Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Christian doctrine promoted a singular view of the afterlife.
In plain terms
Christianity told us there is only one heaven.
What can you take from it?
Religious teachings shape views on the afterlife.

Where it applies

  • theological discussion
  • cultural critique
  • spirituality

Putting it to work

  • examine religious narratives about the afterlife

Questions to consider

  • How does religion shape afterlife beliefs?
  • Is the afterlife singular or plural?

Another view

Other religions or interpretations may suggest multiple heavens.

More from Patti Smith

  1. Artists are traditionally resistant to labels.

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. Everyone thinks of God as a man - you can't help it - Santa Claus was a man, therefore God has to be a man.

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. An artist is somebody who enters into competition with God.

    Permalink to quote #2

Related quotes

  1. I do benefits for all religions - I'd hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality.

    Bob HopeBob Hope quote #3
  2. Do I think there is a heaven? Uhhh, yeah I do. Like a really big gymnasium. How do I see myself there? With really bad seats.

    David LettermanDavid Letterman quote #9
  3. As for a future life, every man must judge for himself between conflicting vague probabilities.

    Charles DarwinCharles Darwin quote #14