What is heaven?

[Simplefool]

Thank you katjonjj I had never heard that interpretation before, and it does fit into the overall scheme just as well as the other version. It also explains why there would be suffering and sin on earth. Also thank you mike for that explanation. If I understand correctly when god created heaven he created angels who never were mortals and at the beginning they had free will. After Lucifer's betrayal each angel was given the choice to serve in sinless peace or leave.

[sciotamicks]

Originally Posted by katjonjj

First, the story you tell about Satan is not what any Jew would tell you and considering the Jewish people are the star of the bible, I tend to value their opinion as to what the scripture intends to say.

Read here for the general idea of "Satan" in Judaism: Does Judaism Believe in Satan?

"The Hebrew word "Satan" means "Hinderer." To hinder someone means to hold him back, to try to prevent him from doing something. G-d created the Hinderer to give us work to do in this world (see my article Why did G-d Create the World?). Satan is here to make things difficult for us, so we can overcome our evil temptations, and PASS the test. That is the purpose of Satan. Satan is an angel whose purpose has been determined by G-d."

So Satan didn't sin in heaven nor rebel against God in challenging him. IMO a god is not as powerful if someone else can thwart his will...

As for heaven....They believe in purgatory for 12 months (if you are bad) and then off to Gan Eden (the garden of Eden). However, most Judaism teaches to keep your focus on this life as scripture teaches.

A good link: Heaven and Hell in Jewish Tradition - My Jewish Learning

I personally don't believe neither heaven nor hell exists but I thought the links might be helpful to you. A different perspective is a good thing.

Good post! I recently did a study on Satan...etc >> here

[katjonjj]

Originally Posted by sciotamicks

Good post! I recently did a study on Satan...etc >> here

Ken.. Wonderful article. I will study it in more depth later, but just a quick read through reveals some interesting concepts. Thanks for sharing!