Any Day Above Ground... Thoughts On Life, Death, After-Life, And The Built-In God

Book excerpt: This book is about the appreciation of life, yours and God's. Most people want to go to heaven. They believe it's very nice there, and it sure beats the alternative. Old age brings pain, trials and tribulations, and heaven would be a relief. Besides, that's where God is. On the contrary, I argue that there is plenty of heaven and hell right here on earth. It is said that war is hell, and we've had plenty of that, to say nothing of disease or injury. Heaven has been compared to being with the one you love, as I have argued in this book. Life matters. We should recognize and appreciate any day above ground, but because of selfishness and ingratitude - sins against God - we take everything for granted. I have a chapter on "where is God?" Surprise! God is here, in us, and throughout His creation. God lives in us, and in all He creates. In human terms, everything depends on what we do with Him. Because God is here, I conclude there is no after life, no heaven or hell. That is a creation of religion, not reason. All God's efforts are oriented toward Freedom. That's what history, with all its blood, sweat and tears shows us, and its fullest realization is America.