Heaven & hell: an earthly experience
What the new 'Roaring 20s' has made me realise about the concept of heaven and hell
This decade was predicted to be the new Roaring ‘20s, reminiscent of the Roaring ‘20s a century ago when the post-World War I Western world was consumed with economic prosperity, technological innovation, and cultural dynamism. Unfortunately, we entered the decade plagued with Covid-19; inconvenienced by the resultant lockdowns; challenged with lockdown-induced goods supply constraints; and weighed by the burdening costs of living as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war. While these devastating state of affairs — combined with the culture wars within our social and political landscape — are the antithesis of the original Roaring ‘20s, I think it’s still roaring. Roaring with tears in anger of the chaos and disruption descending on us.
Although the world isn’t new to troubles and disasters, my post-graduation years starting in what feels like a hellscape, makes me question the concepts of heaven and hell. After trying and somewhat succeeding in finding amusement and peace in this trying environment, I’ve reached the conclusion that heaven and hell are experiences on earth. Acknowledging that this place is a glorified hell, I’ve been trying to escape by searching for God through prayer and fasting, while taking advantage of the earthly gifts of nature, music and literature that He has given us. Losing myself in art and nature is heaven to me. People may use these things for evil but I believe they are some of God’s greatest gifts to us, how we use them determines whether we experience heaven or hell on earth. Coming to this realisation has put my soul at ease.
The literal concept of heaven and hell brings obsessive fear rather than faith in the Most High. Such notion makes people do things in fear and worry of being destined for an afterlife in fire below the ground or losing out on a place above the clouds. That’s emotionally and mentally exhausting. Amid the trying times we live in, I don’t seek comfort knowing that there’s a chance God could send me to hell for doing wrong despite my fallibility and praying for forgiveness, all while being the merciful and gracious God. Something doesn’t click there.
Jesus said in Luke 17:20-21 (NIV) that, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is’ or ‘There it is’, because the Kingdom of God is in your midst.” To me, this sounds like heaven is already on earth and I believe that despite the trials and tribulations we face here, there’s still an opportunity to escape the hell on earth and experience heaven through the most accessibly joyful and peaceful means.