McGrath, Alister E. A Brief History of Heaven Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion
1. Edition - January 2003 23.90 Euro 2003. 216 Pages, Softcover ISBN-10: 0-631-23354-7 ISBN-13: 978-0-631-23354-1 - John Wiley & Sons
Detailed description This engaging book by one of today's best-known Christian writers explores the history of heaven, from its origins in biblical writings to its most recent representations.
* A short, accessible book on the history of heaven.
* Draws together representations of heaven by a wide range of writers, theologians, politicians and artists.
* Covers literary works such as Dante's Divine Comedy, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and the poems of George Herbert.
* Considers discussions by Marx and Freud of heaven's role in society.
* Based on serious scholarship but is ideal for the non-specialist who wants to learn more about the idea of heaven.
* Alister E. McGrath is one of today's best-known Christian writers.
From the contents List of Illustrations.
Preface.
1. The City: The New Jerusalem.
2. The Garden: Heaven as Paradise.
3. Opening the Gates of Heaven: Atonement and Paradise.
4. Signposting of Heaven: Signals of Transcendence.
5. The Consolation of Heaven.
6. Journey's End: Heaven as the Goal of the Christian Life.