Death and the Afterlife

• What is required to understand the topic of death and the afterlife in Christian theology?

  Different views on the afterlife
• What are the three main concepts debated in Christian theology regarding the afterlife?

  Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory
• What question is raised about the nature of Heaven and Hell?

  Are they physical places or non-physical states?
• What does the term 'new earth' refer to in Christian theology?

  Heaven as a transformation of creation
• What does particular judgement refer to?

  God's judgement immediately after death
• What does general judgement refer to?

  God's judgement at the end of time
• What is Gehenna according to Jesus?

  A place of fire for sinners
• What are the three interpretations of Heaven and Hell?

  Physical places, non-physical states, or symbols
• What does the 'new earth' concept imply about the afterlife?

  It suggests a physical resurrection
• What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus illustrate about judgement?

  Particular judgement occurs immediately after death
• What does the rich man's desire to warn his family indicate?

  Heaven and Hell are eternal physical places
• What does unlimited election suggest about who goes to Hell?

  Those who do bad go to Hell
• What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus suggest about Sheol?

  It is not about Heaven or Hell
• How does Luther interpret the rich man and Lazarus story?

  As a parable symbolizing conscience
• What does Luther argue about the torment mentioned in the story?

  It symbolizes the rich man's conscience
• What does the resurrection of the flesh imply?

  The afterlife involves physical resurrection
• What does St. Paul refer to Jesus' resurrection as?

  The firstfruits of resurrection
• What does Paul claim about our future resurrected bodies?

  They will be different and improved
• How does Augustine view the resurrection of the body?

  It must be physical and exalted
• What is the cannibal problem in relation to physical resurrection?

  How can bodies be resurrected if consumed?
• How does God's omnipotence relate to the cannibal problem?

  It suggests all things are possible
• What does the concept of New Earth entail?

  Heaven as a future perfected state of earth
• What does N. T. Wright argue about the kingdom of heaven?

  It is God's rule coming to earth
• What does the story of the Penitent Thief suggest about Heaven?

  Heaven exists now, not just in the future
• What is the grammatical translation issue in the Penitent Thief story?

  Original text had no commas, altering meaning
• What are the different views on the afterlife in Christian theology?

  • Heaven as a physical place
  • Hell as a physical place
  • Purgatory as a temporary state
  • Sheol as the afterlife for Jews
  • New Earth as a future perfected state
• What are the implications of the rich man and Lazarus story for the afterlife?

  • Indicates particular judgement occurs immediately
  • Suggests Heaven and Hell are eternal physical places
  • Challenges the interpretation of Sheol and Hades
  • Supports the idea of unlimited election
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the physical resurrection view?

  Strengths:

  • Aligns with traditional Christian beliefs
  • Supported by St. Paul and Augustine

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Cannibal problem challenges feasibility
  • Issues with decayed or destroyed bodies
• What are the key arguments for and against the spiritual resurrection view?

  For:

  • Explains Jesus' post-mortem appearances
  • Aligns with St. Paul's description of 'spiritual' bodies

  
  

  Against:

  • Lacks physicality associated with resurrection
  • May contradict traditional beliefs about the afterlife
• What does the New Earth concept suggest about the future of the earth?

  • Earth will be cleansed and restored
  • Righteous will have eternal life there
  • Reflects physical resurrection beliefs
• How does N. T. Wright's view differ from traditional views of Heaven?

  • Heaven is not a separate place
  • It is God's kingdom coming to earth
  • Emphasizes transformation of the earth
• What does the Penitent Thief story imply about immediate judgement?

  • Suggests immediate entry into Heaven
  • Indicates repentance leads to salvation
  • Challenges future state interpretations of Heaven
• What does the kingdom of heaven represent?

  The sovereign rule of heaven on earth
• What is God's plan regarding heaven and earth?

  To bring heaven and earth together
• How is heaven described in relation to earth?

  As a possible future state transformed into God's kingdom
• Who is the Penitent Thief?

  A thief crucified next to Jesus
• What did Jesus promise the Penitent Thief?

  He would be with Him in Paradise
• What grammatical issue affects the interpretation of Jesus' promise to the thief?

  The placement of commas in the original text
• How does comma placement change the meaning of Jesus' promise?

  It alters the timing of being in Paradise
• How long was Jesus dead before rising?

  Three days