Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Beyond Death / After Life

1. The notion that life continues after death

A) originated in early Greece. C) is a relatively recent idea.

B) is one of the oldest human concepts. D) originated in Egypt.

2. The Bible reflects ideas about death that are

A) unchanged over long periods of time. C) based upon the concept of damnation.

B) modified over long periods of time. D) based on individual destiny.

3. In the life of the ancient Hebrews, a characteristic theme was

A) immortality of the soul.

B) the importance of the individual.

C) faith in a community with a common destiny.

D) the personality as an incarnated soul.

4. Christian beliefs about the afterlife emphasize the

A) destiny of the soul.

B) non-existence of an afterlife.

C) uncertain nature of afterlife states.

D) need to be concerned with the present, not the future.

5. Islamic teachings about death emphasize that

A) Allah determines a person's lifespan.

B) Allah has no power over an individual's fate.

C) hell does not exist.

D) hellish states are only temporary.

6. The view of reality reflected in the ancient Chinese text known as the I Ching is that

A) correctly performing certain rituals helps one gain a happy afterlife.

B) fate has no bearing on an individual's life.

C) the world of experience is constantly changing.

D) if one is established in “big mind,” there will be no fear of death.

7. The concept of reincarnation has its roots in

A) Islam. B) Christianity. C) Buddhism. D) Hinduism.

8. In the Buddhist understanding of death, the ultimate aim is to achieve

A) an unchanging substantial soul.

B) a successful rebirth.

C) an unconditioned state beyond birth and death.

D) a blissful afterlife.

9. The term bardo refers to a(n)

A) principle of causality. C) embodied state of being.

B) intermediate or transitional state. D) separate and illusory self.

10. Secular concepts of immortality are associated with

A) social changes whereby death is divorced from mythic and religious meanings.

B) the resurgence of Islam as an increasingly prominent religion throughout the world.

C) Abrahamic religious traditions and their linear picture of human history.

D) the focus on scientific research in proving there is life after death.

11. The term eschatologies refers to

A) philosophical beliefs about the nature of the cosmos and the purpose of life.

B) religious beliefs about the end of the world and the ultimate destiny of humankind.

C) scientific beliefs about rationalism and positivism.

D) humanistic beliefs about symbolic immortality and existential reality.

12. What percentage of Americans say they believe in life after death?

A) 60% B) 70% C) 80% D) 90%

13. According to the psychological interpretation of near-death experiences, life review involves

A) detachment from one's soul.

B) affirmation of the meaning of one's existence.

C) recognition of the fact that death is illusory.

D) acceptance of death as unavoidable.

T F 14. The Biblical writings present a systematic theology of death and the afterlife.

T F 15. People who experience near-death experiences share many features in common with people

who describe “conversion” stories associated with life-changing religious experiences.

T F 16. Near-death experiences provide scientific validation that the human personality survives the

death of the body.

T F 17. An individual's beliefs about death and the afterlife can influence the actions

taken when he or she approaches death.