Judgement, Heaven, Hell and Christian Practices
Christians believe in two types of judgement: particular judgement (happens immediately after death) and final judgement (happens at the end of time when Christ returns). Not all Christian denominations agree on the details, but most believe in resurrection and heaven.
Heaven is described as eternal happiness in God's presence, whilst hell is a place of darkness and separation from God. Catholics also believe in purgatory - a cleansing process that can be speeded up through prayers from the living. However, many Christians don't accept purgatory exists.
Catholic funeral rites are carefully structured to support both the deceased and mourners. The Anointing of the Sick prepares dying people spiritually, whilst funeral masses include holy water, prayers, and readings focused on resurrection hope.
Remember: Christians believe showing love and kindness to others leads to heaven, whilst rejecting God leads to hell.
Catholics oppose euthanasia, believing only God should decide when life ends. Instead, they encourage accepting suffering with dignity, seeing it as a way to share in Jesus' suffering. The Our Father prayer is said over the coffin during burial, and prayers continue for mourners after the service.