Heaven: A History
How did we end up with such a complicated view of Heaven? Dr. Hitchcock explores a fascinating, tangled history.
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Your Instructor
Dr. Nathan Hitchcock received his PhD in Divinity from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He has published extensively in history and religion, especially in afterlife studies. Aside from teaching, Dr. Hitchcock helps organizations set up competency-based training systems. He lives with his family and Boston terrier in South Dakota, USA.
Course Curriculum
Part I: The Invention of Heaven
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
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PreviewThe Heaven Knot (5:38)
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StartDisclaimers about Heaven (5:01)
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StartThe Oldest Afterlife Beliefs (16:45)
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StartEarliest Conceptions of Heaven (15:51)
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StartGreece's "Ideal" Heaven (14:06)
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StartIsrael's Alternative Hope: Resurrection (7:22)
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StartQ&A with Dr. Hitchcock (Part I)
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StartQUIZ: Part I
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StartEXTRA: Further Reading on the Invention of Heaven
Part II: The Assimilation of Heaven
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
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StartIntroduction: The Assimilation of Heaven (4:11)
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StartHeaven 2.0: The Perfect Place among the Stars (4:11)
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PreviewThe Hebrew Assimilation: Paradise (18:21)
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StartThe Resurrection Hope and the Heaven Footnote (19:38)
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StartThe Lurch toward Heaven (11:41)
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StartQ&A with Dr. Hitchcock (Part II)
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StartQUIZ: Part II
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StartEXTRA: Further Reading on the Assimilation of Heaven
Part III: The Paradoxing of Heaven
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
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StartIntroduction: The Paradoxing of Heaven (2:42)
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StartAugustine and the Vision of God (19:55)
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StartParadox 1 (13:22)
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StartParadox 2 (7:16)
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StartParadox 3 (6:45)
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StartExcursus: Hell (6:12)
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StartParadox 4 (8:05)
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StartThe Undissolvable Resurrection (5:01)
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StartQ&A with Dr. Hitchcock (Part III)
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StartQUIZ: Part III
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StartEXTRA: Further Reading on the Paradoxing of Heaven
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
This course should leave you feeling informed, challenged, and excited about learning. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 10 days and we will give you a full refund.
Is this course just going to indoctrinate me in a certain faith?
No. As history, the content covers a range of religions and beliefs, mostly from the ancient near east and west. Dr. Hitchcock himself is a Christian whose conviction is to tell others' stories accurately and respectfully.
I'm really struggling emotionally right now. Will this course help me?
While many people have reported being personally helped by ideas in the course, it is not intended as therapy or faith-based consolation. Heaven: A History is meant to clarify one's ideas about the afterlife in a fun, intellectual setting. Those seeking emotional support do best to speak with a trusted spiritual leader or counselor.