I had to smile at your post. You sound a lot like me. When I was a young ‘un in Catholic school, we were told that we’d spend eternity glorifying God. Hmm, I don’t think that sounds like something I want to do. It also doesn’t sound like something God needs. Is God that insecure?
I don’t know if I have a picture of heaven. I certainly would like to see my loved ones again, but that’s about it. I’d like to be a spirit so I could come to earth and see the new movies. : ) I also wouldn’t mind haunting a few people, but that’s another thread. I’d like to see the other planets. There just seems like so much to do, why would I want to spend eternity in a heavenly choir?
There is some indication that this world will survive, having been purged of all evil and disease. Think what it would be like to explore the ocean depths with an immortal body! To fly above the forests, to visit hidden mountain locations with quiet ponds or roaring waterfalls. Imagine the most dangerous of beasts coming up to you like a pet and rubbing against your shoulder like an affectionate cat.
What constrains us to earth, anyway? Why not sail the edge of the galaxy? I tend not to believe God put all those planets and galaxies out there just to fill up space.
Can you imagine new colors? Can you imagine new feelings? Can you imagine the most beautiful and spectacular music that you've ever heard - a soundtrack of joyous, cascading melodies serenading you?
It's interesting that even though the two of you seem to have very different religious beliefs, you've both imagined a "heaven" that includes space travel and other exploration. That's a wonderful vision, but I'm not sure that I see a basis for believing in that vision. I read the Bible from cover to cover about seven or eight times in my teen and young adult years, and I've read the entire New Testament about fifteen times. I don't recall anything that describes heaven in enough detail to support these very nice thoughts. I'm not saying that you are wrong. I just don't have evidence to believe that idea.
Certainly, the idea of a refreshed Earth and accessible heaven is nice. That idea would come closer to supporting the type of experience that I would call heavenly. I could sit on a mountain enjoying the view and not be bothered. I could rest. That would be nice.
Bill
I have always wanted to see the super future. Like the year 200,007 for instance.