Heaven vs. Hell Explained: Meaning and Difference in the Catholic Church

Описание: What happens to us after we die?

As Christians, we believe in everlasting life. We believe that upon our deaths we will experience a particular judgement after which our bodies will remain on earth and our souls will be judged by Christ to be with him in everlasting life or everlasting damnation in hell.

Let's breakdown the meaning of these two forms judgement according to the Catholic Church:

The Meaning of "Heaven"

The origin of the English word for heaven refers to the "place where God dwells." It also meant "sky." In all of the ancient languages spoken by Christians (Hebrew, Greek, Latin), the word mean both the paradise of everlasting life and simply the sky. The Greek word for sky is parádeisos (as in, paradise).

The Meaning of "Hell"

The origin of the word "hell" is to "hide" or "conceal." Just as Adam and Eve hid from God after their sin in the Garden of Eden, so too do those punished in hell hide in shame from God.

How Do We Get to Heaven and Avoid Hell?

The Death and Resurrection of Christ opened up heaven for us. Through Christ we are born into everlasting life.

Grace unites us with God. Sin separates us from God.

Embrace grace and reject sin in order to experience life with Christ.

Those in hell have died in a state of unrepented mortal sin. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states about hell:

"This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called 'hell.'" (CCC, 1033)

What is Heaven Like?

We don't know what the actual experience of heaven will be like. As it is written: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

But we do know how it will feel: "Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness." (CCC, 1024)

While we often have images of clouds and bright lights and heaven, the true experience of heaven has always been described as the "Beatific Vision." In heaven, we will see God face to face. In heaven we will be united with God, the saints, and all those who love God.

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