Religion Studies Grade 12 | Christian and Judaism view on life after death

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Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.

All religions have a set of beliefs about the nature of humanity, the world, the divine, creation and other parts of our lives. Such broad beliefs are referred to as religious teachings. Religious teachings can be in the form of written or oral texts.

Question

With reference to African Traditional Religion, discuss life after death.

African Traditional Religion (ATR) teaches that life does not end with physical death—it simply transforms into another form of existence. This belief is central to ATR and shapes how African communities understand the human journey, relationships, and spirituality.

According to ATR, death is not final. It is seen as a passage from the physical world to the spiritual realm. When a person dies, they are believed to enter a sacred space known as the land of the living dead. This term does not mean the deceased are zombies or ghosts, but rather that they continue to “live” in a different, spiritual form. These individuals are known as the living dead because they still have a presence and influence among the living.

The living dead are not forgotten or separated from the world of the living. They become active spiritual entities who maintain close ties with their families and communities. They watch over the living, guide them in times of need, and protect them from harm. However, they can also punish those who behave wrongly or neglect traditional customs. This reveals the moral and spiritual responsibility that the living have toward their ancestors.

Communication with the living dead occurs through dreams, visions, and rituals. It is believed that ancestors appear in these forms to deliver important messages or warnings. Dreams involving ancestors are treated with great respect, and traditional healers or elders may be consulted to interpret their meaning. This continuous interaction strengthens the relationship between the spiritual and earthly worlds.

ATR emphasizes that death removes a person from physical existence but does not take away their life. Their soul or spirit continues to exist in another dimension. In other words, the deceased are transformed into invisible yet conscious beings who retain their identity and sense of belonging. They are no longer seen, but their presence is felt and acknowledged in everyday life.

The living dead are spiritually present among the living, not just as memory but as real forces with the ability to influence events. This belief promotes a deep respect for the ancestors, as well as for moral behavior and cultural traditions. People are encouraged to live upright lives because their ancestors are always watching.

In ATR, life after death is not simply about where a soul goes, but about how the soul continues to be part of the living community. Death is viewed as a bridge that connects generations, reinforcing the idea that the family and community include both the living and the departed.

Therefore, African Traditional Religion teaches that death is not an end but a transformation. The dead become living ancestors who guide, protect, and even discipline the living, while remaining spiritually present in their lives. This belief in life after death is rooted in a worldview that honors connection, continuity, and responsibility across generations.

Get free Religion Studies Grade 12 study resources: Religion Studies Grade 12 notes, Religion Studies Grade 12 study guides, Religion Studies Grade 12 past papers, exam questions, textbooks & revision tools to ace Grade 12 Life Sciences.”

Question

With reference to Judaism, discuss life after death.

Judaism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, holds a strong belief in life after death. While its teachings on the afterlife are not always emphasized in day-to-day religious practice, they form an essential part of Jewish theology and spiritual understanding.

One of the foundational beliefs in Judaism is that death does not mark the end of a person’s existence, but rather the beginning of a different, spiritual journey. Jews believe that when a person dies, their soul continues to live on in another form of existence. This spiritual continuation affirms the idea that life is sacred and meaningful beyond the physical world.

Central to Jewish eschatology is the hope and belief in the coming of the Mashiach (Messiah). In the time of the Mashiach, it is believed that the dead will be resurrected. This resurrection symbolizes not only the renewal of life but also a period of ultimate justice, peace, and divine presence. It reflects the deep-seated belief that righteousness will be rewarded and that all souls will have a chance to reunite with the Creator.

Judaism teaches that the soul is a divine spark, an emanation from God Himself. Because of this, when a person dies, their soul returns to its source—to a place of spiritual closeness with God. This return to God is seen as a homecoming for the soul, one that is peaceful and fulfilling, especially for those who have lived righteous lives.

Entry into the afterlife is not automatic. Jews believe that gaining a place in the “world to come” depends on the way a person lives their earthly life. Performing good deeds (mitzvot), showing kindness, and living ethically are all ways of ensuring one’s soul finds peace and reward after death. This emphasis on actions reflects Judaism’s belief in the importance of living a moral and responsible life.

The Jewish concept of heaven and hell is different from the physical descriptions found in some other religions. Heaven (Gan Eden) and hell (Gehinnom) are understood to be spiritual states rather than physical places. They exist beyond time and space, forming a spiritual reality that reflects a soul’s closeness to or separation from God. Heaven represents spiritual joy and unity with the Divine, while hell is a state of spiritual distance or correction, often temporary, where souls undergo purification.

Therefore, Judaism views life after death as a continuation of the soul’s journey toward closeness with God. It is a belief grounded in hope, moral responsibility, and divine justice. By emphasizing righteous living, the coming of the Mashiach, the resurrection of the dead, and the soul’s eternal connection with its Creator, Judaism offers a deeply spiritual and ethical understanding of what lies beyond this life.

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