Different religions have many different beliefs about life after death. Many religions believe in different forms of greater power, some including belief in a single deity, multiple deities, or no belief in any deities. Their belief in deities affects how their afterlife appears to them and forms the basis for actions that they believe will contribute to their soul's outcome in the afterlife. In general, there are three main beliefs about deities in religion: belief in a single god (sometimes with several smaller deities), multiple deities that coincide together, or no belief in any deities (Robinson). Not only do different religions have different deities, but they also differ in the involvement of their deities in the universe. There are many points of view on this particular topic. Some believe that their deities created everything and set everything in motion, but do not actively interfere; others instead believe that their deities continually control what happens to everyone and that the outcomes are predetermined. Other religions believe that their deity(ies) are actually one being with the entire universe and that everyone is a part of this one being. Of course, there are always religions that are either unsure of their faith or are quite certain that there cannot be an omniscient presence watching over the universe (Robinson). It is often questioned whether or not it is reasonable to believe in such an omniscient being, and even more so whether or not these deities are capable of possessing the claimed powers. With this argument in mind, the question arises as to how long these deities are in control. Some have said that "God" is timeless and will never weaken with age, and so... middle of paper ... what they experience. Religion may only be a means for humans to discover what will inevitably happen, but it seems plausible that the ultimate end is meant to remain secret. Works Cited Ellis, Joseph. “Life after death”. British. 2014. Internet. April 30, 2014. Encyclopedia of world religions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Zen, Hinduism, prehistoric and primitive religions. London: Octopus Books Limited. 1975. PrintFairchild, Mary. “What does the Bible say about death, eternal life, and heaven.” Christianity.about. 2014. Internet. April 30, 2014. Gaer, Joseph. What the major religions believe. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1963. Print.Liston, Robert A. By These Religions – Religions Today. New York: Julian Messner, 1977. Print.Robinson, B.A. “Beliefs about divinity/deities in different religions.” Religious tolerance. 1996-2014. Internet. April 30 2014.