Is there a heaven? If so, who goes there? We asked two individuals their opinions on this subject.

James McCarroll is pastor of First Baptist Church on East Castle Street in Murfreesboro. Rabbi Rami Shapiro is an adjunct professor of religious studies, in the philosophy department at MTSU.

"Yes, there is a heaven," said McCarroll. "The Word of God (Bible) teaches there is a heaven," he added, citing Matthew 6:20, Luke 10:20, and 1 Peter 1:4.

Heaven is a state of mind, said Shapiro. In the Jewish tradition, it is called "mochin d'gadlut," spacious mind.

"When we are in spacious mind we are awake to God in, with and as all reality; we identify with all life, and find ourselves embraced by and living from 'ahava rabba,' infinite love," Shapiro said.

What is in heaven? Pastor McCarroll said there are Christians' mansions or places of rest (John 14:2-3). The rewards or "treasures" of Christians are also in heaven (Matthew 6:20), as is the tree of life (Revelation 2:7) and the Holy City.

"In spacious mind there is no Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free, saved or damned. There is only God manifest in infinite variety," said Shapiro. "In spacious mind we live freely, lovingly, fearlessly, with compassion and hospitality toward all we meet. This is heaven."

Given that heaven and hell for Shapiro are states of mind, what is in heaven is not different from what is in hell.

"The difference between heaven and hell is not content, but my relationship to that content," he said.

Who will be in heaven? "God, the Creator (Matthew 6:9), the throne of God and Jesus Christ seated at the right hand (Ephesians 2:6 and Revelations 3:21), the 12 apostles (Luke 22:29-30, 24) elders (Revelations 4:4) and the four living elders (Revelations 4:6-8)," said McCarroll.

The scriptures also mention those people who are washed in the blood of Jesus Christ and who are in the Book of Life, McCarroll added.

Shapiro believes that all are in heaven sometimes and in hell sometimes. They are states of mind for him; here and now.

"The purpose of authentic spiritual practice is to open us to heaven and spacious mind. To the extent that you know you are a manifestation of God, you are in heaven," he said. "We fall into the mind state of heaven by awakening to the awareness of what is."

McCarroll believes that people get into heaven through belief in Jesus Christ.

"You can always tell when you and others are in heaven; you are fearless, loving, welcoming and kind," said Shapiro.

... Doug Davis

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