eschatology

• there is no such thing as hell- AGREE

  -no scientific evidence for an actual place called hell the idea of a burning pit with the devil in charge is just not true it is just made up to frighten people into living better lives "agony in these flames"

  -an all-merciful God would not condemn someone to eternal punishment "in his image"
• there is no such thing as hell- DISAGREE

  -the idea of punishment in hell supports the belief in God’s justice "let justice roll like a river"otherwise some people would ‘get away with murder’ "Do not kill"

  -For Christians, hell is not a physical place "Hell is the condition of everlasting separation from God" (Youcat) so people who choose to reject God in their lives are choosing to live for eternity without God as free will exists
• Euthanasia is okay- AGREE

  • LIBERAL- Loving as ending a loved ones suffering "clothe yourselves in compassion and kindness" as a terminal illness causes great pain and constant agony, surely God does not want us to be in pain
  • God has given humans free will to do with their lives as they please. God wants humans to live evangelist lives but being very ill limits this. If the person truly wants to die, they should have the right to choose, not the pope. "imago dei"
• Euthanasia is okay- Disagree

  • Devalues a human life, making ill and elderly feel like a burden and that their life is less respected. Which is hurtful as we are all made in the "image of God"
  • Murder "Do not Kill" so it is morally unacceptable Only God can take away life
  • By taking away suffering prevents them from sharing in Jesus sacrifice on the cross "suffering during the last moments of life has a special place in God's saving plan" Suffering is essential to being human
• Euthanasia is okay - conclusion

  Palliative care
• Christians only show kindness to go to heaven-agree

  • Very important to avoid eternal separation from God, as showing kindness can ensure that you spend eternity with God "great chasm" Christians look forward to this by being kind
  • Jesus instructs us that being kind is the way to get into heaven "sell all his riches and give to the poor" because we all face particular judgement
  • Preforming good deeds is incredibly important in part of salvation because it is ongoing, "faith apart from works is barren" James. So by "love thy neighbour" you follow God's will
• Catholics only show kindness to go to heaven - disagree

  • Kindness to others is not a major determiner to go to heaven, your faith is more important. Christians who believe salvation was completed by Jesus death. "through faith and not through their own actions" PAUL
  • it is simply the good thing to do. creates happiness for the giver and receiver which is important as Jesus taught "love your neighbour as you love yourself" By being kind "blessed are the peacemakers" you can avoid conflict
• christ is truly present in the Eucharist- agree

  • Fundamentalist Christians believe God is transcendent, no science can limit the consecration "this is my body" Jesus would not lie in the words of institution (not-loving) so the body and blood is 100% real
  • Christians believe the Eucharist is the source of Christian life, it fills them with God's grace to resist sin to join in ongoing redemption. We share in Jesus resurrection and death "do this in memory of me" every mass, showing Jesus' sacrifice.
• Christ is truly present in the Eucharist- DISAGREE

  • Quakers and Salvation army do not celebrate the Eucharist as they believe that the only way Christ is present is through their prayers and actions which are guided by the holy spirit "love thy neighbour"
  • Anglicans believe that the Bible should not be interpreted literally. They believe Jesus may be spiritually but not really present in the Eucharist. They believe the bread and wine are a symbol for Jesus' suffering
• All things will be perfect at the end of time - Agree

  • Jesus has already started cosmic reconciliation by destroying the power of sin and death "making peace through the blood of his cross" Through evangelism Christians can spread his teachings so that we can achieve the restored cosmic order (ongoing)
  • Although there is sin now which discourages cosmic reconciliation, Julian of Norwich was visited by Jesus and learnt that this is because of free will (because god is all-loving) "it was necessary that there should be sin, but all shall be well"
• all things will be perfect at the end of time - Disagree

  • fear for many Christians about cosmic disasters such as "sun will be darkened" destruction worries Christians who want to be stewards as it suggests destruction
  • Some Christians believe it is unrealistic that the end of time will bring perfect judgement as modern life makes it difficult to follow commandments such as "keep the sabbath day holy"
• Catholic funerals should be happy occasions - agree

  • You can celebrate the person being eternally with God "Our father who art in heaven" as a child of God welcomed back into his loving care
  • Catholics believe death is not the end and that they will be reunited with their loved one again soon through faith "The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John) giving them hope for the future
• catholic funerals should be happy occasions- Disagree

  • It is sad for many as you will not see your loved one on earth again. It is a solemn time and to celebrate could be disrespectful as it is human to feel sad when a loved one dies. "Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted" showing they need support
  • Could be unsure if the family member is in hell / heaven / purgatory. This is sad as the person could be in purgatory "eternal rest grant onto them O lord " or in "agony in these flames