Ascending Quote by Joseph Campbell
“We know that Jesus could not have ascended to heaven because there is no physical heaven anywhere in the universe. Even ascending at the speed of light, Jesus would still be in the galaxy.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Mythology and Modern Thought, 1972
Jesus could not physically ascend because no physical heaven exists; even at light speed he’d remain in the galaxy.
In simple terms: Physical ascent to heaven is impossible; no earthly heaven.
Key Takeaway
Interpret spiritual ascent metaphorically.
Themes
religion
science
metaphor
Mood
inquisitive
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- faith discussions
- science education
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
cosmology
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “heaven” represent spiritually?
- How do myths convey truth beyond physics?
A Different Perspective
Literal readings may miss symbolic meaning.
![“The spirit, if it could be seen with mortal eyes, would appear in bodily shape like a full-grown person with individual endowments that make it a counter-part of the body in which it [resides,] "that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is spiritual." (D&C 77:2.) It was that which came…” quote by Harold B. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b72/harold-b-lee-7452_birth_the-spirit-if-it-could-be-seen-with-mort_3050563.jpg)
![“The fall [of your soul] from perfection into duality...was naturally followed by the discovery of the duality of good and evil...This is the Biblical version of a myth known to many lands.” quote by Joseph Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ff/joseph-campbell-300_biblical_the-fall-of-your-soul-from-perfection-in_22526.jpg)
