Fifteenth of Year B - Heaven, Hell & God
July 2009
Be quite sure of this: I am not questioning the existence of Heaven and Hell. What I am questioning is the irresponsible descriptions we have been given of these places or states. We know nothing about the subjects and all descriptions are either pure fiction or hyperbole. What I am also questioning is the presumption that God sends anyone to Heaven or Hell. God gives his children total freedom of choice and accedes to whatever that choice may be.
The greatest damage done by irresponsible speculation about Heaven and Hell is the portraying of God as the sadistic tyrant who rewards those who obey him and punishes those who disobey him. This is exactly what Hitler, Stalin and Sadam Hussain did.
This is not the God revealed to us by the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
The idea I have about God, The understanding I have about God, is hugely important for my relationship with God. If my God is a God who rewards obedience and punishes disobedience then my relationship with Him will be one of servitude, sycophancy, and real fear and trembling. I will always be looking over my shoulder, always trying to curry favour, to keep on the right side of Him, always insecure and doubtful of my standing.
Many of us have inherited this attitude and find it hard to break free. If my God is one who may dump me into eternal fire, how can I ever love, trust, depend on or be confident in Him. For many, the practise of frequent, scrupulous confession only nourished and strengthened this false image of God.
Anyone who preaches or teaches that God can condemn his child to eternal punishment in Hell fire is doing God the greatest disservice possible. Better that one should deny the existence of God altogether.
In conclusion I ask you to watch doting dads and moms who spend every second of every day delighting in their child as it grows, begins to say recognisable words, begins to crawl, to explore the world around it, to stand, to walk etc. This is only a pale illustration of how God looks on you and I.
So in the words of Jesus: ‘Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.’