Do you think Heaven exists?

[dirk digler]

As some of you may know or not I lost my mom 3 weeks ago and I am sort of struggling with my beliefs with this. She wanted to die so she could go to Heaven instead of getting her colon out. She definitely believed in Heaven and I honestly hope she wasn't disappointed.

My heart wants to believe in Heaven for the simple fact I want to see her again along with my grandma and sometime in the near future my dad.

My head tells me logically that there is probably no heaven and I get a little upset when people say she is in a better place because I really want to say Is she or how do you know?

So I am curious what you guys\gals believe and I am wondering outside of what the bible says has there been anything you have witnessed or experienced that lead you to believe one way or another?



Edit: I do appreciate all the kind words of support it does mean alot but I am not wanting this to be a sympathy thread so any argument for against is fine by me. There will be no offense taken. So have at it.

[Dallas Chief]

If you have that faith and belief, then there is a Heaven. I believe and have faith that there is. Sorry for your loss Dirk. Peace and prayers...

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by KILLER_CLOWN

Yes, what do you want, Pictures?

That would certainly help

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Thanks and I am trying. I just read that book about the 8 year old that died and saw Heaven and came back to life.

But then I think maybe his parents are just making the story up to make money.

When my grandma died her last few days she was seeing people that had passed before her but I didn't see that with mom.

I struggled with these same questions when my mom died when I was 17. I don't believe in the biblical definition of heaven as I have the opinion that a lot of biblical writing was a way to fill in the gaps of things that were not understood because of lack of technology, methods etc at that time. What I can say is there have been moments in my life where it seems like I can hear my mother advising me in crucial moments. Whether that is my mind playing tricks or is an actual voice, I can't be certain. That being said, I accept the latter. To accept that it is her presence is to accept an afterlife.

[KILLER_CLOWN]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

That would certainly help

If you pray enough, you may have some mental pictures. Keep the faith and ye shall be reunited.

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by blaise

I once read in a book or story where a character asked something like, "If your reward was a moment of absolute clarity as you died. That you would understand what God was, what life meant. Understood the universe and everything in it. Would that be worth it to you?" In other words, if that were what the concept of Heaven really is, would that be satisfying to you. I think it would really. That's not to say they there isn't a "heaven" but I think if a person finds a moment of absolute peace at the end then they essentially died happy.
I guess the benefit would be that if you then had the same moment when you died you would then understand that everything is ok with your mother, and have a peace with it.
That doesn't answer your question. I don't know the answer. But it's something I think about.

Definitely something to think about. Thank you

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

No heaven, I'm afraid. Not in my book anyway.

Why?

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Why?

The entire concept makes no sense to me. I think that God and heaven/hell, all organized religions really, are constructs of man, seeking comfort, rules and explanations for our existence. Why is the Christian heaven any more valid, real, or likely than the 99 virgins or whatever the heck Muslims get?

I think religion can be a very good and useful thing in many ways, including if it gives peace to those in pain or to those who are dying.

Sorry to be a bummer, just saying what I think (which, I note, is no more or less valid than the beliefs of your mother, or a Wiccan for that matter).

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I struggled with these same questions when my mom died when I was 17. I don't believe in the biblical definition of heaven as I have the opinion that a lot of biblical writing was a way to fill in the gaps of things that were not understood because of lack of technology, methods etc at that time. What I can say is there have been moments in my life where it seems like I can hear my mother advising me in crucial moments. Whether that is my mind playing tricks or is an actual voice, I can't be certain. That being said, I accept the latter. To accept that it is her presence is to accept an afterlife.

I definitely understand.

A few years ago if someone had asked me about heaven I would probably say that people believe because they are afraid of death so they had to make up a mythical place to make people feel better.

[Brock]

Sorry to hear of this. To answer the question, I do believe there is a portion of us that goes on to somewhere else, or back to here.

[KILLER_CLOWN]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

I definitely understand.

A few years ago if someone had asked me about heaven I would probably say that people believe because they are afraid of death so they had to make up a mythical place to make people feel better.

It would actually be easier to think that once you're done, it's over and you are resting for eternity. Do you think a serial killer would prefer an afterlife?

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

The entire concept makes no sense to me. I think that God and heaven/hell, all organized religions really, are constructs of man, seeking comfort, rules and explanations for our existence. Why is the Christian heaven any more valid, real, or likely than the 99 virgins or whatever the heck Muslims get?

I think religion can be a very good and useful thing in many ways, including if it gives peace to those in pain or to those who are dying.

Sorry to be a bummer, just saying what I think (which, I note, is no more or less valid than the beliefs of your mother, or a Wiccan for that matter).

You are not being a bummer that is why I asked. I know where you are coming from and I think my brain thinks just like you do.

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by KILLER_CLOWN

It would actually be easier to think that once you're done, it's over and you are resting for eternity. Do you think a serial killer would prefer an afterlife?

I disagree. I think the thought of Heaven makes it easier for people to pass.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

I definitely understand.

A few years ago if someone had asked me about heaven I would probably say that people believe because they are afraid of death so they had to make up a mythical place to make people feel better.

I think it serves its purposes as a deterrent of bad behavior, but here's the kicker. It doesn't matter what anyone else believes, it's what you believe. This is an area where you are not going to get a straight answer across the board.

There are things about life that are certain and will never change. We are born then we die. The old must make way for the new, just as their old made way for them, they must make way for us.

It is sad for those left behind, because we cherish those memories and look forward to new ones, but in reality it's a more selfish view. One of two things can happen: a)an afterlife is nonexistent, in which case eventually contributes to new life anyway or b)an afterlife is there. In the one case, there is nothing but peace and in the other there is nothing but peace.

I'm sorry about your mother's passing. I can only offer my sympathies, condolensces and these words: she is at peace.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Even if there is no heaven?

I can't confirm or deny a heaven dirk. So I can't answer this. If she's out of pain then isn't that better?

[BigCatDaddy]

There is a lot of strange things that people report that seems like there almost has to be something to do it. Everything from paranormal activity to NDE's.