Heaven and Philosophy

Contributions by Michaël Bauwens, Helen L. Daly, Cruz Davis, Jean-Baptiste Guillon, Blake Hereth, Anthony G. Holdier, Bertha Alvarez Manninen, Eric T. Olson, Joshua Rasmussen, Eric Yang Edited by Simon Cushing University of Michigan-Flint

Hardback - £99.00

Publication date:

30 November 2017

Length of book:

316 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

Dimensions:

238x157mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781498555661

This volume is a collection of essays analyzing different issues concerning the nature, possibility, and desirability of heaven as understood by the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity. and Islam. Topics include whether or not it is possible that a mortal could, upon bodily death, become an inhabitant of heaven without loss of identity, where exactly heaven might be located, whether or not everyone should be saved, or if there might be alternative destinations (including some less fiery versions of Hell). Chapter authors include believers and skeptics, well-known philosophers, and new voices. While some chapters are more challenging than others, all are written in a style that should be accessible to any interested reader.

A notable quality of this book is the accessibility of the writing. Cushing’s introduction offers a useful and entertaining crash course on the history of metaphysics, setting the stage for the more complex arguments laid out in the following chapters. Theologians and philosophers will quickly find common ground in the issues raised, while students of religion will discover a new lens through which to view their subject. . . . The volume combines intriguing questions with engaging writing. By drawing examples from popular culture, the authors make complicated concepts relatable to those outside the field. . . a delightful and thought-provoking volume.