by ShonaM

Created on: August 07, 2007   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

I do not follow any set religion, though I have very strong faith and belief, as such the views discussed are based on my beliefs and are not intended to criticize anyone's beliefs.

The Christian bible and some other religious texts are often used to argue or "prove" that Heaven is a place. They define it as a place where "good" people go, but only if they follow that religion.

But if we think about this for a moment; what better way to gain followers of a religion than to promise them Heaven, but only if they follow this religion; or to scare them with the threat of eternal damnation in the depths of Hell if they don't?

From these words, written and taught to those who follow religions which promote this idea of Heaven and Hell, comes the belief that Heaven must be a place. Followers of these religions will quote passages from their religious texts, stating this as proof it is a place, these beliefs are based on people's interpretations of the words they have read.

Christianity for example states that Jesus prayed to the Father who is in Heaven, and taught that those who sold their possessions and gave to the poor would have treasure in Heaven. This is said to show that Heaven is a place we go to when we die.

Perhaps it is worth considering the words from another perspective.

Even if you believe in Christ as the Savior, is it not possible that it was not a place outside of us, or this life, that he was referring to; but rather a place within us; a state of being, a feeling of peace and serenity that would be felt by helping those less fortunate than ourselves, by letting love and compassion instead of greed and selfishness govern our behavior?

Surely then it would follow that if Heaven is a state of being achieved through showing love and kindness to our fellow man, then as the creator the very giver of life, who loves all "his children", this would be where God lives; in the state of love, kindness and compassion, otherwise known as Heaven.

To behave in a certain way, or follow a certain religion, in hopes of being "rewarded" with Heaven after death, or fear of being "punished" with Hell, if you don't, is to behave in that way, or follow that religion for the wrong reasons. Belief should be based on the truth we feel, to love, believe and give without hope of reward, or fear of punishment.

Without religion, there would still be God. Religions even if you believe the words were "spoken by God"; is still man made, and as such open to interpretation. God is not.

We are all connected at a deeper level, part of something far greater and far more beautiful than we may realize. God, the Creator, Divine Being, call it what you may, is within us all, part of all life. Regardless of religion, race or social status and we are all part of creation.

Once all the arguments and fighting, hatred and violence, intolerance and judgment between people who have different beliefs, is seen for what it is; a mockery of life, and a mockery of God, then maybe the world will be a better place.

If we can free ourselves to love and give, believe as our heart tells us, instead of following interpretations and words of others, then maybe we will come to respect others and their beliefs. Freeing them to believe as their heart tells them, and the fear, intolerance and misunderstandings will start to dissolve as we learn to listen to our hearts and love with our whole being.

Once we can do this, then we will surely feel and know that Heaven can be right here, right now, in this moment and all the moments to follow. In this beautiful, amazing, awe inspiring world in which we have been given the gift of life and the chance to walk with love in the state of being known as Heaven.

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