Beyond

Explore the enchanting cultural history of heaven with Catherine Wolff's captivating book, 'Beyond'. This beautifully written narrative reveals how various civilizations and religions have understood heaven throughout history. Wolff skillfully weaves together insights from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and other beliefs, providing a multifaceted approach to the age-old question: 'What is heaven?' Delve into the artistic interpretations of heaven from Michelangelo's masterpieces to Dante's profound writings, and discover how these works shape our current perceptions. 'Beyond' guides readers through the evolution of heaven's concept from ancient times to the present, examining both religious and nonreligious influences that have shaped our understanding. With 352 immersive pages, this essential cultural history is perfect for anyone interested in spirituality, religion, and the quest for meaning beyond life. Whether you're a scholar or a curious reader, 'Beyond' will transform your perspective on the afterlife and the human desire for a better place. It's not just a book; it's a thought-provoking journey that captures the essence of humanity's yearning for the divine.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781594634451
Format: Paper over boards
Year: 2021
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Pages: 352


Description:
"Beautifully written, expertly researched and masterfully presented, this tour of how heaven has been understood throughout history is absolutely fascinating." -James Martin, SJ, author ofJesus- A Pilgrimage

A smart and thought-provoking cultural history of heaven.

What do we think of when we think about heaven? What might it look like? Who or what might be there?

Since humans began to huddle together for protection thousands of years ago, these questions have been part of how civilizations and cultures define heaven, the good place beyond this one. From Christianity to Islam to Hinduism and beyond, from the brush of Michelangelo to the pen of Dante, people across millennia have tried to explain and describe heaven in ways that are distinctive and analogous, unique and universal.

In this engrossing cultural history of heaven, Catherine Wolff delves into how people and cultures have defined heaven over the centuries. She describes how different faiths and religions have framed it, how the sense of heaven has evolved, and how nonreligious influences have affected it, from the Enlightenment to the increasingly nonreligious views of heaven today. Wolff looks deep into the accounts of heaven to discover what's common among them and what makes each conception distinct and memorable. The result is Beyond, an engaging, thoughtful exploration of an idea that is central to our humanity and our desire to define an existence beyond death.