Heaven

2012-09-11T21:53:32Z

Sademuppet: add

'''Heaven''' (literally 'the sky') is the place where [[God]] would dwell if he existed. Rational and free thinkers doubt there is a God at all, much less a heaven. It is a location (either physical or spiritual) reserved as the afterlife in many religions, especially the [[Abrahamic religion|Abrahamic faiths]].
[[Image:Gustave Dore Heaven.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Gustave Doré's illustration to the Divine Comedy, Paradiso Canto 1.]]

==Christianity==
In [[Christianity]] heaven is being in the presence of God with places prepared for the faithful by [[Jesus]] and is viewed as eternal bliss beyond that which can currently be known. Those who are allowed into heaven are said to be given new bodies that do not decay and death will be gone. [[Marriage]] is not a part of heaven. It is also possible there are different 'levels' of heaven. The conditions to enter heaven in Christianity, (the state of "[[salvation]]"), often revolve around some standard of piety achieved through knowing [[Jesus]].

===The essence of heaven===

Though there is much conjecture about what Heaven is like, its central core is that we will be with Jesus Himself. He has entered back into the presence of the [[God the Father|Father]] and has conveyed to us that the redeemed of the Lord will likewise be with Him where He is. Paradise may be to Heaven as the foyer may be to the inner room of a great Mansion. Without a doubt, Jesus responded to the penitent thief on the cross who turning to Him and said "Remember me Lord, when you come in Your Kingdom", saying, "I tell you most definitly, today, you will be with me in Paradise". He also said, "Where I am, there you will be also." And speaking of the time that we will be in the presence of Jesus, [[John the Apostle]] says, "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He really is."

With regard to what Heaven actually looks like, little information is given, and it is likely that the reality is beyond earthly comprehension. Artistic depictions of Heaven are usually characterized by bright, shining light; [[Dante's Paradiso]] is an example, although the overwhelming light there is at least partly a metaphor for divine [[love]].

===Entering Heaven===
Different Christian [[denomination]]s tend differ on the matter of what a person must do to be admitted to Heaven (see [[salvation]]).
==== Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity ====
In [[Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox]] and [[Catholic|Catholic Christianity]], belief in Jesus and proper works are often considered necessary and go hand in hand. [[Sin]]s of earth must first be cleansed through [[Purgatory]] before one can enter heaven. In some versions sufficient good deeds can lead to entering heaven even without belief in Jesus if one never had the chance to know about Jesus, such as pious Jews who died prior to the coming of Jesus.

==== Protestant Christianity ====
In [[Protestantism|Protestant]] Christianity there is no one standard, but most denominations were started with the understanding that salvation comes from belief in [[Jesus]] and acceptance of Him as a "personal Lord and Savior". This doctrine is know as [[Sola fide]]. [[Luther]] summed it up as salvation by faith alone. Much of Protestant and Catholic views can overlap with Catholics emphasizing good works and Protestants emphasizing a relationship with Jesus - which then shows its 'fruits' through good works, although purgatory is usually not a concept that Protestant churches follow. [[Anglican Communion|Anglicans]], who have a theology and church practice similar to Catholics, take a view very close to the view taken by Catholicism. Some Protestants, such as [[Calvinists]], believe that salvation is [[predestination|pre-destined]] by God. Those He has chosen will follow Him. Still others are universalist and hope that eventually everyone will enter heaven (although some of purging of sins may be necessary).

===Jehovah's Witnesses===

[[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that God's Kingdom refers to more than merely a state of mind or heart. The Kingdom of God as taught by [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], is an actual Kingdom, or government set up by Jehovah in Heaven, that will rule over the Earth after removing all current Kingdoms or Governments at [[Armageddon]], which they teach as the meaining of Bible verses such as ({{bibleverse||Daniel|2:44|ESV}}). [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that [[Jesus]] Christ is the [[King]] of this [[Kingdom]] and as such has had all authority in heaven and on earth delegated to him by his God and Father [[Jehovah]] which they teach is what [[Jesus]] meant at ({{bibleverse||Matthew|28:18|ESV}}). They teach that only [[Jehovah]] [[God]] himself has more authority then [[Jesus]] Christ and they draw this belife from [[Bible]] verses such as (1 Corinthians 15:27-28)

The Kingdom of God, to [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], is made up of 144,000 other Kings which belive are numbered at ({{bibleverse||Revelation|7:4|ESV}}) and also at ({{bibleverse||Revelation|14:1|NIV}}) as ''Spiritual Israel'' and that these rule with [[Jesus]], but under his direct control, and are the only humans that will take part in a very special resurrection known as the ''First Resurrection'', of which those raised cannot die, as they are raised as spirit creatures and ascend to Heaven to rule as Kings. They base this belief on thier interpretation of Bible verses such as ({{bibleverse||Revelatio|20:4-5|ESV}}). [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] believe that God's Kingdom began ruling in the year 1914, which they arrive at by using what is termed as ''Reliable Bible Chronology''.<ref>"What Does the Bible ''Really '' Teach" pp. 215-218 '1914—A Significant Year in Bible Prophecy'</ref>

[[Jehovah's Witnesses]] believe that since 1914 the world has seen the most destructive Wars, diseases, food shortages and natural disasters over any other period in human history because [[Satan]] the [[Devil]] was thrown from [[Heaven]] to the Earth in that year.<ref>"What Does the Bible ''Really '' Teach" pp. 215-218 '1914—A Significant Year in Bible Prophecy'</ref> They believe that this made [[Satan]] very angry and since then "Woe" has been on the earth.<ref>[http://www.watchtower.org/e/20051001/article_02.htm "Do You Recognize the Sign of Jesus' Presence?"]</ref> They use ({{bibleverse||Revelation|12:7-8,12|ESV}}) to support this, as well as teach that Satans being cast to the Earth is the reason for the ''Great Tribulation'' spoken of by Jesus and the Prophet Daniel in the Bible at ({{bibleverse||Daniel|12:1|ESV}}) and also ({{bibleverse||Matthew|22:21-22|ESV}}).

[[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that the sons of [[Israel]], or biological Jews, were initially given the exclusive privilege of being the only people selected to rule as Kings in [[The Kingdom of God]], which they teach is the meaning of ({{bibleverse||Exodus|19:5-6|ESV}}), but that they lost this privilege by breaking Gods covenant and killing the [[Messiah]] upon his arrival which they teach as the meaning of [[Jesus]] words at ({{bibleverse||Matthew|8:12|ESV}}). They teach that gentiles, or Non-Jewish people, are now being chosen to fill those same Kingly positions as ''Spiritual Israel'' Via the ''New covenant'' which they teach is the meaning of ({{bibleverse||Romans|9:6|ESV}}), and not biological Israel via the ''Law Covenant''. [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] also support this belief with scriptures such as ({{bibleverse||Matthew|21:43|ESV}}) and also ({{bibleverse||Luke|20:9-19|ESV}}).

The Kingdom of God, as taught by [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], will destroy and replace all existing kingdoms and governments during Armageddon, and rule the earth from heaven for one thousand years, which they teach is the meaning of Bible verses like ({{bibleverse||Daniel|2:44|ESV}})
and ({{bibleverse||Revelation|20:6|ESV}}). They believe it will create the paradise on earth that Adam and Eve lost in the Garden of Eden,<ref>‘The Great Crowd to Live in Heaven? Or on Earth?' "Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom 1984, p. 167.</ref> Which they teach is described in the Bible at ({{bibleverse||Psalms|37:29|ESV}}) and spoken of by Jesus at ({{bibleverse||Matthew|5:5|ESV}}) as well as John at ({{bibleverse||Revelation|21:1-4|ESV}}). During this thousand year reign, they teach that all righteous and unrighteous humans will be resurrected from the dead in perfect human bodies. [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that this is the "Second Resurrection", and only occurs during total Kingdom rule. They teach that these ones ''can'' die again if their deeds, during the thousand years, are not in line with Gods rule, which they teach is John's meaning at ({{bibleverse||Revelation|20:13|ESV}}).

[[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that Satan the Devil will be imprisoned during this one thousand year reign, and unable to influence humans in any way under the Kingdoms rule, which they teach is the meaning of ({{bibleverse||Revelation|20:1-2|NIV}}). They teach that All human beings that do not submit fully to the Kingdom of God during this thousand year reign of Christ will die before the thousand years is over which they take ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1,20|NIV}}) to mean. This Jehovah's Witnesses teach is the "Second Death", from which there is no resurrection, which they teach is the meaning of ({{bibleverse||Revelation|20:14|NIV}}).

[[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that after the last rebellious humans, and Satan are destroyed that [[Jehovah]] and his [[Kingdom]] will rule forever over a perfect human race, on a paradise earth completely free from sin, death, and any wicked influences whatsoever. It will not be passed on to anyone as no one will grow old and die in heaven or on earth.

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the Kingdom of God is the central theme of the entire Bible, Jesus message while on earth, and their own door to door preaching.<ref>[http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/article_04.htm "The Good News They Want You to Hear"]</ref> They teach that their door to door preaching is a major "Sign of the End" before the [[Kingdom]] brings to an end this worlds system of governments. In this way, they believe, Gods Will shall be done in [[Heaven]] and also on the Earth and further make Gods name, [[Jehovah]] ,Holy, or sanctified.<ref>''The Watchtower'', 15 March 2009, page 15, “Be Vigilant”</ref>

== Judaism ==
[[Judaism]] focuses much less on the nature and method of entering heaven, for which the [[Old Testament]] says little, but emphasize good deeds (''mitzvot'') on this earth and generally follows univeralist tendencies. Even [[Orthodox Jews]] rarely discuss the afterlife which is seen as unimportant, instead putting more emphasis on Philosophy, Mysticism, and especially Ethics.

== Islam ==
[[Islam]] emphasizes belief in God and acceptance of [[Muhammed]] as God's Prophet. There is also a physical component not found in Christianity and Judaism. Amongst certain fringe, fundamentalist sects of contemporary Islam, if one dies in [[Jihad]], no matter how bad he had been during his life, he is immediately lifted to heaven and given 72 virgins. This view is emphasized among Islamic militant extremists ([[terrorists]]), who believe it applies to them when they kill "infidels" who they believe stand in the way of Islam.

==See Also==
* [[Paradise]]
* [[Hell]]

[[Category:Abrahamic Religions]]

Queen Elizabeth II

2012-09-11T21:52:17Z

Sademuppet: remove vandlaism - some clown will nowrevert this and put it back in when they block me. twats.

[[Image:QueenElizabethII 2003.jpg|right|225px]]
Her Majesty '''Queen Elizabeth II''' (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, born April 21, 1926) is the reigning monarch and current [[head of state]] (1952-) of the [[United Kingdom]] and of 15 other [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] realms (see list below), including [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[Jamaica]]. She is the elder daughter of King [[George VI]] and the late [[HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother|Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother]].

In Britain, she is referred to formally as "Her Majesty the Queen", but is generally called simply "the Queen". Her full title, by virtue of the Royal Titles Act of 1953, is: "Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith".

==Early life==
She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King [[George VI]] and Queen Consort Elizabeth. At birth she stood third in line of succession to the throne after Edward, Prince of Wales (later King [[Edward VIII]]), and her father. It was not expected that her father would become king, or that she would become queen.

Princess Elizabeth's quiet family life came to an end in 1936, when her grandfather, King [[George V]], died. His eldest son came to the throne as King Edward VIII, but, before the end of the year, the new king decided to give up the throne in order to marry a divorced American woman, Mrs [[Wallis Simpson]].

Upon Edward's abdication, Princess Elizabeth's father acceded to the throne, and in 1937 Princess Elizabeth attended her parents' coronation in [[Westminster Abbey]]. This put her first in line to the throne.

The princess received home tuition at Sandringham and [[Buckingham Palace]] during the 1930s, where her tutors included her father and Henry Marten, the Vice-Provost of Eton. She was also instructed in religion by the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]]. Now that she had became first in line to throne, Elizabeth started to study constitutional history and law as preparation for her future role as queen. Elizabeth also learned French from various French and Belgian governesses; this skill standing the queen in good stead, as she often has cause to use it when speaking to ambassadors and heads of state from French-speaking countries and when visiting French-speaking areas of [[Canada]].

In 1940, at the height of [[the Blitz]], the young princess was moved to the safety of [[Windsor Castle]], where she spent most of the war years, although in 1945 she joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service and trained as a driver, operating military trucks.

==Marriage and Children ==
She married [[Prince Philip]], [[Duke of Edinburgh]] on November 20, 1947. Their first child, [[Prince Charles]], now the [[Prince of Wales]], heir apparent to the throne, was born in 1948, and his sister, [[Princess Anne]] (now The Princess Royal), two years later. After Princess Elizabeth became queen, their third child, [[Prince Andrew]] (now the Duke of York), arrived in 1960, and the fourth, [[Prince Edward]] (now the Earl of Wessex and who will eventually become the Duke of Edinburgh), in 1964.

==Accession to the throne and coronation==
On February 6, 1952, Princess Elizabeth, who was on a tour of [[Kenya]] and staying at the Treetops Hotel, received the news of her father's death at Sandringham and her own accession to the throne.

On June 2, 1953, Elizabeth was crowned Queen of the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland]] and of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and her other realms and territories at [[Westminster Abbey]] by the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], and took the [[English coronation oath|coronation oath]] in the traditional coronation ceremony that has been used for at least 1000 years.

==The Commonwealth Realms==
[[image:Australian 50c coins.jpg|thumb|200px|Australian 50c coins showing two different likenesses of Queen Elizabeth II]]
*[[Antigua and Barbuda]]
*[[Australia]]
*The [[Bahamas]]
*[[Barbados]]
*[[Belize]]
*[[Canada]]
*[[Grenada]]
*[[Jamaica]]
*[[New Zealand]]
*[[Papua New Guinea]]
*[[Solomon Islands]]
*[[St. Christopher and Nevis]]
*[[St. Lucia]]
*[[St. Vincent and the Grenadines]]
*[[Tuvalu]]

==See Also==
[[British Royal Family]]
[[Category:British History]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Elizabeth 2}}
[[Category:United Kingdom Monarchs]]
[[Category:Anglicans]]
[[Category:Queens]]
[[Category:People who were Educated at Home]]

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Heaven

Queen Elizabeth II