A History of Heaven

Rating:
Summary: Focuses only on the Christian Account of Heaven
Review: A History of Heaven by Jeffrey Burton Russell, takes a decidedly Christian approach to the idea of heaven, and its evolution through the ages - up until the writing of Dante, where he says, all things consummate were consociated and reworded into the current popular picture of heaven. Buying the book, I was expecting it to be a survey and evolutionary look at heaven and the idea of paradisiacal afterlife from Neanderthal to present societies, but instead it turned out to take a definite Christian approach. The author mentions in passing the ideas of Islam and Judaism, but informs the reader he knowledge of these cultures is limited so he will maintain his focus on the Christian Ideal. It is a great reader for those interested in the early Church and it's ideas on Heaven, including some speculative origins, but it is not a true "history" of heaven, limited only to the Christian Theology as well as the period 200BCE to about 1500CE. A good reader nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: The lighter side of Jeffrey Russell
Review: Many people are familiar with Russell's publications on Evil i.e. the Devil, so I was extremely interested in his thoughts on the lighter side of evil. His previous books focused on Christian attitudes and this book is no exception. It is a superb account. The book culminates in the works of Dante, which is no surprise, esp. if you have read his previous books. Although I enjoyed his books on evil, it is nice to know he also contemplates on good.