Just as every religion has its own unique origin and system of belief, so each religion has its own idea of what the afterlife will be like. Does life simply end and our bodies turn back to the earth, with no soul to carry on? Do we ascend from our physical bodies and join those who have gone before on a heavenly plane of existence? Do we come back to earth as someone else, to learn from — or pay for — our mistakes? Do we get another chance, or is this all we have?
Here is a brief overview of some of the more common afterlife beliefs:
Buddhism. When a person dies, they leave their worldly body and breathe life into another. The Buddhist believes in reincarnation, returning to earth again and again, each time in search of a higher level of understanding. When enlightenment is reached, the journey is done. This could take numerous lifetimes to achieve, and sadly, some might never achieve it at all.
Christianity. Christians believe in Heaven and Hell as real places, not as only states of being or philosophical places. Heaven is where all the rewards are for those who have done as they should while on earth, and followed the teachings as best they could. It is reserved for those who have recognized and repented of their sins. Hell is the place for those who do not have faith, and those who have embraced sinful ways rather than repenting from them. Some Christians also believe in purgatory, a place where the soul is kept in limbo until the Judgment Day, when everyone, living or dead, will finally be judged for their sins and sent to either Heaven or Hell.
Islam. Those who follow the Islamic teachings believe in Paradise and Hell, which are quite similar to the Christian versions of Heaven and Hell. Those who give themselves fully to Allah and to His teachings and wishes are destined for Paradise, while those who do not heed His word are destined to Hell for all eternity.
Judaism. Belief in the afterlife varies widely, from nothing to a kind of shadowy promise, something similar to Heaven. Historically, there has been little mention of the afterlife in texts, and it is not considered a “goal” or something to be focused on in order to have purpose in life.
Hinduism. Much like the Buddhist belief systems, Hindus believe that your good deeds here on earth account for something in the afterlife. Reincarnation will bring the Hindu back again and again, until enlightenment is reached.