Exploring People's Beliefs on Life After Death

Exploring People's Beliefs on Life After Death

The concept of life after death is one of much controversy. There are

three main types of afterlife in which the religious may believe: the

survival of the 'soul,' a notion adhered to by many philosophers and

theologians; the 'resurrection of the body', and finally,

reincarnation. The latter is an idea supported by both Hinduism and

Sikhism, but rejected by Christianity.

The resurrection of Christ's body is central to Christian teaching, as

is belief in eternal life:

'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.'

(John 3:16)

If a Christian were to reject the existence of an afterlife, then they

would, in effect, be rejecting their faith. In any case, there is much

evidence in support of Jesus' resurrection, Those materialists in

support of life after death also accept the resurrection of the body,

since it is their belief that the 'soul' cannot be separated from the

physical body, hence this being the only way in which survival could

transpire. However, it is questionable as to how such could occur,

considering the fact that the physical body is known to decompose in

the grave, or even be reduced to ashes after cremation.

John Hick attempts to demonstrate that resurrection of the body is

logically possible based on the idea of God's omnipotence. He claims

that it would be feasible for God to create an exact replica of a

human being, complete with memories and characteristics, which could

be identified as the same person as he who had died. Hick's theory

complies with the teaching of S...

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... similar. Similarly, regression to past lives under hypnosis may

support the theory of life after death in the form of reincarnation.

However, it is doubtful as to whether memories of a former life can be

classed as 'proof,' since the individual may be confusing information

gained in childhood with a former life. It is also possible that we

have a cultural gene which passes down information of our ancestors.

Failing that, some 'memories' may be the result of psychological

problems. Other arguments for afterlife include sightings of the dead,

spiritualism and cryogenics.

In conclusion, there is no absolute proof of afterlife. However, for

the Christian it is a matter of faith; life after death undoubtedly

exists.

Bibliography

Philosophy of Religion

H J Richards

Philosophy of Religion for A Level