Replies

Adam and Eve's original intended life was a closed loop, lacking the unique insights we gain through struggle, mortality and change. They would have been no more relevent than a painting or sculpture in the grand scheme without the challenges forced upon them by the fall. Caught like everyone in it, I can't imagine an existance of perpetual sameness and complacency devoid of the never-ceasing lessons of our reality's oft cruel yet instructional experiences. Those along with the occasional high spots of blissful happiness, the varied-ness, of mortal life make me suspect that an eternity of sameness, no matter how "holy", may be a hell in itself after living life as we do. Perhaps the idea that we blend together after death to become part of a larger whole compensates (as several religions suggest). I could accept that if I retained access to all that I was. I certainly wouldn't want to be forced to share the psyches of the Bundys, Dahmers and Hitlers of the world (though they would inversely be improved by forced proximity with purer souls). Who truly knows? As I said above, Tolkein was telling us to do what we can while we can for good and to never lose hope. If one dies in finality with no afterlife then you will have done your best to improve the conditions of those who continue. My intellect tells me that Christ is a fable but my heart clings to him regardless. He represents hope and the best part of us all without prejudice or judgement, love for its own sake. You won't find that in a madras or mosque.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Those along with the occasional high spots of blissful happiness, the varied-ness, of mortal life make me suspect that an eternity of sameness, no matter how "holy", may be a hell in itself after living life as we do.

Jesus tells us that eye has not seen and ear has not heard what awaits us in heaven. When it comes down to it, I trust Jesus' teaching more than my own speculations regarding eternity. After all, He is God. He should know.

Regardless, there is also Augustine's intuitive argument regarding the "God-shaped hole in our hearts." We yearn for absolute happiness in this world, yet we never attain it. God provides an object for all of our natural desires in this world. Isn't it a bit of a contradiction to suppose that there is nothing to satisfy the universal human longing for absolute happiness, either in this world or the next?