What happens when we die?That has been the question that humans have asked perhaps from the dawn of time. We all would love to know what happens once life is over. Is there an afterlife? Does it involve clouds and angels? Do I get to meet God? Fair questions that we all ask as we journey through life.
In Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives David Eagleman attempts to answer, sometimes with great humor, the big question of what happens after death. Drawing from several understandings of the afterlife, Eagleman creates a theological platform for his readers to jump into the mystery of what happens after death.
As our July discussion book this collection of parables will elicit a number of different reactions. Each tale is about two pages long and will tickle your imagination in such a way that you'll fall into temptation: the temptation to read all the tales in one sitting. But I recommend that you read each one slowly, taking no more than two a day, which will give you a chance to appreciate and digest each tale. My hope is that we will have a lively discussion after reading this book.
So to spark our discussion here are some questions to ponder and respond to as you make your way through the book:
- Which afterlife was your favorite?
- If you could create an afterlife what would it be?
- Do you think we shouldn't diverge from the "authorized" understanding of the afterlife? (Heaven with angels and St. Peter etc.)
- Do you think some of the tales would offend? Which ones?
- What did you like most about the tales? What did you like the least?
- If you could sum-up Sum in two sentences or less what would they be?
- Would you recommend Sum to a friend?
Sum is a very quick read and offers insight into vast expanse of how we view the afterlife. I found it to be fascinating and a real page turner although I tried my best to read it slowly. What did/do others think?
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting so far. I've only read 10-15 stories, some I 'get' and think, "yeah, that could be a possibility" but some well the author sure does have an imagination. I haven't found any yet that I'm totally satisfied with and hope that's the way it will be. But I'll keep reading. All of the stories are creative and do make you stop and think. :)
ReplyDeleteMany years ago I attended an adult r/e class at my (Episcopal) church. When we were discussing what heaven would be like, I asked if there might be a possibility of reincarnation for some or all of the souls in heaven. With a withering look, the priest responded emphatically, "That's a heresy!" I learned to listen, but not ask questions after that. I'm glad that we're now in a place where it's safe to ask questions and to consider examining things from a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteThe story 'Perpetuity' I think is one story that will offend some people. I was unsettled to read this could be a possibility of an afterlife. It goes against everything you believe who God is. The part about good people rotting in coffins while sinners are in heaven to fight with each other all to 'entertain' God. Goes against everything you believe God is.....Love.
ReplyDeleteThe story 'Distance' seemed honest to me. God was with His people for awhile and liked it but after awhile people started losing respect and started turning away from Him. Similar to a king in a castle if he were to live down in the valley with his people they would start to think of him as common like them. That's why he lives away from the masses to seperate and make them feel he's superior. God tells the man he came back to heaven not for his sake but for ours (salvation?). Any comments?
ReplyDeleteKris' comments about 'Distance' resonate with me as well. There are many times and situations in life when separating oneself from a situation or relationship is an act of great love that will allow the party or parties involved to learn and grow. Likewise, in 'Distance', I see God's moving away from the earthly plane as an act of love that allows for our growth and for God to be recognized and understood as the source of divine love for us and our planet.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I love most about this book is that it gets us thinking outside the "traditional" understanding of who we are and our relationship with God. It is very easy to have a set understand of God, heaven etc. and never deviate from that understanding. It is much harder to wrestle with these issues and be willing to be swayed by the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDelete@Florence...I am sorry that you had that experience in the church. To often us clergy types can become a hindrance to spiritual growth rather than a help. The official church understanding is not of incarnation but that does not mean that we know for certain how God works. One of my professors in seminary once said "Understanding God is like trying to explain in words Beethoven's 5th."
This evening I've been trying to choose a favorite afterlife from the tales, and I'm having a real problem with it. I keep rejecting those that appear to me to demean God or mankind and that seems to eliminate all 40 tales. In my view and experience of God, He/She is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. As children of God, we are created in his/her image and the spirit of God dwells in each of us. Sum is often entertaining and stimulating,but it isn't to be taken too seriously.
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