Quote:
Originally Posted by kahljorn
Have you guys read any of the book sof the dead out there?
|
I have, actually. A translated edition of the Egyptian book of the Dead.
Unfortunately, I got it from a museum bookstore when I was a kid, solely because I was expecting something along the lines of the Necronomicon. The text went right over my head and I got rid of it.
Now, I could kick myself because what little I remember sounds fascinating.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kahljorn
Hell as oblivion? That's interesting considering every eastern system is the opposite. The true heaven of buddhism, taoism and hinduism etc. is merging with oblivion or bliss, ultimate reality, chaos, the ocean before existence(greek mythology and many others), merging with infinity, merging with the cosmos, merging with God (the supreme or primordial in polytheistic systems) etc.
I think that kind of ties into what you were saying by a timeless reward. Also I feel it encompasses what God meant when he said, "I am that I am".
Do you estimate your memories and physical representation come with you? Anything you associate as your "Self"?
|
Well, it's always struck me that Eastern philosophy seems to emphasize unity with the universe, whereas Western philosophy emphasizes an isolated existence above it. The difference seems to be more or less consistent, and I personally see it as firstmost as a cultural difference, secondly a religious one. Not that I actually know any specific examples, or am able to back up my argument. This one's pure opinion.
I personally don't know what I believe Hell to be, but the religious individuals that I know who can actually have a logical discussion seem to believe that eternal punishment is unlikely.
As for Heaven, my belief is pretty much an extensively simplified version of Sethomas' statement. I believe that one will ascend to God's domain with all petty, human ego-filters discarded. As someone without a lot of experience with religion, I am unable to create a detailed picture.