RE - Y9 -

This resource provides a rigorous exploration of the central tenet of the Christian faith: the Resurrection. It traces the journey from the historical accounts of the early Church to the practical and liturgical ways Catholics mark the transition from this life to the next.

• The Resurrection Accounts: Critically analyze the Gospel narratives of the Resurrection, noting the shared elements and unique perspectives of the witnesses.
• The Empty Tomb & Historical Context: Evaluate the “Theory of the Empty Tomb” alongside the historical accounts in the Acts of the Apostles, examining the dramatic transformation of the Disciples after the Crucifixion.
• Theology of Salvation: Define Salvation in the context of Christ’s victory over death and what this means for the “justification” of the human person.
• Purgatory & Life After Death: Revisit the concept of Purgatory as a state of purification, exploring the broader Catholic vision of the afterlife (Heaven, Hell, and the Beatific Vision).
• The Catholic Funeral Rite: Analyze the purpose and symbolism of the Order of Christian Funerals, including the use of the Paschal Candle, holy water, and incense as signs of hope and resurrection.

• Evidence vs. Faith: How do the historical “shocks” recorded in Acts (such as the sudden courage of Peter) serve as circumstantial evidence for the Resurrection?
• The Purpose of a Funeral: Is a Catholic funeral primarily for the living or for the deceased? Discuss the balance between mourning a loss and celebrating the “birthday into eternal life.”
• The “Now and Not Yet”: How does the belief in the Resurrection change the way a believer lives their life before death?

This lesson is essential for helping students distinguish between “resuscitation” and “resurrection.” By grounding the theological concept of Salvation in the historical grit of the Acts of the Apostles, students can appreciate the Resurrection not just as an abstract idea, but as a catalyst for a global movement. The inclusion of the Funeral Rite provides a tangible, real-world application of these high-level theological concepts.