"Let them build Me
a Sanctuary, that I may reside in their midst." Ex 25:8
This, our theme verse for this year, reminds us of a profound truth: Our
Creator desires to live in the midst of His people. What does that really
mean? For many, this thought brings up the idea of going to heaven when you
die. Undoubtedly, Scripture makes clear that Heaven is the abode of our
Creator in the spirit realm. But is it the place where God desires to live
with us? Let’s talk about Heaven.
Heaven has long been
envisioned as the place of the ideal afterlife, filled with eternal peace
and joy, serving as a reward for those who lead virtuous lives. This concept
is rooted in various ancient religious traditions, cultural beliefs, and
philosophical interpretations, shaping how different populations perceive
the afterlife.
Religious
Beliefs Regarding Heaven
1.
Christianity:
Heaven is depicted as the dwelling place of God, angels, and the faithful
who have been redeemed. It is often described as a realm of bliss, free from
suffering where we will be reunited with our loved ones.
2.
Islam: Muslims believe in Jannah, a paradise promised
to those who follow commandments of the Muslim god. It is portrayed as a
lush, beautiful garden with rivers, shade, and eternal companionship.
3.
Hinduism:
Heaven, or Swarga, is a temporary abode of happiness where souls reside
before reincarnation. It is part of the cycle of samsara.
4.
Buddhism:
Some Buddhist traditions speak of heavenly realms as one stage in the cycle
of rebirth, with Enlightenment as the end goal.
Origins of
the Idea of a Heavenly Afterlife
The concept of heaven
as afterlife has ancient roots, with early civilizations envisioning realms
beyond earthly existence. Ancient Egyptian beliefs included the Field of
Reeds, a paradisiacal afterlife. The concept of heaven as an afterlife
destination is not exclusive to ancient Egypt—it appears in various forms
across numerous ancient pagan religions. Here are some notable examples:
1.
Babylonian Beliefs:
In Babylonian mythology, the afterlife was often associated with the
underworld, but there were also ideas of a celestial realm for gods and
select individuals. The heavens were seen as the domain of the divine, and
some myths hinted at the possibility of humans ascending to join the gods
under specific circumstances.
2.
Greek Mythology:
The Greeks envisioned the Elysian Fields (or Elysium) as a
paradisiacal afterlife for heroes and the virtuous. It was described as a
place of eternal spring, happiness, and peace, reserved for those favored by
the gods or distinguished by their deeds.
3.
Norse Mythology:
In Norse beliefs, Valhalla was a majestic hall in Asgard where
warriors who died bravely in battle were welcomed. It was a place of honor,
feasting, and preparation for the final battle of Ragnarok. Another realm,
Fólkvangr, overseen by the goddess Freyja, also served as a resting
place for some of the fallen.
4.
Celtic Traditions:
The Celts believed in Tír na nÓg, the "Land of the Young," a
mystical paradise where the dead could enjoy eternal youth, beauty, and
happiness. It was often depicted as an island across the sea, accessible
only to the chosen.
5.
Mystery Religions:
Ancient mystery cults, such as those of Orpheus and Dionysus, often promised
initiates a blissful afterlife. These religions emphasized personal
salvation and the soul's journey to a heavenly realm, transcending the
mortal world.
These ancient pagan
beliefs reflect fallen humanity's enduring fascination with the idea of a
heavenly afterlife—a place of reward, peace, and connection with lost loved
ones. They also highlight the diversity of interpretations and cultural
influences that have shaped the popular concept of heaven over millennia.
Pagan Afterlife in Heaven
