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From
2003 The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives: MPhil thesis, Bangor University
10. Heaven
Lewis cautiously stated that this was perhaps what we as human beings desired more than anything else. He noted that human beings wanted "‘something better’-not this or that experience, but beyond it." Lewis (1940)(1996: 154). I think there is an aspect of humanity which desires a better, perhaps perfect life. However, in our fallen state is what we humans really desire anywhere near what God has in store for his followers?
KILBY, Clyde S. (1965) The Christian World of C.S. Lewis, Appleford, Abingdon, Berks, U.K., Marcham Manor Press.
LEWIS, C.S. (1961)(1983) A Grief Observed, London, Faber and Faber.
LEWIS, C.S. (1941)(1990) The Screwtape Letters, Uhrichsville, Ohio, Barbour and Company.
LEWIS, C.S. (1940)(1996) The Problem of Pain, San Francisco, Harper-Collins.
2015
In contrast...
For a reasonable belief in heaven one would need primarily, historical, religious documentation found in the New Testament which is inspired by God through apostles and scribes.
Paradise is described in Luke 23, 2 Corinthians 12, Revelation 2: 7 and Philippians 1 is related.
The future New Heaven and New Earth is described in Revelation 21-22.
Admittedly this is not empirical evidence of such a realm, although through the historical claims of Scripture heaven is documented as an actual spiritual realm of the present and also a realm of the future new restored universe.
From Scripture reasonable religious faith, theology and philosophy can be built.
Therefore, in general, although I do not completely discount it, the Lewis argument is more subjective than I would prefer.
There would also be plenty of those on the critical side, to various degrees, that would state they would have no interest in heaven, the Biblical or Christian God, or in everlasting life.
For example, while obtaining eye laser treatment for floaters in Southern California a few years ago my surgeon stated (paraphrased) that he would have no interest in everlasting life. He stated that it would be uninteresting to live forever.
I do not agree with the view, reasoning that this makes everything gained in this life in the end virtually meaningless, ceasing and not continuing forever.
Being finite beings there is always much more to be gained from life especially when in communion with the infinite God; but here was a very educated person in the medical profession that held such a view.
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