Sympathy For The Devil

"The idea of heaven and hell came from the Zoroastrian Persian religion In 586 BCE."


I assume some guy who was considered to be a Holly Man (there were no Holly Women back then) came up with the concept.  It was a very smart concept.  To get people to do the right thing, the holly man created a fantastic place and a horrible place (if you don't know which is Heaven and which is Hell you're probably not from this planet).

Back then people believed in what they couldn't see as long as something else they couldn't see (God for instance) said it existed.  The reward for being good (as described by each individual religion), is a fabulous happy life after death.  The punishment for being bad (also described by each individual religion), is a fiery place full of pain and suffering.  If it exists, it's where Madoff is going. 

I'm not sure I buy into the concept, but if it stops one person from killing another person, I'm all for this Hell thing.  The only problem I have with this idea is who decides what's bad enough to get you into Hell and what's good enough to get you into Heaven?  It's different in almost every religion and in the brain of every person.  

One thing I know, if you believe and follow all the things I've written in my blogs you'll be happy on earth in this life.  Therefore, you don't have to worry if Heaven exists because you're already in Heaven.
Now, the guy who can get you to do Hell acceptable things is called the Devil.  The internet says the Devil was created by God and therefore, was written in the Bible by the Holly Guys.  I believe this idea is bullshit.  I believe the Devil was created so people could get away from doing wrong by stating: "the Devil made me do it."  I know I'm being cynical and as you can tell, I'm not much on religion, but it is one way of looking at why this ugly guy exists.

By the way, I always wondered why the Devil has never been portrayed as a woman.  Oh, I get it, all these writings were written by MEN.  I bet a women Devil would be HOT - bad pun EH!  On the other hand, there was a time in my life when I thought my first two wives were the Devil.  

We all have a little Devil inside us.  Even if we're a good person, that little Devil gets us to do bad things.  Ever cheat just a little on your taxes?  Ever tell a little lie to get out of a jam.  Ever not say something when the bartender charged you less than they should have.  Ever cheat on a girlfriend?  You know I could go on and on.  You, better than I, know the little sins you've done.  You also know if those bad doings qualify you to go to Hell.  

The point is, your moral compass is your moral compass.  Religion, the Bible, your parents, your friends, etc. are not in charge of your moral compass.  If you believe you're a good person.  If you believe you can live with the mistakes you've made in your life.  If you can look yourself in the mirror and see a good happy person, then you're not going to Hell.

If you don't believe you're a good person.  If you don't believe you can live with the mistakes you've made in your life.  If you can't look yourself in the mirror then YOU'RE ALREADY IN HELL.

I've made mistakes I would love to take back.  I've lied and cheated.  However, when I look into the mirror, I see a loving, caring, good and happy person.  I like myself.  I forgave my indiscretions many years ago,

Am I going to Heaven?  I'm really not into that stuff.  I'm more focused on what my five senses tell me which is: 

"if Heaven is described as a place where you're happy with great friends and love ones, then I'm already in Heaven!"