Varies
Afterlife affirmed by most; specific views vary widely
Disciples generally affirm hope in eternal life through Christ's resurrection, but the denomination's creedless tradition and theological diversity mean that specific views on the afterlife vary considerably. Traditional members affirm a conscious intermediate state and bodily resurrection; progressive members may emphasize the resurrection hope without detailed metaphysical claims about the soul's interim existence.
Universalism is a live option for some Disciples theologians, as is a more agnostic openness about the precise nature of the afterlife. The denomination does not impose any binding teaching on these questions, leaving them to individual discernment.
Key Distinctions
- Intermediate state:
- varies widely — conscious with Christ or soul sleep
- Immortality type:
- varies
- Bodily resurrection:
- bodily resurrection affirmed broadly
Scripture References
Sources
- Disciples of Christ, Design of the Christian Church (1968)
- Disciples of Christ, Statement on Faith and Order