Expert: Edward Bode - 4/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: You mentioned Augustine of the 4th Century and our going to heaven.  Where does it say man will go to heaven in the bible??  I thought heaven (new) comes to earth (new). And yes, most, if not all writers of the bible did not have Masters or PhD. degrees - they were inspired by God's Holy Spirit to write exactly what they wrote.  And, sorry, but your answers seem to be on sectarian lines - truthfully.  Thanks for the Easter wish and same to you.  I don't celebrate this holiday though, obviously you do so enjoy.

ANSWER: Augustine was playing on the words of those who wanted to see Genesis as teaching academic science.  He used heaven and heavens.  Heaven is a substitute term for salvation. The emphasis of the creation accounts is that the one God made all the universe, even those things that some thought were gods [stars, animals, planets, etc.]
The writers spoke religious truths to their contemporaries in terms that the hearers/readers could understand.  My point was that the writers were not always interested in the details that intrigue us today from an academic viewpoint.
Again, best wishes, Robert.


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QUESTION: Thanks again for the quick reply.  As it is time to regenerate our computers/brains and sleep, I will only make this last observation.  My parents/family and nearly all friends have taken Augustine's 'play on words' as gospel fact.  They all believe we die and go to heaven which isn't quite true - the sleeping spirit goes back to God for safekeeping as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes and the body returns to the ground.  The 2 re-unite at their appointed Judgement.  I understand the 3 heaven terms as do those who study the bible.  It wasn't taught to me in Catholic school or Church. Many souls have been mislead I fear.  And yes, best wishes to you and yours too.  Thanks

ANSWER: Augustine's remark did not say or imply that all the deceased go to heaven.  He wrote at length about the requirements for entering the ONE true heaven of eternal and perfect happiness coming from the eternal vision of God.  
Ecclesiastes was not the final word -- Jesus had much more to say.  So did His apostles and the ensuing tradition. For the Catholic doctrine on death, judgment, and eternal destiny, please check the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 988-1060.  The catechism is available online at:
www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
Hopefully, the details there will be helpful.
Prayers and best wishes, Robert.

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QUESTION: I can give you many quotes of Christ concerning death and 'paradise' as Paul called it for the 3rd heaven, but you are set in your beliefs as I am becoming in mine.  I had enough time in the Catholic schooling and need no more especially after reading the period 800-1200 AD or the dark/porntification period.  Leo III thru John XII and up to today.  You have been very kind and consistent - thank you and my prayers and best for you and yours - Sorry if I angered/offended you in any way - not my intention as it just took off........ No one goes to heaven as the bible clearly states if you take the time to read and not prejudice your reading - I believe..

Answer
Sorry, Robert, that I have not been been able to answer your questions to your satifaction.
You asked about the sons of Noah -- about 80% of biblical specialists across denominational lines would agree with my answer.
You latched onto a slogan to challenge the desinty of mankind, with which scripture deals.  I referred you to a comprehensive adult website that gathers all the relevant scripture passages as well as tradition.
Now you raise an ancient anti-Catholic attack on the immorality of some ancient popes.  Note that they never defended their acts as moral nor changed the dogma of the Church.  I can only offer a prayer to my 35th great granduncle, Pope St. Leo IX of the 11th century, for his intercession on your behalf.
Best wishes.