Heaven and Hell
Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 3.1.6
Life After Death - Heaven, Hell and Purgatory
At the Last Judgement, Catholics believe they will be judged by God according to how they have lived their lives. Following judgement, they may be welcomed into heaven or sent to hell.
Heaven, hell and purgatory
- Heaven is where God lives and is a place of eternal happiness.
- Hell is where the devil rules and is a place of eternal punishment.
- There have been many attempts to describe what heaven and hell are actually like using images from life on earth (e.g. pain and fire).
- Purgatory is a place where sinners experience punishment and purification before the soul can go to heaven.
Influence on Catholics' lives
- This belief encourages Catholics to live a good life in the hope of going to heaven.
- They have confidence that those who live bad lives will be punished by God.
- Without this belief, many Catholics would think life has no purpose.
- If bad people are never punished, life seems to favour those who are selfish and uncaring.
Problems with this belief
- Many believers worry that this belief encourages them to do good actions in the hope of reward, like children.
- They believe a good person should do what is right whatever the consequences.
Connection with God
- Certain Christians believe that in heaven a person is with God and in hell, they are separated from God.
Test yourself on Heaven and Hell
What does belief in the Last Judgement encourage Catholics to do?
Which of these are true of Catholic beliefs about the Last Judgment?
Why do some Catholics worry that people only do what is right to gain rewards?