Why is Heaven so boring?

[Akibahara]

I thought of this quote from The Great Divorce,

"I believe, to be sure, that any man who reaches Heaven will find that what he abandoned (even in plucking out his right eye) has not been lost: that the kernel of what he was really seeking even in his most depraved wishes will be there, beyond expectation, waiting for him in 'the High Countries'."

I seriously would recommend giving C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce a read.

I don't know if the OP has ever experience significant loss or not--and this isn't intended to judge one way or the other--but for those of us who have, or for those of us who when we look out into the world and see a world where injustice upon injustice is committed against the poor, the weak, the hungry, the different. When I read stories about gay kids being bullied and then committing suicide out of despair, or stories about mothers losing their children to disease, or children losing their fathers to war. When I consider the hate that leads to so much bloodshed and inhuman action to our fellow men.

When I am reminded of all these tragedies, or when I remember the loss of people I've loved, or when I see the pain in friends and loved ones who have family that suffer.

In all these things I desire for a better world, a just world. I desire for a world in which men shall convert their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning shears. Where people have forgotten the art of war. A world in which the little child can play near the viper's nest without fear. A world in which God wipes away every tear, in which there is no more suffering, no more sorrow. A world where every wrong is righted, where the hungry are fed, those who mourn are comforted, where the poor have a kingdom.


-CryptoLutheran

Wow! What a wonderful message, my brother in Christ! You truly are encouraging... and a talented writer, no doubt. A God-created world of peace, happiness, and utter joy is indeed something I'd like to be apart in. I'd also like to take a chance to write what I believe our Heavenly experience (though if it's biblical--I'm unsure) could possibly be like...

A majestic city, New Jerusalem, is in the process of construction--our eternal paradise. The Heavenly Father, Yahweh, shines down beautifully across the majestic landscape. A mixture of adobe looking ziggurats accompany a cadre of silver-and-metal skyscrapers, the old and the new, or perhaps, Heavenly architecture of what is to come, are built side-by-side.

Picture - the city center. Men and women, apart of the Family of Christ, are laughing, talking, playing, and reminiscing. Some young Chinese man, probably mid-20s, spoke in his native language in an eccentric tone, his hands bubbling with holy energy--weaponized? Sure--but in Heaven, this was unnecessary... unless he planned on venturing out into alien worlds rife with sin, death, and demonic influence.

Finally, we see a boy, his true age 62, his once frail body giving out thanks to a heart attack on Fallen Earth. This was three years ago. Now he's sporting a powerful body, stronger than those of an Olympic decathlete. His face resembling an early 20s male, hair slick back as we see-- a female, a Sister in Christ he met merely a few days ago, if we count human time, hand-in-hand with this young man...

Spiritual intercourse, it's called--a physical and spiritual unification of male and female within the body of Christ--as God intended it to be. As one Believer said, "Monogamy is for earth. On earth, our bodies are private. In Heaven, we share each other's secrets without shame, and voluntarily. In the Communion of Saints, promiscuity of spirit is a virtue."

This is Heaven. This is our Eternal Destination.

 

[Gnarwhal]

Now, I know many of you are like: "No it's not! It'll be beautiful, we can explore a vast world, we'll sing, eat and dance and have lots of fun!" Yeah, I read that. I'm a Baptist Christian, and I'm reading through Heaven by Randy Alcorn -- and Heaven STILL isn't appealing to me. I mean, sure, if you're an extrovert who loves the outside and social activities. I'm more of an indoor person unless it involves something unique and exciting.

From what I read, New Earth will be located here -- there'll be a New Jerusalem, an eternal Heaven, and amongst other things. We'll be able to communicate face-to-face with Christ, eat at large banquets (PS: If I were in Heaven, I could honestly care less about food), explore the unknown, etc.

But...

All my questions I asked in the past concerning Heaven were met with "maybes" or a flat-out "no": I may be able to explore fictional universes beyond eternal Heaven, or ideas I wrote up in my earthly body; there will not be sex in Heaven, but some sort of "transformed version" of it; and all love in Heaven is agape love--or brotherly love.

Honestly, Islamic Paradise (no, I'm not a Muslim) seems a bit more appealing... :/

I think Paradise and the New Creation will be just as much bliss for us introverts as it will be for extroverts, when you put it in those terms. At least, I hope so. God knows our needs and wants, I don't think he's going to rewire us that much...

 

[FireDragon76]

Perhaps, but it still raises the question of exploring fictional universes; my Earthly creations; etc. Even so, God created sex, he wouldn't just throw it away like trash. Now to be fair, I have read Peter Keeft's belief in sex in Heaven, but a vast majority of Christians believe it isn't there... and, no doubt, with good sound doctrine.

It's cool that a Baptist reads a Roman Catholic's theologian. I think its good to stay open minded

I tend to think there will be no sex in the world to come but, at least as sex as commonly understood, that's just my opinion, but I base it on Jesus response to the scribes question about Levirate merriages. When you get older you will realize sex is not a big deal . It's not even the most important part of a good marriage. What we will haven in heaven is communion, and that is better than sex.

I agree with what ViaCrucis said. Even someone who is celibate has a libido, usually. Freud and Jung were basically right in that regard, we don't cease being sexual beings just because we are celibate.

 

[com7fy8]

Heaven won't be defined by how we are now and therefore how we can think now. It will be totally better.

"But as it is written:

. . 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
. . .Nor have entered into the heart of man
. . .The things which God has prepared
. . . . . for those who love Him.'"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Intimacy in God's love is better and deeper than physical sexual intimacy. So, if sexual pleasure is a main pleasure for us, our desires for this can keep us from all we can have with God >

"You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections." (2 Corinthians 6:12)

I have noticed how sexual stuff can be very dominating and driving and demanding of attention . . . not humble. This is because of the fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus Christ, in His emotions and feelings, is gentle and humble (Matthew 11:29), not demanding and dictatorial and driving. That is not free will, if a sexual thing is dominating.

In the Holy Spirit, love's emotions are gentle and humble.

But, like I say, we all were born in sin and we can be tricked into thinking that God made us the way we are sexually in sin. And sexual pleasure is a major treasure pleasure; so we can be in denial about this.

But Paul says, "For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." (1 Corinthians 7:7)

So, Paul was experiencing how celibacy in God's love was better fulfilling than sexual stuff. However, I understand, in the Holy Spirit marriage is better than human marriage. And in the gift of the Holy Spirit ones enjoy how God's love is better and more enjoyable than just their physical intimacy's pleasure

I consider that God did not create any of us to be attracted to someone we do not belong with in marriage. His love is all-loving and has us attracted to whoever He knows we belong with. And His love has us attracted because of how a person is in love's character (1 Peter 3:4), not only to what a woman or man looks like. Love does not judge and evaluate by what someone looks like, because God is not a respecter of persons.

So, there is sexuality which is not in God's love.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment." (Philippians 1:9)

 

[razzelflabben]

"Back in my day," Keith Greene had an active ministry that included tracts. One of those tracts dealt with whether or not heaven would be boring. when I read that tract, something became painfully real to me. Heaven is only boring for those who do not find joy in being in the presence of the living God.

Heaven is described in many ways, and I'm sure it is beautiful, but it's beauty can never out do the beauty of Christ.

Heaven is described as light, but then we are told that God is that light.

Heaven is described as God's dwelling. that is where I want to be, in the very presence of my Lord and King. Like lovers who want to spend time together, I want to spend time with my God. He is the reason heaven could never be boring. I could go on adventures every day of eternity, but none would compare to the adventure I know in Christ. I could look at beauty for an eternity and never find the satisfaction I know when I gaze at the beauty of my Christ.

Heaven is only boring for those who want something more than God to consume them. Truly a challenge to us all, to grow deeper in Love with God every day.

 

[ChristsSoldier115]

Now, I know many of you are like: "No it's not! It'll be beautiful, we can explore a vast world, we'll sing, eat and dance and have lots of fun!" Yeah, I read that. I'm a Baptist Christian, and I'm reading through Heaven by Randy Alcorn -- and Heaven STILL isn't appealing to me. I mean, sure, if you're an extrovert who loves the outside and social activities. I'm more of an indoor person unless it involves something unique and exciting.

From what I read, New Earth will be located here -- there'll be a New Jerusalem, an eternal Heaven, and amongst other things. We'll be able to communicate face-to-face with Christ, eat at large banquets (PS: If I were in Heaven, I could honestly care less about food), explore the unknown, etc.

But...

All my questions I asked in the past concerning Heaven were met with "maybes" or a flat-out "no": I may be able to explore fictional universes beyond eternal Heaven, or ideas I wrote up in my earthly body; there will not be sex in Heaven, but some sort of "transformed version" of it; and all love in Heaven is agape love--or brotherly love.

Honestly, Islamic Paradise (no, I'm not a Muslim) seems a bit more appealing... :/

because your idea of what "fun" is is limited by the old nature. you battle with the old nature your entire life as a Christian.

 

[Optimax]

Now, I know many of you are like: "No it's not! It'll be beautiful, we can explore a vast world, we'll sing, eat and dance and have lots of fun!" Yeah, I read that. I'm a Baptist Christian, and I'm reading through Heaven by Randy Alcorn -- and Heaven STILL isn't appealing to me. I mean, sure, if you're an extrovert who loves the outside and social activities. I'm more of an indoor person unless it involves something unique and exciting.

From what I read, New Earth will be located here -- there'll be a New Jerusalem, an eternal Heaven, and amongst other things. We'll be able to communicate face-to-face with Christ, eat at large banquets (PS: If I were in Heaven, I could honestly care less about food), explore the unknown, etc.

But...

All my questions I asked in the past concerning Heaven were met with "maybes" or a flat-out "no": I may be able to explore fictional universes beyond eternal Heaven, or ideas I wrote up in my earthly body; there will not be sex in Heaven, but some sort of "transformed version" of it; and all love in Heaven is agape love--or brotherly love.

Honestly, Islamic Paradise (no, I'm not a Muslim) seems a bit more appealing... :/

If ya don't like heaven.

Seriously consider the only alternative.

Would you really rather be in hell?

 

[Akibahara]

It's cool that a Baptist reads a Roman Catholic's theologian. I think its good to stay open minded

Well, I hate saying this, but I read his article and I thought he was a Lutheran. xD It wasn't until I did further research until I discovered he converted into a Roman Catholic.

Anyway, I'm thankful for all the various responses for or against sex in Heaven or other desires in it. You all are a blessing.
​

 

[fhansen]

Now, I know many of you are like: "No it's not! It'll be beautiful, we can explore a vast world, we'll sing, eat and dance and have lots of fun!" Yeah, I read that. I'm a Baptist Christian, and I'm reading through Heaven by Randy Alcorn -- and Heaven STILL isn't appealing to me. I mean, sure, if you're an extrovert who loves the outside and social activities. I'm more of an indoor person unless it involves something unique and exciting.

From what I read, New Earth will be located here -- there'll be a New Jerusalem, an eternal Heaven, and amongst other things. We'll be able to communicate face-to-face with Christ, eat at large banquets (PS: If I were in Heaven, I could honestly care less about food), explore the unknown, etc.

But...

All my questions I asked in the past concerning Heaven were met with "maybes" or a flat-out "no": I may be able to explore fictional universes beyond eternal Heaven, or ideas I wrote up in my earthly body; there will not be sex in Heaven, but some sort of "transformed version" of it; and all love in Heaven is agape love--or brotherly love.

Honestly, Islamic Paradise (no, I'm not a Muslim) seems a bit more appealing... :/

Yes, 12 virgins and all.
The "new earth" & "new Jerusalem" are symbolic terms for heaven, a major difference from the present-day reality. What makes heaven heavenly is God; He is heaven, in a sense. "God alone satisfies", as Thomas Aquinas put it. We can't comprehend this at first glance, but 12 virgins or whatever else that we could imagine might possibly keep us contented simply cannot; we're made for more.

God's intention for man is complete and unending happiness, total satiation of all desire. He put that desire in us. Our desire is for Him; we just don't know it until we grow more in the knowledge of Him, in "the knowledge of God", as it’s put in the bible, the knowledge of just Who He is. This knowledge, to reach complete fruition in heaven where we’ll see Him “face to face”, is simply His immediate presence. We only have a relatively dim foretaste of it now. But the experience is absolutely enthralling, overwhelming- total and complete sense of peace, joy, elation, well-being-with nothing possible left to desire more than that experience. It’s a total gift. He withholds nothing. We just think he does, just as our parents, Adam & Eve, thought He might; that’s why they disobeyed and parted company, in a very real sense. That’s our problem now as well; we look for happiness in all the wrong places, in created things; we experiment with the possibility that total fulfillment/happiness might be found outside of God. But God withholds nothing that can satisfy us completely. Only He knows how to accomplish that.

 

[Paul of Eugene OR]

Well, I hate saying this, but I read his article and I thought he was a Lutheran. xD It wasn't until I did further research until I discovered he converted into a Roman Catholic.

Anyway, I'm thankful for all the various responses for or against sex in Heaven or other desires in it. You all are a blessing.
​

OK Lets make a wager. To be settled in heaven. If we are allowed to have sex in heaven, I win. If we are not, you win. Loser has to wear a real halo at an appropriate heavenly banquet. Will you take that wager?

 

[Akibahara]

OK Lets make a wager. To be settled in heaven. If we are allowed to have sex in heaven, I win. If we are not, you win. Loser has to wear a real halo at an appropriate heavenly banquet. Will you take that wager?

Haha, I'd take that wager once I meet you in eternity, Paul. I'm still, despite my wishes, believing that there's no sex in Heaven... or, alternatively, it's so upgraded/enhanced it's unrecognizable.

 

[Souldier]

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

[Knee V]

To appeal to Lewis again, he said something pretty fitting, roughly quoting from memory: "If we desire the Master's table, we shall receive neither the Master nor His table. If we desire the Master, we shall receive both Him and His table." Something like that.

If our desire - or lack thereof - to "be in heaven" when we die is based on "stuff", then we've missed the point.

 

[fhansen]

Haha, I'd take that wager once I meet you in eternity, Paul. I'm still, despite my wishes, believing that there's no sex in Heaven... or, alternatively, it's so upgraded/enhanced it's unrecognizable.

Anyone who could create sex can't make a boring heaven.

 

[James Is Back]

Anyone who could create sex can't make a boring heaven.

Good point

 

[Knee V]

Something that I might suggest as you wrestle with this issue is to attend some Sunday services at some churches that are more liturgical in nature: Lutheran, Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, etc. Perhaps read the scriptural accounts of heavenly worship (Isaiah, Revelation, etc) before each service. Perhaps as you engage those services (*engage*, not just sit through) you might come to see why those people don't find it boring and why the angels and people in heaven don't find an eternity of that boring.

 

[Souldier]

Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

 

[Akibahara]

Something that I might suggest as you wrestle with this issue is to attend some Sunday services at some churches that are more liturgical in nature: Lutheran, Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, etc. Perhaps read the scriptural accounts of heavenly worship (Isaiah, Revelation, etc) before each service. Perhaps as you engage those services (*engage*, not just sit through) you might come to see why those people don't find it boring and why the angels and people in heaven don't find an eternity of that boring.

Like... traditional worship? I'm sorry, can you give me an example of liturgical worship?

 

[BobRyan]

Now, I know many of you are like: "No it's not! It'll be beautiful, we can explore a vast world, we'll sing, eat and dance and have lots of fun!" Yeah, I read that. I'm a Baptist Christian, and I'm reading through Heaven by Randy Alcorn -- and Heaven STILL isn't appealing to me. I mean, sure, if you're an extrovert who loves the outside and social activities. I'm more of an indoor person unless it involves something unique and exciting.

From what I read, New Earth will be located here -- there'll be a New Jerusalem, an eternal Heaven, and amongst other things. We'll be able to communicate face-to-face with Christ, eat at large banquets (PS: If I were in Heaven, I could honestly care less about food), explore the unknown, etc.

But...

All my questions I asked in the past concerning Heaven were met with "maybes" or a flat-out "no": I may be able to explore fictional universes beyond eternal Heaven, or ideas I wrote up in my earthly body; there will not be sex in Heaven, but some sort of "transformed version" of it; and all love in Heaven is agape love--or brotherly love.

Honestly, Islamic Paradise (no, I'm not a Muslim) seems a bit more appealing... :/

There is eternal life in paradise and the entire universe of the unknown.

And the alternative is no eternal life - and no paradise at all.

Pick one.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[Gnarwhal]

Anyone who could create sex can't make a boring heaven.