The heavenly life is no other than that which is, already…
““The heavenly life is no other than that which is, already here below, distinguished from the merely natural life … That which the Christian excludes from himself now – for example, the sexual life – is excluded from the future: the only distinction is, that he is there free from that which he here wishes to be free from … Hence this life is, for the Christian, a life of torment and pain, because he is here still beset by a hostile power, and has to struggle with the lusts of the flesh and the assaults of the devil.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Christian belief often promises a future free of earthly desires, yet the struggle with those desires persists, causing inner torment.
In simple terms: Christianity promises freedom from desire, but struggle remains.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and work through present struggles.
Themes
spirituality
desire
struggle
pain
faith
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- spiritual practice
- counseling
- self‑reflection
- religious study
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the promise of a future state affect present coping?
- What practical steps can alleviate current suffering?
A Different Perspective
The promise of future freedom can ignore present psychological needs.