Death and the afterlife

Death

Some people claim to have near death experiences (NDE), some claim to talk to the dead, there may be nothing after death, no one knows what actually happens.

• helps people to make sense of life, particularly when life seems unfair or at times of suffering (their own, and other people’s)

• gives support and comfort at times of loss and bereavement

• provides a purpose to life

Christians believe there is an afterlife.Although the body dies and is buried or cremated, they believe that their unique soul lives on and is raised to new life by God.

Their belief that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion (a Roman method of execution) gives Christians hope that if they follow Jesus’ teaching and accept him as their Lord and Saviour, then this new resurrection life awaits them.

Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.’

John 11:25-26

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

The afterlife.

Christians believe that God is just and fair, and so cannot let evil go unpunished. Most believe in the idea of judgement after death, and that God will treat people in the afterlife…