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Assessing Different Religious View of Afterlife

Humans have controversial ideas about eschatology. Specifically, the afterlife is one

of the most significant concepts in religion. This topic is critical since it signifies the end of

evil and continuity of uprightness. It also explains the reward God gives human beings for

their actions on earth. Life after death is the epitome of religious satisfaction. Almost every

religion believes in the afterlife and its significance in commending good and destroying evil.

The contemporary world is full of evil and suffering. However, Willard et al. (386) report that

most affiliations believe evil people will receive punishments after death. Different religious

affiliations have unique beliefs about the afterlife. Specifically, they have varied thoughts

about the resurrection of the dead, judgment, heaven, and hell.

The first concept of life after death is the resurrection of the dead. Most religions

argue that people will resurrect at the end of the age. For example, Christians believe that

Jesus’ death and resurrection symbolize the end-time events. They believe humans will

resurrect when Jesus returns to take His holy people. Besides, Muslims believe in the

resurrection of the dead as they head into judgment. When people die, they lie in their graves

as they wait for the final day. However, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a section of the Jewish

religion do not believe in the resurrection. Instead, they believe in reincarnation. They argue

that humans will undergo a rebirth. The soul will discard the current body and get a new one.

Understanding resurrection and reincarnation requires a critical review of judgment day.

The second issue is the judgment of human deeds. All religions have a moral sense

and the need for man to act with integrity. They also predict the ultimate end of evil. Thus,
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the concept of judgment is highly critical. Most Abrahamic religions believe in a specific day

of judgment that awaits all men. Humans will stand before the Supreme Being to give an

account of their actions and beliefs. However, a section of Judaist followers argues that

judgment occurs the moment one dies. Others also view judgment day as a process meant for

the gentiles.

Besides, the conclusive part of the judgment is the entry to heaven and hell. Christians

and Muslims believe in heaven and hell. After the judgment process, good people will go to

heaven while evil people will enter eternal condemnation in hell. However, Catholics believe

in purgatory, where wicked people who have died can receive purification to avoid suffering.

Meanwhile, Hindus have different views about the conditions of punishment. When a soul

completes its stay in heaven or hell, it undergoes a rebirth depending on its karma. Still, a

soul can break the cycle if it reaches Moksha or Nirvana. Also, some Jews do not believe in

heaven and hell. They believe in their redemption in an earthly state.

The afterlife concepts are significant for understanding religion, especially the

resurrection, judgment, heaven, and hell. Most faiths believe in the resurrection. However,

although a few, such as Hindus, Buddhists, and a section of Jews, perceive the significance of

reincarnation. On judgment, most religious affiliations argue about a single day that man will

account for his deeds. Yet, some people argue that judgment occurs when one dies. Most

religions acknowledge the presence of heaven and hell, albeit in different perceptions. They

believe that those who do good will enter an eternal peaceful dwelling. Meanwhile, evildoers

will experience torture in hell.