does the Nicene Creed teach Christians about judgement?

Answer 22

Jesus will “come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his
kingdom will have no end”

Outlines the Christian belief in Christ’s Second Coming and the Day of
Judgement, when all people (living and dead) will face judgement.

He will also fully inaugurate the eschatological Kingdom of God.

Question 23

How does belief in judgement influence different Christians?

Answer 23

Synoptic link: Good conduct and key moral principles - justification by faith and works

Those who believe in justification by works will be committed to performing good works, in order to be judged as deserving eternal life in heaven.

Matthew 25: Parable of the Sheep & the Goats.

“The nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats”

Those who are judged to have not helped others will “go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to
eternal life”.

“Faith without works is dead” (James) – make sure they put their faith into action in the world.

Those who believe in justification by faith will put their faith in Jesus Christ (the ‘lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world’ – John 1) and his crucifixion.

They will pray to thank God for his grace and for giving up the life of his son so that their sins could be forgiven and they could have salvation. May attend Holy Communion weekly (link: Expressions of Christian Identity).

They will remain committed to their faith, for example praying, attending Church services, avoiding sin, placing their faith in God: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Question 24

Explain a Bible quote that
suggests heaven is a physical place

Answer 24

“My father’s house has many rooms” (Jesus, John 14)

Jesus describes heaven as a ‘house’ with ‘many rooms’ – this could suggest
heaven is a physical place, where we will have an eternal, physical existence.

“We have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by
human hands” (St Paul, Corinthians).

Question 25

Explain a Bible quote that suggests hell is a physical place

Answer 25

“The fiery lake of burning sulphur” (Revelation 21:8)

Suggests that hell is a physical place of physical torment/torture/punishment.

This may be particularly powerful influence on Christians – the idea of eternal
physical pain and torment would be a powerful motivation to avoid sin.

However, this is difficult to reconcile with belief in an omnibenevolent God.

Question 26

Explain the Catholic Church’s understanding of heaven – refer to the Catechism in your answer. Is this compatible with scripture?

Answer 26

“Those who die in God’s grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live for ever with Christ”

“Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfilment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme,
definitive happiness”

“To live in heaven is “to be with Christ.” The elect live “in Christ, but they retain, or rather find, their
true identity, their own name”

“Heaven is the blessed community of all who are perfectly incorporated into Christ”

“This mystery of blessed communion with God and all who are in Christ is beyond all understanding
and description. Scripture speaks of it in images: life, light, peace, wedding feast, wine of the
kingdom, the Father’s house, the heavenly Jerusalem, paradise”

“Because of his transcendence, God cannot be seen as he is, unless he himself opens up his mystery
to man’s immediate contemplation and gives him the capacity for it. The Church calls this
contemplation of God in his heavenly glory “the beatific vision“

Catechism explains heaven as the ‘end and fulfilment of the deepest human longings…the state of
supreme, definitive happiness’. This appears influenced by Aristotle’s idea of eudaimonia.

Consistent with Biblical notion of ‘eternal life’ and closeness with God – but nature of this not clear.

Question 27

Explain the Catholic belief in ‘purgatory’ and its role in purification

Answer 27

“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are
indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo
purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of
heaven”

Purgatory: Intermediate state for the cleansing and purifying of souls.

Origen: If a man departs this life with lighter faults, he is condemned to fire
which burns away the lighter materials, and prepares the soul for the kingdom
of God, where nothing defiled may enter.

Question 28

Explain the Catholic Church’s teaching that hell is ‘eternal separation from God’ – what does this suggest about hell?

Answer 28

“To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God’s merciful love
means remaining separated from him for ever by our own free choice. This
state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is
called hell” (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Hell is self-imposed. The Catholic Church believes that God does not
predestine anybody to hell – it is the result of ‘our own free choice’ to turn
away from Him and His commandments (synoptic link: justification).

Hell is ‘eternal separation from God’ – it is an absence of God, a distance from
his presence and love.

“The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone
man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for
which he longs”

Question 29

Explain the Catholic Church’s teaching that ‘God
predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a wilful
turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary,
and persistence in it until the end’ (Catechism)

Answer 29

The Catholic Church rejects the idea that God predestines anybody to hell
(synoptic link: justification).

God has lovingly given human beings free will, because ‘a runaway horse is
better than a stone’ (St Augustine).

Somebody would only ever end up in hell if they have ‘wilfully’ turned away
from God and have refused to repent for their sin(s), despite opportunity to
do so.

Hell is therefore self-imposed by the individual.

Question 30

Give two contrasting beliefs about when judgement takes place

Answer 30

Particular Judgement: Judgement occurs immediately after death.

General Judgement: Judgement occurs at the end of time, when Jesus Christ
returns to judge all of humanity, including the living and the dead.

“He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom
will have no end” (Nicene Creed).

The Catholic Church believes in both types.

Question 31

Explain the difference between
heaven as a physical place and as a
spiritual state

Answer 31

Heaven as a physical place

Heaven is a physical location where we will have a physical body – either the
one we have now is resurrected, or we are given a brand new body.

The key example of this is St Augustine’s belief in Resurrection of the Flesh.

Heaven as a spiritual state

Heaven is the ‘state of supreme, definitive happiness’ (Catechism).

Modern Catholic thinking understands heaven as spiritual.

Heaven is a spiritual state of eternal happiness, peace and closeness to God.

Synoptic link: self, death and afterlife – body/soul dualism.

Question 32

What do heaven, hell and judgement tell us about the nature of God?

Answer 32

God is a just judge.

He is concerned with righteousness – he rewards those who do the right thing.

He is a God of justice – he ensures that justice is ultimately done (synoptic
link: paper 1 ethics – Kant’s Postulates of Morality; God).

God is omnibenevolent – He sacrifices His Son so that humans can still go to
heaven, despite their sinfulness (John 3:16)

He has given humans free will and, according to the Catholic understanding,
does not predestine anybody to hell.

Question 33

What does it mean to believe judgement, heaven, hell are ‘psychological realities’?

Answer 33

Some Christians reject any belief in life after death as there is no empirical
evidence to support this belief.

They think of judgement, heaven and hell as products of our own human
minds.

For example, ‘heaven’ is a feeling of fulfilment, contentment and deep
happiness that is the result of living a good life.

For example, ‘hell’ is a feeling of guilt and dissatisfaction that is the result of
causing harm to others and not living a good life.

‘Judgement’ is therefore exercised within our own minds; we hold ourselves
accountable for the way we are living / have lived our lives.

Question 34

What is ‘objective immorality’ –
refer to process theology?

Answer 34

Process Theology (Griffin) – God is not omnipotent and God did not create the
world ‘ex nihilo’. God has a panentheistic relationship with the world. He is
the ‘soul’ of the universe. He influences and persuades at the sub-atomic
level.

Process Theologians believe in objective immortality.

This is the belief that, after death, all individual beings exist eternally as
‘objects’ in the mind of God. In that sense, they never die.

Some Process Theologians believe in subjective immorality. This is the belief
that, after death, humans exist as ‘thinking subjects’ with continued
experiences.

Question 35

Is this understanding compatible
with Christian tradition / scripture?

Answer 35

Process Theology is seen as incompatible with traditional Christian beliefs about God and
scripture. This is based on the denial of God’s omnipotence and denial of the ‘creation ex
nihilo’ doctrine.

Roth describes Griffin’s God as ‘too small’. For example, if He cannot do anything about evil
and suffering (because he’s omnipotent), He is ‘weak, pathetic…[and] not worthy of
worship’ (synoptic link: paper 1 – problem of evil).

The idea that heaven does not actually exist – but that we just ‘live on’ in the mind of God, is
also inconsistent with scripture, which talks of heaven as an actual place e.g. ‘My Father’s
House has many rooms’.

Objective immortality also raises questions about resurrection, Judgement Day and the
Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

However, it does not necessarily contradict the Catholic view of Heaven as a ‘state of
supreme, definitive happiness’ in the presence of God.

It also avoids anthropomorphism and the dangers of interpreting the language of scripture
as literally true (synoptic link: religious language / God).