Mysteries of the Afterlife

It is a question that has fascinated mankind since our very earliest days, and one that modern science still has little hope of answering: is there life after death? Many religious beliefs are built on the foundations of an afterlife - where souls are rewarded or punished for the deeds committed during their time on Earth. Why have we always been drawn to these notions of Heaven and Hell? And what does the powerful imagery associated with these places tell us about our hopes, fears and views on sin and redemption?