What is a common theme in discussions about the afterlife across various religions?

A common theme in discussions about the afterlife across various religions is the existence of judgment following death. Many religious traditions share the belief that individuals will be held accountable for their actions during their earthly lives. This concept of judgment serves varying purposes, such as motivating ethical behavior, providing a sense of justice, and defining the fates of souls in the afterlife, whether that be reward or punishment.

In Christianity, for example, there is a belief in divine judgment where one's faith and actions determine their eternal destiny. Similarly, in Islam, the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) plays a crucial role in determining the eternal status of a person in paradise or hell based on their deeds. Other traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, also incorporate ideas of judgment, though these may take different forms, such as karma influencing future rebirths.

The other options do not reflect a widely accepted theme in religious discussions about the afterlife. Universal salvation is a belief in some sects but is not a universal principle across religions. The prohibition of speaking about the afterlife is not a common theme, as many religions actively engage in discussions and teachings about what occurs after death. Finally, the idea that the afterlife is irrelevant contradicts the fundamental