Does Heaven really have strict border laws?

[HDGristle]

I was out yesterday and saw a bumper sticker that said "Heaven has strict border laws. Hell has open borders"

The massive variety in faith regarding Heaven got me thinking. Is that true based on my religion? Is that something I truly believe?

I wager (with ny soul of course) that both sides have criteria amd most of it comes down to how I live. Choices I make. Whether I seek forgiveness and atonement. Choose to walk the walk. Seems that both have the same policy, with opposite answers to key questions and measuring my true intents. I feel like final destination is dependent on MY choices either way and not whether no one pissed in St Peter's cornflakes that morning.

What does that bumper sticker mean to you? Does it hold water in your personal framework?

If you don't believe in either, why?

Let's remember that this is personal. Not designed to question or criticize fellow members' faith or beliefs. Let's avoid trying to tell others that theirs are wrong. Let's speak our truths for our paths navigating through life towards whatever is or isn't next. Keep it civil.

[Unique_Carpenter]

Are all the different Gods in "heaven"?
Yes
Thus, the issue of the variety of Gods is closed.
(of course the Iranian Ayatollahs will be upset)
This used to be a favorite topic when I did guest lectures at seminaries.

As for how you live?
That's insufficient. All religions have a worship requirement, so without that, that, by itself, is a fail.

So yes heaven has border walls. And, St. Peter is at the gate.

Last, although hell is open, it requires the passage over the river Styx, by ferry, so remember to bring several coins to pay Charon, the ferryman.
(I note that in Pittsburg, the Gateway Clipper ferry charges several bucks one way)

[HDGristle]

Seeking some clarification. Is not the River Styx poisonous and caustic to all life and all ship but the Ferryman's? Could it be considered a moat? A wall of water? A natural barrier to the afterlife through which safe passage requires a specific tithe to a specific being whose boat is uniquely able to traverse that river safely?

[Unique_Carpenter]

You forgot the part where Achilles was dipped into the Styx to make him invincible.
However, he was held by his heel, which Paris arrowed him in, in the Trojan war.

The toll still is a curtesy honorarium, but highly recommended.

Last, there several references wherein the waters of the Styx were sworn upon by gods and men, which oath taking required a draught.

So not actually a barrier.

And BTW Hercules crossed it coming out of Hades on one of his quests.

My will requires that I have a handful of drachma's in hand when I get put down.
Same as my grandfather. From whom I learned this stuff decades upon decades ago.
I put those in his hand, and the "has seen everything" funeral director got wet eyes.

It was a theological writeup comparing greek and roman gods that started my guest lecturing thing.

[HDGristle]

Hadn't forgotten it at all. Story of Achilles is one of my favorites, so I'm elated you brought it up.

Always interesting to see how ancient traditions and stories blend with other belief systems and survive to present day in theological conversations.

I appreciate your perspective and candor

[Unique_Carpenter]

But you missed the part where Pittsburg folks also pay a ferry to cross the river to go to the spot in hell to watch the Steelers lose games.

[HDGristle]

Or the spot in Heaven where they win games

[HDGristle]

https://jesuswithoutreligion.com/how...-be-that-easy/

Seems easy. Are the pearly gates really just cheap border wall for show? Are there a plethora of easy paths into Heaven

JC made it sound so simple so why are we complicating things? Plus, there's only one damn guy guarding the gates and the guest list seems easy to get on. Is that really strict border control and border law?

[Unique_Carpenter]

Amusingly strict.
Folks actually have to accept the path in order to go through the gate.

[HDGristle]

Depends on belief. Seems there's disagreements on path and the impact of forgiveness

[Unique_Carpenter]

Each organized religion has a path to commit to.
Those are almost identical.
Folks that disagree have one foot off of the path they are stumbling on.

[HDGristle]

Some allow for a life of sin to be wiped away very quickly and will little actual effort.

Some have 99% of everyone who ever existed being barred from Heaven

Feels like the broad strokes are similar but the path can differ wildly. I'm not shocked many aren't joining the convo, though. We are in a den of sin afterall

[Unique_Carpenter]

Except this is a fantasy world.
Or is it?

[Md514]

I think U_C forgot the h.