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The Teachings and Beliefs of Christians About Death and What Might Happen Afterwards

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The Teachings and Beliefs of Christians About Death and What Might Happen Afterwards

There are many varied views on the afterlife that Christians hold. Depending on denomination there are many different teachings. The fundamental teaching is that when we die God judges us and depending on that judgement many believe we will either go to heaven or hell. The timing and the manner in which this is done is what varies. Most Christian denominations teach that there is a heaven and a hell. "Heaven", it has been suggested means "the roof of the world". This would be backed up by beliefs in ancient Hebrew times that God was found in high places.

Exodus 19:11

"And be ready by the third day, because …show more content…

Protestants believe that when we die we are instantly judged. If we were a good Christian then we will go to heaven straight away. If we are a bad or a non-Christian then we will go to hell. Roman Catholics believe that we go straight to heaven if we are not sinful or if we haven't committed a sin since our last confession before we die. They believe that by confessing our sins before we die (having our last rites read) this will cleanse us.

The main difference between Protestant and Catholic beliefs in the afterlife is that Roman Catholics believe in purgatory. The main theme running through Christianity though is that if you lead a good life you go to heaven and if you lead a bad life you will go to hell.

Christians believe in Heaven for many reasons. Some Christians believe that because God is just and fair he rewards the virtuous. They believe that because virtuous people don't get rewarded in this life, they will do so in the afterlife. Others also believe that through the initial sin committed by Adam and Eve in paradise they separated us from God. They believe that through the death of Jesus Christ we can be united with him again in heaven.

Most Denominations believe in Hell. Some believe Hell exists because God is a God of justice and sin has to be punished. As it isn't fully punished on earth God has to punish those in the

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