Models of Heaven

Interpreting Life Everlasting

M. Francis Mannion

• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Year: 2023
• Print ISBN:
  9781666719086
  9781666719093
• eBook ISBN:
  9781666719109
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Theology

Many people nowadays are confused about the topic of heaven, skeptical about it, or think it beyond description. This book argues that, without venturing into the esoteric or fanciful, we can know more about heaven than we think. Did you know, for instance, that heavenly rest will be exciting and dynamic? That we will be overwhelmed and transformed by the beauty of God? That we will dance with the Trinity, sing with the angels, and enjoy the delightful company of the saints (including the saints we have known and loved on earth)? The book will deal with what we will be doing in the Holy City and in the magnificence of the new creation, and what it means to say that we will feast at the heavenly banquet. If you want answers to these questions, at once inspired by Christian tradition and modern insight, and presented in a fresh and compelling manner, this book is for you. It is written not only for theologians and specialists but also for inquiring Catholics and other Christians seeking to deepen their understanding of life after death. It will serve theology students, seminarians, clergy, religious educators, and parish study groups. Readers willing to invest time and energy in the book will find their view of heaven deepened and expanded.

Table of contents

• TITLE PAGE
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• 1. MODEL ONE: RESTING IN PEACE
• 2. MODEL TWO: CONTEMPLATING DIVINE BEAUTY
• 3. MODEL THREE: PARTICIPATING IN THE TRINITY
• 4. MODEL FOUR: COMMUNING WITH THE SAINTS
• 5. MODEL FIVE: SINGING WITH THE ANGELS
• 6. MODEL SIX: TENDING THE NEW CREATION
• 7. MODEL SEVEN: DWELLING IN THE HOLY CITY
• 8. MODEL EIGHT: FEASTING IN THE KINGDOM
• EPILOGUE
• BIBLIOGRAPHY