We are all going to die. Have you given any thought about heaven or a life beyond this one? Does your idea of heaven (and eternal happiness) make sense?
Here is a new insight to contemplate —
Since we never reach God’s perfection, even the greatest angels in heaven are constantly perfecting their hearts and minds. Heaven would not be heaven if we, or those of us who succeed in becoming angels, could not rise to new challenges. Life itself would become drab and dull and our essential personhood would fall apart.
Unfortunately, most people view heaven according to their understanding of what constitutes a wonderful and pleasurable life on this earthly plane. And, most people view a perfect life on earth as one in which an individual is rewarded with a 100% carefree existence. Such a ”heaven” amounts to personal inertia, full of entitlements, and, where every human need is taken care of by God’s loving angels.
I cannot overstress that this misconception of heaven as a “gimme-gimme” realm is based on what people judge as constituting a heavenly life in this physical world—like perfect health, perfect weather, perfect teeth, no money concerns, self-indulgence and just one never-ending vacation.
The problem is, heaven is not a physical place nor is it a reward. Heaven is not a retirement destination, but represents a certain quality of love and wisdom that we have cultivated while living among others on this earth. In other words, in the spiritual world, we get to experience exactly what we really are.
To test this unique concept of heaven, merely try contemplating the idea of a world (even this physical world) where people are sincerely loving and helpful towards each other in a truly selfless way. That would create a heavenly society based on a certain quality within the human heart and mind—our spiritual reality—not on creature comforts, golf courses, endless extravagant meals, regularity or cloudless days.
Therefore, the more selfless your actions, the more you would experience true heavenly happiness. In such a world, based on mutual love, why would anyone want to waste any time in a hammock or life in eternal retirement?
The world is screwed up because people’s idea of heaven and paradise is screwed up!
This type of heaven was created as a “Hope” factor. Without “Hope” people would commit suicide, commit violence and other moral atrocities, and worst of all move to another religion. This kept everyone faithful during the hard times of persecution.
Is this vision still needed in modern times? Probably not. Does it create more harm than good? It might, if you are an animus-based personality.(The Western culture is based on the imperial Roman philosophy, which is Very animus based.)
The anima-based personality lives on “Hope.” Without it, we would just give up and die. The Christian message was originally anima-based. It was a breath of fresh air to all the peoples under the occupation of Rome. It still is in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
I am glad I could offer a more rational view of heaven!
Spiritually yours,
TheGodGuy