A Short History of Heaven
Book Overview
Belief in heaven underlies much religious faith and beliefs about what happens in the afterlife. This book examines where such ideas may have came from and why they are important. It sheds light on beliefs about heaven today by examining their roots in the ancient religions of the West.
A Short History of Heaven
Heaven has played a central, although often unacknowledged, role in Western culture. This book explores the origins of concepts about heaven and how these may be found in Christianity.
​
Early writings from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, and Rome are explored, with elements of shamanism, as well as the Hebrew and Christian Bibles and gnostic texts. The nature of the soul, the soul’s journey, and the role of morality are also considered. The book shows how age-old beliefs about life on earth and about heaven are important today.
​
Activities are included to encourage readers to explore their own thoughts and feelings about heaven.
