The Thomistic Institute Will Heaven Be Incredibly Boring? I Prof. Christopher Mooney
Aug 14, 2025
In this discussion, Dr. Christopher Mooney, an assistant professor of theology at the Augustine Institute, delves into the intriguing question of whether heaven could be boring. He explores philosophical objections to eternal life, addressing concerns about monotony in infinite existence. Mooney challenges traditional views by proposing a dynamic understanding of heaven that transcends simple pleasures. He emphasizes the Christian vision of eternal joy rooted in God's presence, offering hope and a deeper perspective on the meaning of immortality and fulfillment.
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Heaven Isn’t Just Wishful Thinking
- Critics often call heaven wishful thinking, but historical evidence shows few religions originate from afterlife hope.
- Christopher Mooney notes many religions lack immortal-bliss hopes, undermining the wish-fulfillment critique.
Eternity’s Tedium Objection
- Modern critics say eternity makes heaven unbearable because endless repetition causes eventual psychological collapse.
- Mooney summarizes the
Dawkins On Eternal Boredom
- Mooney recounts Richard Dawkins on Joe Rogan saying eternity would be unbearably boring after a couple hundred years.
- Dawkins quips: "eternity is best spent under a general anesthetic," illustrating the tedium worry.
