Was listening to Way of the Master Radio today and Todd was speaking on NT Wright who has invented a new perspective on Paul and also on the resurrection and Heaven. According to Todd NT Wright does not believe that one goes to heaven immediately at death. Since I have not yet read his book Surprised by Hope I cannot comment. Have you read his book and is Todd correct? What value to theology does Wright offer? Todd also said that Brian McLarren and other emergent false teachers all got their theology from Wright. True or false?
That's why I ask a question on him since I am not sure. Everyone else has come to a conclusion on whatever the subject without reading the book and without showing humility.
Soul sleep is not all that new. I disagree with Wright on that issue. I understand there are many scriptures that speak of those who "sleep in Jesus" but I understand that to mean the body, not the soul. I believe the soul is "absent from the body, present with the Lord."
But for the vast body of Christian tradition Wright is pretty orthodox (or as orthodox as an Anglican can be). :)
My concern about the New Perspective is that it can be seen to weaken Sola Gratia.
When Christians die they are with Christ. But insofar as "going to heaven"...well, what do you mean by "Heaven"? If you mean the "streets of gold" the new Jerusalem, the gates of pearl and all that....then no. I do not see any passage that supports that tradition.
In fact, N.T. Wright is correct. Heaven is not some place in the sky, but it is a redeemed and reconciled earth where God will dwell with man. We don't go "up to God", God comes down to us (it's a new creation).
So you are saying when I give up the ghost I will remain on the earth? I can go take walks around nature and enjoy the earth without worry of snakes and other dangers?