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The After-Life
A Note
There are so many different beliefs and superstitions on the after-life that it's easy to getoverwhelmed when researching them. While it is interesting to explain exactly what these beliefs are, Ithink that it is more practical to examine how these beliefs impact our daily life. How does the Islamicconcept of the torture of the grave make Muslims act today? Does the fact that most Christians believein an eternal Hell spur them to greater evangelistic achievements? Why is the cow such a sacredanimal in India? Keep reading, and you'll find out. I picked these five views on the after-life because Iconsidered them an excellent cross-section of the world's views on the after-life. The first four-Christianity, Islam, Atheism (including the nonreligious and agnostic), and Hinduism--are the top-four ranked vies in amount of followers
1
. Judaism historically has been a very influential religion- as theforefather of Christianity, its impact on world history (the Crusades, the Holocaust) and now the reasonIsrael is the high point of tension in the Islamic Middle East. Each religion is complex, someincredibly so. The purpose of this paper is not to explore every facet of each religious adherents' beliefs, but rather to give a an overview of the religion's major views about the after-life in order todetermine their affect on the adherents' life in this world. The effect will be unique for each person, buteach religion's effect should all have some general characteristics.
Christianity
Christianity is the largest religion in the world today, and there is no other religion today, other than perhaps Islam, that affects our world to the extent that Christianity does. Christianity's beliefs on theafter-life can be cut into two very broad groups--those of Orthodox Christianity, such as the Roman
1http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html
 
Catholic Church, and those of the Protestant Church. Orthodox Christianity is much easier tocategorize, while Protestant churches have a wide range of doctrine and belief. It is possible, however,to get the general beliefs from the holy book of Christianity, the Bible, while ignoring the manyinterpretations.
The Eternal Soul
Christians believe in the immortality of the soul--that there is, in fact, an after-life. Souls that aresaved enter Heaven, where they live for all eternity in the presence of God. Souls that are unsaved arethrown into Hell, where they either are tortured for all eternity, or cease to exist, depending on theinterpretation. The Roman Catholic Church teaches of a middle ground for the saved souls betweenEarth and Heaven, known as Purgatory. Here saved souls are “cleansed” from their past sins until theyare ready to enter Heaven. Not all souls enter Heaven. Some go directly to Heaven or directly to Hell.This concept is completely lacking in Protestant Church beliefs.
On Heaven and Hell
Heaven is described as a place of immense size and beauty, the main focus of which is God Himself.There is no pain or weeping in Heaven, only joy and constant worship of God.Hell is described as a place of fire, darkness, and “gnashing of teeth.” Most Protestant andOrthodox churches hold that such punishment is eternal, although a few non-orthodox or cult churches(such as the Jehovah's Witnesses) believe that the soul that goes to Hell is annihilated.
Salvation
Christians are saved by accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, an intensely spiritual and personal
 
move. Some Christians believe that this salvation can be lost through a series of sin. The RomanCatholic Church teaches that a Christian must perform good works in order to keep the faith. Eventhose who don't believe in either of the previous doctrines believe that Christians will be judged for their actions in life, even if said actions aren't the basis for their eternal destination. The importance of spiritual and outward actions has motivated Christians throughout the centuries to pursue “goodworks.”Results of this motivation vary in intention with widespread effects. The most powerful examplewould have to be the charity and aid offered by Christians in every shape and form. While it cannot besaid that every Christian is motivated by his outlook on the after-life to perform good works, the Bible promises eternal rewards to those who selflessly serve others. Examples of good works are providingfor widows and orphans, helping the poor and needy, and spreading the “good news” (Gospel) of JesusChrist's birth, death, and resurrection. The last is made expedient through the knowledge of whathappens to those who are not Christians. The concept of Hell has been a strong motivator for evangelistic actions throughout the centuries. Major Christian evangelistic movements occurred in the1
st
and 2
nd
centuries A.D., as well as during the 17
th
, 18
th
, and 19
th
centuries. Organizations such as theRed Cross, Salvation Army, Compassion International, and Habitat for Humanity all began as Christianorganizations to provide for the poor, homeless and other needy people.
Conclusion
It can clearly be stated that the Christian belief in the after-life heavily affects Christians' actions inthis life, beginning with the act of salvation. Christians are held to a rigorous moral standard and arecommanded to do good works. While the Christian is affected by such in principle, not all Christiansare motivated to such action.
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Aggiejedimaster

What do you mean by this is so stupid? I never in the paper said that God or the Devil are not real. As I stated in the introduction, the purpose of the paper was to oulines the major beliefs of five mainstream world views.

reply04 / 02 / 2008
asdfghjkl;'zxcvbnm,./

this so stupid god and the devil is reall so tha is very stupid

reply02 / 20 / 2008
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