Heaven Ain’t Goin’ There: A Down-to-Earth Look at Eternal Life

by John A. Davies

Publisher:

Cascade Books

, 2019

This book issues a provocative challenge to the notion, prevalent in Christian circles, that people (or their "souls") go to heaven when they die. Though deeply entrenched in Christian and Western culture, there is little or no biblical warrant for such a belief. John Davies presents a biblical theology of heaven, informed by mainstream biblical scholarship, and in the process sweeps away popular misconceptions. Be prepared to have your understanding of such cherished passages as John 14:2 ("In my Father's house . . .") challenged. But as well, this book seeks to show the more glorious dimensions of the Christian hope, our renewal as whole persons in the context of a cosmic restoration, the outcome of the victory of Jesus. Though much of the language of the Bible regarding our eternal destiny is in the form of imagery, we should continue to use such imagery, understanding it against its cultural background, rather than construct our own more impoverished mythology based more on dubious logic and sentiment.

Praise for Heaven Ain’t Goin’ There

“John Davies has written a tremendously simple and yet wonderfully helpful account of heaven. Not a caricature or cartoon view of heaven, but an actual account of what the Bible actually says about heaven. Specifically, what heaven is and is not. Some people will have their minds blown and others will be joyfully refreshed by this little yet informative book.”

—Michael F. Bird, Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology, Ridley College



“John Davies’ Heaven Ain’t Goin’ There is a biblical-theological and pastoral masterpiece. I highly recommend it for all who wrestle with the subject of life after death and who are engaged in the pastoral care of the dying and bereaved.”

—Mark Harding, Executive Officer, Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools

Product Details

• Title : Heaven Ain’t Goin’ There: A Down-to-Earth Look at Eternal Life
• Author: Davies, John A.
• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Publication Date: 2019
• ISBN: 9781532665295

About John A. Davies

John Davies is Principal Emeritus and teaches Biblical Studies at Presbyterian Theological Centre in Australia.