Describe Heaven

AzA · #1 15th March 2009, 11:43 AM

(I wasn't sure which of the suggested threads people wanted to expand on... so carry on... If you've already commented, feel free to cut/paste/develop your answer.)

What is heaven to you? A place you might go later? A state you might experience later? A state you might experience now? How would you describe it to a nonreligious adult? Does that differ from how you would describe it a small child from a Christian home?

sentipente · #2 16th March 2009, 02:57 PM

The concept of Heaven is a human creation. In the beginning God created the heavens, was simply another way of saying that in the beginning God created all we see and experience. Heaven is not a place. The idea that God would create us here on earth with plans to transport us to another place when we are good enough puts the lie to his pronouncement that his creation was "good."

Avonia · #3 17th March 2009, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by AzA

(I wasn't sure which of the suggested threads people wanted to expand on... so carry on... If you've already commented, feel free to cut/paste/develop your answer.)

What is heaven to you? A place you might go later? A state you might experience later? A state you might experience now? How would you describe it to a nonreligious adult? Does that differ from how you would describe it a small child from a Christian home?

We are addicted to division. I've seen little in Christianity that suggests very many Christians could stand to live in the heaven they describe. Without a shift in consciousness, a transport will not help us learn what we have refused to learn right where we are.

AzA · #4 18th March 2009, 12:10 AM

What is it you think we are here to learn?

Avonia · #5 18th March 2009, 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by AzA

What is it you think we are here to learn?

A discrete "what" is probably less interesting than the insight that we are here to learn.

But if forced to reduce - "Who we are."

AzA · #6 18th March 2009, 01:53 AM

Ohhhhh... "She forced me to reduce!" LOL

Yes, there's an idea that knowing may be more valuable than knowledge. We can debate it.

sentipente · #7 18th March 2009, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Avonia

But if forced to reduce - "Who we are."

That is the crux of the matter because we are the ones who act on our behalf. If we don't know who we are how can we know we are acting as we should? To have faith in God is more about having faith in yourself: knowing who you are.

Joe67 · #8 18th March 2009, 08:47 PM

Having trouble posting.

Joe67 · #9 18th March 2009, 08:53 PM

Where Jesus is, that is heaven.

Joe67 · #10 18th March 2009, 08:56 PM

Still having difficulty posting. Is there a delete function?

My difficulty began in the end of January this year. I Pmd Sophia7 and followed her instructions but the problem remains. These 4 posts (written yesterday) did not show up on the board for several hours after being written and submitted. But I am able to 'edit' today and it shows up almost immediately. Originally when I began posting, my posts showed up on the board almost immediately...not hours later, so hope this can be resolved.

Then I can be more active again!

Thanks
Joe