Editorial November 30, 1935 Issue

The Kingdom of Heaven

George Shaw Cook

Mortals in all ages have hopefully sought that state which is referred to as the heavenly state, or the kingdom of heaven. Their concept of heaven, however, has often been far from spiritual. For example, the Persian poet's reference to heaven was based upon an entirely sensuous concept, and was quite unlike the spiritual state to which Jesus referred when he said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." It is evident that this kingdom which is within could not be material, but must of necessity be spiritual—a divine state of consciousness.

In spite of his definite declaration as to the nature and whereabouts of heaven, many of the followers of Jesus—professed Christians—have persisted in believing and teaching that heaven is a place. Scholastic theology has taught not only that heaven is a place, but that it is to be reached by going somewhere after passing through an experience called death. Although many have subscribed to this theological teaching about heaven, few have been willing to reach it in the prescribed way. Indeed, most persons who have theoretically accepted the teaching that heaven is to be gained only by dying have nevertheless resisted the supposed prerequisite to attaining heaven with all the means at their command.

Fortunately for their peace of mind, more and more Christians are beginning to see that heaven is not a far-off place, to be reached after death, but that it is a state of consciousness which one may achieve here and now in proportion to one's understanding of spiritual Truth. They are seeing more clearly that it is possible to establish the kingdom of God within them—within their consciousness—just to the extent that their thinking and living are being found in harmony with the teachings of Christ Jesus.

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