Christians Wrong About Heaven, Says Bishop

From Time magazine:

N.T. "Tom" Wright is one of the most formidable figures in the world of Christian thought. As Bishop of Durham, he is the fourth most senior cleric in the Church of England and a major player in the strife-riven global Anglican Communion; as a much-read theologian and Biblical scholar he has taught at Cambridge and is a hero to conservative Christians worldwide for his 2003 book The Resurrection of the Son of God, which argued forcefully for a literal interpretation of that event.

It therefore comes as a something of a shock that Wright doesn't believe in heaven — at least, not in the way that millions of Christians understand the term. In his new book, Surprised by Hope (HarperOne), Wright quotes a children's book by California first lady Maria Shriver called What's Heaven, which describes it as "a beautiful place where you can sit on soft clouds and talk... If you're good throughout your life, then you get to go [there]... When your life is finished here on earth, God sends angels down to take you heaven to be with him." That, says Wright is a good example of "what not to say." The Biblical truth, he continues, "is very, very different."  (Read Interview)

Comments

[Curtis Johnson Realty]

I've read this article in Time magazine and really a great explanation about the misconception about heaven. This is not a matter of the individual belief but the idea of having the right respect to every religion. Thanks a lot for the wonderful sharing of ideas. I do appreciate it so much.

[Mark]

I really do believe that theologians, even Christian ones can really do the Christian community a disservice at times, especially recently. They over think, in my opinion, pretty much everything (it is kinda their job though). We have the bible as a guide that God gave us and a moral code along with directions on how to live our lives according to the way the Lord wants us to. When we read into it, start adding our opinions and verbally going "outside the box" we cross a line that can tarnish and mislead many. I know I have been guilty of it many times in my misled past. The fact is this, Jesus is Lord, and we are not perfect. The Catholic Church believes that every Christian in one way or another is in the constant pursuit of Sainthood. I think that's a realistic goal, doing the next right thing in the eyes of Christ can achieve that goal, however it is never our place to dub ourselves saints. Billy Graham put it very well, and simply, "It is God's job to judge, the Holy Spirit's job to convict, and my job to love." I will never forget those words, and I attempt to live by them on a day to day basis.