( L - R ) Wayne brown, Trevor Rhone

To conquer death, you only have to die. The recent passing of two literary giants, Trevor Rhone and Wayne Brown, has brought the spectre of the 'finality' of death to the fore. But clear thinkers know that neither is dead. Man's concept of 'death' is another of the many illusions created by predators of this mundane existence to enable them to use fear to gain power over others.

No one who has made a significant contribution in this life has ever died. Trevor's and Wayne's mortal bodies are no longer with us but their works live everywhere and their influence is forever. Each of us, famous or unknown, lives on in the memories of loved ones; and in the actions of those we influenced. John Brown might have passed away but every time he is remembered out loud: ["How'd you do that?" "John Brown taught me"], John Brown's body may lie a-mouldering in his grave but John Brown lives.

So, 'living' is but one plane/phase of our existence. There are many more ways to 'be' that do not require birth, diet, exercise or Lipitor. If we can comprehend this, then it is not much of a stretch to understand that when we 'die' we simply pass on to another plane of being carrying with us the benefit of experiences here.

Not geographical

This passing is not geographical so don't expect to find 'Heaven' above or 'Hell' below the earth. Like 'death', these are man-made fictions brought about by our need to define everything in mortal terms. But since what might be heaven for you (Chocolate?) could be Hell, damnation and acne to me, this 'Heaven' is unlikely to be a visible place but more like a state of being.

One of my favourite film-makers was Alfred Hitchcock. He once did a TV show about a burglar who, caught red-handed by the police, tried to shoot his way out of trouble. The next thing he knew he was in an ethereal place surrounded by beautiful women catering to his every whim. There was a 24-hour poker game at which he never lost. At first, it was bliss but, after days without a break, he became tired, frustrated then downright angry. Turning to his chief handmaiden, he said "If this is Heaven, I won't mind trying the other place."

"No" she replied softly, "this IS the other place."

Jesus never promised us a rose garden (Heaven). Although he is reported as mentioning "My Father in Heaven" [Matthew 10:32-33], the emphasis there as elsewhere is on The Father not 'Heaven'. Jesus' most oft quoted promise is to lead us back to The Father rather than to a place.

Complex process

"Whoever hears My Word and believes in the one who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. They have crossed over from death to life." [John 5:24]. The one who sent me? Is it that we were 'sent' (a more complex process than simple 'birth')? Remember, there is no generic difference between the vehicle that carried Jesus to earth and those transporting us here daily. He who created Jesus created us using similar techniques. If we are also 'sent' then we must recognise the possibility that, after 'death', we simply 'return to Sender' with whatever we were sent to gather.

It is this return that is 'eternal life'.

In His prayer to His Father, Jesus confirms this "This is eternal life: That they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do and now Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." [John 17:3-5]

We have all come from God and we will return to know Him and 'be' with Him. On Earth, we are the body of God. Through us, His creation, He touches, feels and experiences. But, we must return.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." [John 8:12]

Jesus, the ultimate Leader, deliberately orchestrated his own 'death'. The non-existence of mass communication forced Jesus to engineer, by His taunting refusal to cooperate or to defend Himself, so violent and graphic a 'death' that all who had ears to hear, could hear, and all who had eyes to see could see. And learn. And follow.

To conquer death, you only have to die.

Peace and Love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.