This Week

This week at praxis...What's Your Heaven Look Like?

The heavens are telling the glory of God; 
and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork. 
Day to day pours forth speech, 
and night to night declares knowledge. 
There is no speech, nor are there words; 
their voice is not heard; 
yet their voice goes out through all the earth, 
and their words to the end of the world. 

In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun, 
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, 
and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 
Its rising is from the end of the heavens, 
and its circuit to the end of them; 
and nothing is hid from its heat. 

The law of the Yahweh is perfect, reviving the soul; 
the decrees of the Yahweh are sure, making wise the simple; 
the precepts of the Yahweh are right, rejoicing the heart; 
the commandment of the Yahweh is clear, enlightening the eyes; 
the fear of the Yahweh is pure, enduring forever; 
the ordinances of the Yahweh are true and righteous altogether. 
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; 
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 

 Moreover by them is your servant warned; 
in keeping them there is great reward. 
But who can detect their errors? 
Clear me from hidden faults. 
 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; 
do not let them have dominion over me. 
Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 

 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 
be acceptable to you, O Yahweh, my rock and my redeemer. 
- Psalm 19
 


 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.  
  In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, 
  would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go 
  and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, 
  so that where I am, there you may be also.  And you know the way to the 
  place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know 
  where you are going. How can we know the way?"  Jesus said to him, 
 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father 
  except through me.  If you know me, you will know my Father also. 
  From now on you do know him and have seen him." 
-John 14:1-7


No violence will be there in heaven, no guns or drugs or IRS.  
If you still feel lonely in your heart, or bitterness, you will 
know that you are not there.  As for television, forget it!  
No one will look at you from the outside.  
People will see you from the inside.  
All the people from the street will be there.  
You'll recognize all the children who have died when they were little.  
God will be there.  
He'll be happy that we have arrived.
-Anthony 13 years old, from 
Amazing Grace, The lives of children 
and the Conscience of a Nation 
by Jonathan Kozol


I am better able to imagine hell than heaven; it is my Puritan inheritance, I suppose.
- Elinor Wylie, The Orphan Angel 

 God stood at the head of a table, not a wooden table, 
but something temporary, set up only for the occasion.  
Heaven was everyone delighted to see everyone, everyone dressed up.  
And God was the most delighted.
- Mary Gordon, The Company of Women 

Marie:  "What will happen to her?"
Annie:  "She will go where we all go.  How can that be bad?"
           	 -What Dreams May Come  screenplay by Ron Bass  


Questions:

	What are some common or familiar depictions of heaven for you?
	Which of these readings' depiction of heaven do you like the best?  The least?
	Do you believe in heaven?  Why?
	What does heaven look like to you?  What has influenced you in your understanding of heaven?
	How are different ideas of heaven helpful or hurtful?