me, oh, michelangelo and I, we're just sittin' by the traintracks readin' kafka to the sky

[primroseburrows]

Interesting article by Johan Hari (whose stuff I highly rec in general) on the history and idea of Heaven (as well as a not-so-glowing review of Lisa Miller's new book Heaven: Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife):


Trouble in Paradise: Why are Americans so credulous about Heaven?

"The heaven you think you're headed to—a reunion with your lost relatives in the light—is a very recent invention, only a little older than Goldman Sachs. Most of the believers in heaven across most of history would find it unrecognizable. "

Also, because I have an excuse to post it (sort of):

In other news, I have Juliana until tomorrow and need to figure out how to entertain her for the rest of the day and also clean up the place for when Mary gets home. There's also a beta to finish and a hostel to book, eep.

Comments

[peacey.livejournal.com]

Bottom line: no one knows what Heaven will be, so no one can wholly discount any belief. Also, the vitriol that drips from that article for people who believe in any sort of afterlife is really a shame. I shall pray that Mr. Hari's sense of tolerance develops more fully.

Also, your musical taste continues to baffle. :)

[primroseburrows.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I like Hari a lot (he's new to me as of this month, so I haven't read everything, but still), but I agree he's a bit heavyhanded. Nobody really knows if there is one, and if there is, what it's like. I for one hope there is chocolate.

Having said that, the history seems pretty accurate, from what little I know about the history of Heaven. Heavenly history? Hmm...