Catholics/catholic view of afterlife

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Expert: Tom Schott - 6/13/2004


Question
what happens to a Christian after death? does s/he goes to heaven and be with God immediately? or in a state of sleep until the resurrection?

what about non-believers? do they go to hell straightway or in a state of sleep until the judgement day?

thanks.

Answer
Jasmine,

  No one knows exactly--no one has ever come back and told us! There are people who believe both scenarios you give. Same for non-believers, although I should point out that Vatican II teaches us that they do not all automatically go to hell.

Deacon Tom

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Tom Schott

Expertise

I am an ordained permanent deacon in Catholic church. Married with three children. I am able to answer questions about most aspects of our faith, from Scripture to prayer. My perspective is pastoral and progressive.

Experience

Ordained to permanent diaconate in 1985. Parish work in hospice, RCIA, liturgy, evangelization, and adult education since then.

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