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Heaven
(1,149 words)

1. Meaning

From antiquity onward, across various cultures, the concept of heaven unites and distinguishes several notions and systems of reference.

1.1. Heaven is what people see above the earth, marking it off or securing it (i.e., the firmament). It is sometimes regarded as a material half-globe or a disk arching over the earth.

1.2. Heaven is also a syndrome of powers and uncontrollable forces. We cannot directly measure or manipulate it. It has a decisive impact on…

Cite this page
Welker, Michael, “Heaven”, in: Encyclopedia of Christianity Online. Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2211-2685_eco_H34>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004169678, 20080512



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