Paradise

[Kutte]

Muslims find in their book the Quran a detailed description of paradise, a place with no heat or cold, no hard work, food within easy reach, free provisions mornings and evenings, among other things. Their paradise also features rivers of milk, honey, wine and clean water.

Christians lack a detailed description of a heavenly paradise. They simply envision to be with God enjoying a state of endless happiness. The renowned Evangelist Billy Graham says in his book 'Peace with God': "It will be a time of total joy, service, laughter, singing, and praise to God. Imagine serving Him forever and never growing tired."

I am hoping that you will forgive my frankness because I feel that an endless string of laughter, service and singing may lead to boredom after only 100 000 years.
Allow me to say that paradise is not a place anywhere in the universe but a state of the mind.
God bless

 

[HereIStand]

Difficult to reconcile the bodily resurrection with a state of the mind.

 

[dysert]

Allow me to say that paradise is not a place anywhere in the universe but a state of the mind.
God bless

So I guess Jesus didn't know what He was talking about when He said, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise."

 

[Winken]

"State of mind" is human imagination. "Mind" will not exist upon one's departure to Heaven.

Human language is woefully inadequate in describing Heaven or Paradise. No way we can do that. Each is far, far beyond human comprehension. Discussions or debates about them are fruitless --- one is relying upon mind, will and emotions, functions of the brain, not Spiritual insight.

Suffice it to say that Jesus and the thief went to Spiritual Paradise upon departing physical life.

 

[Kutte]

So I guess Jesus didn't know what He was talking about when He said, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Hi dysert,
There is only one Gospel quoting Jesus of having said that. Theologians are not united in their opinion of this particular quotation.
I don't think that Muslims consider the description of paradise in their book the Quran inadequate whereas Christians simply seek refuge in the argument that life in the hereafter cannot be comprehended but somehow must be glorious.
God bless

 

[Kutte]

"State of mind" is human imagination. "Mind" will not exist upon one's departure to Heaven.

Human language is woefully inadequate in describing Heaven or Paradise. No way we can do that. Each is far, far beyond human comprehension. Discussions or debates about them are fruitless --- one is relying upon mind, will and emotions, functions of the brain, not Spiritual insight.

Suffice it to say that Jesus and the thief went to Spiritual Paradise upon departing physical life.

Dear Winken,
I cannot imagine myself existing as a mindless being in a hereafter. What this hereafter is going to be like is speculative but in my humble opinion must include the ability to think, recognize, and have feelings. A state of happiness is in reality what we hope will await us. To gain happiness does not require entry in a heavenly paradise. Try climbing a mountain. Experience sweat, troubles and pains. Ones you reach the top you will be overwhelmed with good feelings and happiness after having overcome a great challenge.
My best

 

[dysert]

Hi dysert,
There is only one Gospel quoting Jesus of having said that. Theologians are not united in their opinion of this particular quotation.
I don't think that Muslims consider the description of paradise in their book the Quran inadequate whereas Christians simply seek refuge in the argument that life in the hereafter cannot be comprehended but somehow must be glorious.
God bless

Oh it can be comprehended to an extent. Read Rev. 21 & 22 (unless you don't think they're legitimate chapters either).

 

[Winken]

Dear Winken,
I cannot imagine myself existing as a mindless being in a hereafter. What this hereafter is going to be like is speculative but in my humble opinion must include the ability to think, recognize, and have feelings. A state of happiness is in reality what we hope will await us. To gain happiness does not require entry in a heavenly paradise. Try climbing a mountain. Experience sweat, troubles and pains. Ones you reach the top you will be overwhelmed with good feelings and happiness after having overcome a great challenge.
My best

We will indeed be mindless, in human terms. We will indeed walk in Spiritual Awareness, lacking nothing.

 

[Kutte]

We will indeed be mindless, in human terms. We will indeed walk in Spiritual Awareness, lacking nothing.

Hi Winken,
Appreciate your comment. As I indicated in my previous note, I can not imagine floating as a mindless creature through heaven. Spiritual awareness can be had in this life already.
Prayer can be helpful.
God bless

 

[Kutte]

Oh it can be comprehended to an extent. Read Rev. 21 & 22 (unless you don't think they're legitimate chapters either).

Hi desert,
I have no problem with the chapters you are referring to except when taken literately. They have to be looked at metaphorically. Do you really believe in the existence of a city with pure, transparent gold like glass, twelve layers of foundation stones inlaid with gems, and gates made of pearls? The way I see it is a description of a place designed to appeal to our feelings. Feelings is what we are dealing with here.
Jesus Christ called it the Kingdom of God and he tried to show where the Kingdom of God is situated. Do you know?
God bless

 

[Winken]

Hi Winken,
Appreciate your comment. As I indicated in my previous note, I can not imagine floating as a mindless creature through heaven. Spiritual awareness can be had in this life already.
Prayer can be helpful.
God bless

Please describe "floating," "mindless," and "creature." Describe Spiritual awareness on earth, then in Heaven.

 

[Winken]

Hi desert,
I have no problem with the chapters you are referring to except when taken literately. They have to be looked at metaphorically. Do you really believe in the existence of a city with pure, transparent gold like glass, twelve layers of foundation stones inlaid with gems, and gates made of pearls? The way I see it is a description of a place designed to appeal to our feelings. Feelings is what we are dealing with here.
Jesus Christ called it the Kingdom of God and he tried to show where the Kingdom of God is situated. Do you know?
God bless

Which Kingdom of God was Jesus referring to? Was it the Kingdom of God on earth, with Jesus on the Throne of David, or is it right now the Body of Christ?

Please describe "feelings" over against "Spiritual Insight and Awareness."

 

[Kutte]

Which Kingdom of God was Jesus referring to? Was it the Kingdom of God on earth, with Jesus on the Throne of David, or is it right now the Body of Christ?

Please describe "feelings" over against "Spiritual Insight and Awareness."

Hello Winken
I am quiet sure that spiritual awareness will provide one with feelings, not over or against, but being a part thereof, enabling one to distinguish between good and bad.
Jesus taught us that the Kingdom of God did not begin, is not a place here or there but within you.
(Luke 17:21) The emphasis lies on 'within', not somewhere on earth or out there in the universe where one might think God's Kingdom is located.
God bless

 

[Winken]

Hello Winken
I am quiet sure that spiritual awareness will provide one with feelings, not over or against, but being a part thereof, enabling one to distinguish between good and bad.
Jesus taught us that the Kingdom of God did not begin, is not a place here or there but within you.
(Luke 17:21) The emphasis lies on 'within', not somewhere on earth or out there in the universe where one might think God's Kingdom is located.
God bless

OK , we're talking past each other. Thanks for the conversation. Be blessed in Him.

 

[Kutte]

OK , we're talking past each other. Thanks for the conversation. Be blessed in Him.

God bless you too, Winken

 

[alex2165]

May be this will help.

Romans 14.17

17.The Kingdom of GOD is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

 

[Kutte]

May be this will help.

Romans 14.17

17.The Kingdom of GOD is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Well said alex2165.
God bless

 

[-V-]

Don't confuse "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God" with heaven/the afterlife. They aren't the same things. They are related, sure, but they are not interchangeable terms.