Do we lose our memories in heaven?

[CrystalDragon]

Here's the thing: hell is an awful place. I have things I could say on it but I won't (yet) for the purposes of this thread.

If we have any sort of conscience at all, we'd feel terrible for those suffering in hell. But it's said that in heaven there will be no more tears, and we'll only be focused on worshipping God.

By the sound of it, in heaven we basically lose our memories and personalities and are only focused on worshipping God and nothing else.

If that's the case, then if we discount Purgatory our afterlife options are either being tortured forever in hell or being brainwashed until we aren't "us" anymore in heaven. Which if that's the case then God is not love and is instead a sadistic tyrant.

So, DO we lose our memories in heaven? Are we able to stay who we were on Earth? If our memories are erased, then what was the point of us being judged for our actions if God could easily wire our brains to act a certain way from when we were young?

 

[Albion]

Since we're all speculating, I'll give my perspective. It is that the Bible assures us of heaven and hell, but knowing exactly what they are like is not much developed.

This is probably because that's of secondary importance to the question of which way each of us goes OR ELSE it is much above our ability to comprehend with our mortal brains. Probably it is mainly the latter. Yet, we humans have an insatiable need to know all these things so the questions are always going to be asked.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Here's the thing: hell is an awful place. I have things I could say on it but I won't (yet) for the purposes of this thread.

If we have any sort of conscience at all, we'd feel terrible for those suffering in hell. But it's said that in heaven there will be no more tears, and we'll only be focused on worshipping God.

By the sound of it, in heaven we basically lose our memories and personalities and are only focused on worshipping God and nothing else.

If that's the case, then if we discount Purgatory our afterlife options are either being tortured forever in hell or being brainwashed until we aren't "us" anymore in heaven.

So, DO we lose our memories in heaven? Are we able to stay who we were on Earth? If our memories are erased, then what was the point of us being judged for our actions if God could easily wire our brains to act a certain way from when we were young?

.....mmmmm. It might be that we have our logical/emotional capacities augmented, but I don't see any indication in Scripture that we'll undergo some kind of comprehensive 'mind-wipe.' I think our minds will be Trans-figured, not dis-figured or deformed.

Personally, I've never been too worried about it. Not that this isn't an important issue to discuss; it is. But, it's just not something I'm going to get wound up about.

Peace,
2PhiloVoid

 

[ByTheSpirit]

I would say that we have no memory of life on earth for a couple reasons.

First Jesus said we will all be as angels in heaven.

Second why would God let memories of this wretched existence remain?

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

We must have some memories given it says we will know each other (like a spouse for example) and even recognize them despite looking younger.

 

[CrystalDragon]

I would say that we have no memory of life on earth for a couple reasons.

First Jesus said we will all be as angels in heaven.

Second why would God let memories of this wretched existence remain?

Because we experience a lot of wonderful things on Earth. Calling it a "wretched existence" if anything shows how pessimistic you are. This world has plenty of great, wonderful, amazing, fun-filled things that I don't want to lose if we're brainwashed in heaven to just worship God and do nothing else.

 

[Hilarious]

Think of it this way we, at some point, gain a resurrection body (as seen if you read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58) most likely before or during the 1000 year reign with Christ on the earth (Revelations 20:4-6). That gives us 1000 years for us to have a MAJOR mental shift, not even including the new effects and revelations we receive for in our new bodies. All this is BEFORE JUDGEMENT.

I'd say by the time judgement rolls around, the understanding we have will be FAR greater than what we have now, in all matters not exclusive to this. Everything will be clear in time.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Because we experience a lot of wonderful things on Earth. Calling it a "wretched existence" if anything shows how pessimistic you are. This world has plenty of great, wonderful, amazing, fun-filled things that I don't want to lose if we're brainwashed in heaven to just worship God and do nothing else.

This is life is not what we live for. Sure there are some pretty amazing things in this world and existence, but when compared to the one to come it is nothing but ashes and dust. Wretched and miserable.

This corruptible must put on incorruptible. This mortal must be clothed in immortality. Oh death where is your victory? Oh death where is your sting?

 

[dogs4thewin]

I would say that we have no memory of life on earth for a couple reasons.

First Jesus said we will all be as angels in heaven.

Second why would God let memories of this wretched existence remain?

Well some memories are good and some not so much.

 

[CrystalDragon]

This is life is not what we live for. Sure there are some pretty amazing things in this world and existence, but when compared to the one to come it is nothing but ashes and dust. Wretched and miserable.

This corruptible must put on incorruptible. This mortal must be clothed in immortality. Oh death where is your victory? Oh death where is your sting?

Notice all the vagueness though? "When compared to the next one"... but there's never any concreteness, any details, anything other than saying we'll be consumed by God's glory and focused on him which sounds more like brainwashing and erasure of who we are.

 

[Hillsage]

Here's the thing: hell is an awful place. I have things I could say on it but I won't (yet) for the purposes of this thread.

If we have any sort of conscience at all, we'd feel terrible for those suffering in hell. But it's said that in heaven there will be no more tears, and we'll only be focused on worshiping God.

By the sound of it, in heaven we basically lose our memories and personalities and are only focused on worshipping God and nothing else.

If that's the case, then if we discount Purgatory our afterlife options are either being tortured forever in hell or being brainwashed until we aren't "us" anymore in heaven.

So, DO we lose our memories in heaven? Are we able to stay who we were on Earth? If our memories are erased, then what was the point of us being judged for our actions if God could easily wire our brains to act a certain way from when we were young?

I have an opinion, but it is scripturally based too...IMO.

We will have memories....excellent memories. And they'll be memories which we will. 'then'. be able to apply excellent understanding to. An 'understanding' which no one has, here (this side of glory) IMO.

1CO 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.

And with that 'understanding fully', I think we will have tears of remorse concerning how wrong we were about so many things...but especially those who made an eternal headship swap for God, concerning the headship of Hell. But, even those of us who don't have 'that mistake', will still realize enough other mistakes, to draw tears in heaven. The promise is not we won't remember, it is, He will wipe them away.

REV 7:17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

 

[redleghunter]

Here's the thing: hell is an awful place. I have things I could say on it but I won't (yet) for the purposes of this thread.

If we have any sort of conscience at all, we'd feel terrible for those suffering in hell. But it's said that in heaven there will be no more tears, and we'll only be focused on worshipping God.

By the sound of it, in heaven we basically lose our memories and personalities and are only focused on worshipping God and nothing else.

If that's the case, then if we discount Purgatory our afterlife options are either being tortured forever in hell or being brainwashed until we aren't "us" anymore in heaven.

So, DO we lose our memories in heaven? Are we able to stay who we were on Earth? If our memories are erased, then what was the point of us being judged for our actions if God could easily wire our brains to act a certain way from when we were young?

I sometimes forget my memories on the way to the refrigerator. I get there and wonder what I wanted.

But on a serious note, there is no clear definitive answer to give you.

But think of it. In the Presence of God and seeing God's Glory....what do you want to remember from the world? Cat memes?

 

[CrystalDragon]

I sometimes forget my memories on the way to the refrigerator. I get there and wonder what I wanted.

But on a serious note, there is no clear definitive answer to give you.

But think of it. In the Presence of God and seeing God's Glory....what do you want to remember from the world? Cat memes?

Honestly I'd want to remember everything except maybe any really bad memories. If memories are erased (yes, even the humorous memes), then you stop being "you". Your memories make up who you are, and if your memories are gone, then the old you is essentially gone.

 

[Radrook]

If indeed people are going to be roasted alive forever as some Charismatics claim, then those resurrected to heaven or to Earthly paradise may might very well benefit from not remembering fathers brothers sisters daughters mothers friends and acquaintances. You know, in order to prevent normal feelings of pity or empathy from disturbing their peace.

 

[CrystalDragon]

If indeed people are going to be roasted alive forever as some Charismatics claim, then those resurrected to heaven or to Earthly paradise may might very well benefit from not remembering fathers brothers sisters daughters mothers friends and acquaintances. You know, in order to prevent normal feelings of pity or empathy from disturbing their peace.

In that case in a way that makes hell AND heaven both awful in different ways. Tortured on one end, brainwashed to be happy and forget forever on the other (and in the latter case then you're not really you).

Kind of a sadistic choice if that's the case, really. Is it any wonder that there's a drive to live forever on the Earth (and eventually on other planets) rather than die? Honestly if the choice between heaven and hell involved both places being like that I'd pick option 3 of "living forever on Earth/this universe where we keep our personalities and memories and live for extended centuries and possibly forever".

 

[Jim Langston]

Here's the thing: hell is an awful place. I have things I could say on it but I won't (yet) for the purposes of this thread.

If we have any sort of conscience at all, we'd feel terrible for those suffering in hell. But it's said that in heaven there will be no more tears, and we'll only be focused on worshipping God.

By the sound of it, in heaven we basically lose our memories and personalities and are only focused on worshipping God and nothing else.

If that's the case, then if we discount Purgatory our afterlife options are either being tortured forever in hell or being brainwashed until we aren't "us" anymore in heaven.

So, DO we lose our memories in heaven? Are we able to stay who we were on Earth? If our memories are erased, then what was the point of us being judged for our actions if God could easily wire our brains to act a certain way from when we were young?

No, we don't lose our memories in heaven. I would ask you this, if the thought of people being tormented bugs you, what are you doing about it? Are you spreading the word, etc...?

As you say, if we have any consciousness at all we'd feel terrible, like you should now.

That all being said, when we past into the afterlife our understanding increases. I am an awakened individual, meaning I can understand a lot now that most people don't. I fully comprehend that people choose to be selfish, they choose to love themselves more than others. They choose to hurt others for their own gain. I do not. When it comes down to it, people will be on hell for their own unrightousness, for the evil they continue to do because it gives them pleasure.

To be totally honest, I do not want liars, thieves, murderers and the like in heaven with me/us. I don't want to have to spend all eternity watching my back because some people choose to be evil.

Now, the case is often presented, if we have a loving God why would He condemn anyone to hell? The answer I have found is because some people will only get saved if hell is their only alternative. Hell, therefore, is to benefit mankind. And, honestly, if someone only cares about themselves in the first place, I'd much rather care for the ones willing to change.

 

[SkyWriting]

Here's the thing: hell is an awful place. I have things I could say on it but I won't (yet) for the purposes of this thread. If we have any sort of conscience at all, we'd feel terrible for those suffering in hell.

The suffering in Hell is your conscience tormenting you with a burning fire.
In particular, your tongue "burns" due to your conscience considering things
you have said to other people in your life. You have been awful and you have
eternity to think about it in Hell. And nobody else around to blame.

 

[Hillsage]

If indeed people are going to be roasted alive forever as some Charismatics claim, then those resurrected to heaven or to Earthly paradise may might very well benefit from not remembering fathers brothers sisters daughters mothers friends and acquaintances. You know, in order to prevent normal feelings of pity or empathy from disturbing their peace.

Not sure where you get the "Charismatics claim" idea from, but check my faith. And I was Charismatic long before I was a 'sold out' Universal Reconciliation believer.

Why would they 'benefit' from God keeping them 'in memory darkness', concerning 'the truth', then? Wouldn't they just realize that if they were capable of believing Him to be that horrible now, they'd simply come to the reality of God manifesting that same horror then?

I think you are just revealing that 'in your heart' you know He isn't that horrible...now or then. Which is a good thing IMO.

 

[SkyWriting]

So, DO we lose our memories in heaven? Are we able to stay who we were on Earth? If our memories are erased, then what was the point of us being judged for our actions if God could easily wire our brains to act a certain way from when we were young?

Fortunately God did wire your brain like that.
Likely you don't remember how many times you fell as you learned to walk or how much it hurt.
Or the pain of being born.

Heaven is like that place where you still have your mind, but not the memories of pain.

 

[CrystalDragon]

Fortunately God did wire your brain like that.
Likely you don't remember how many times you fell as you learned to walk or how much it hurt.
Or the pain of being born.

Heaven is like that place where you still have your mind, but not the memories of pain.

That's different though. Pain in some small forms helps us grow (malicious enduring pain though is senseless) and learn better next time. Sometimes it shapes who we are. For instance, someone might love mountain biking but know not to go too fast own a certain hill because they got hurt last time. Or someone becomes and athlete, messes up a few times, but they fight through it to be a better athlete.

So take away the minor pain that played some part in growing (in the more positive cases) and you take away who that person is. If you wipe all memories of pain, even the tiniest, then in some cases part of you might be lost. In which case you are not you. "You" is gone.