counter-part of what is supposed to happen in heaven; what would its effect be here?
The only answer is to try and see. It seems a very slender basis for action to rely on the prophesies of two distinguished men, even though each is said to have repeated the prophesy, which suggests that he meant it. These prophecies must be coupled of course with the vivid myth of Christ's resurrection, which circumstantial evidence strongly suggests happened, in which many people have believed, and for which belief many have been willing to perish. Even so it is a slender basis; but before discounting these prophecies and taking the admirable advice of Marcus Aurelius, “Dying, after all, is but one among life's acts; there, too, our business is to make the best of it”, is there any harm in seeing first what life's potential holds? It is no more idiotic than climbing the Dent Blanche when one is already tired. It is the setting out into uncharted territory that is a bit unnerving; but it is only like a first ascent. I would think it was worth a try.
Immortality is after all what life is about. Even Marcus Aurelius wrote, .“Remember that you are immortal”, as well as, “Remember that you are a Roman”. Those who lust after fame, “That last infirmity of Noble mind” as John Milton described it, even they in their infirm minds have grasped something of the truth, and want a kind of immortality. It will take different forms for different people; it will take the form of endless days for few or none. Yet if there is a place called Heaven, any man or woman who wants to get there will have to make sure that their conduct here and now measures up to the standards of eternity, or they will simply not be at home when they do get there. That is what immortality must mean for most people in this world, a measuring up to standards. Anyone who has habitually resorted to evil, would be likely to find heaven unbearable, and if he finds himself alive after death will have to…