Between Madmen & Saints

Can madmen go to Heaven. What about those who live in the fringes of sanity; psychopaths, sociopaths, narcissists, schizophrenics etc. What about Hindus, Muslims and Atheists.

It would seem like the road to heaven is very narrow. Mathew 7:14 states exactly that – “But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it“. It is precisely for this reason why Jesus commissions his disciples to preach the good news. This message is littered across the new and old testament. I get it, this is God’s remedy for the non believers.

But what about the outcasts, the ones that wander in the chasm between reality and dreams (hallucinations). How can God reconcile with them? Is there a special place for them in heaven? Do they get another turn with life? Or do they get discarded like rotten eggs?

Maybe there is hope for them. David found solace in meeting his unborn son in heaven ( 2 Sam. 12:23 – But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me. ) . Perhaps this applies to all who are not in a position to take decisions on their own. Further more the Bible says that God knows each of us even before we are yet born (Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:6).

So then it begs the question; What about animals? Do they have a conscience? If they don’t, do they get a free pass to heaven?. Animals are generally considered as property. They can be purchased and sold. Most ancient religions used animal sacrifices to gain favour from Gods. Perhaps animals are a thing, maybe even a soulless P-Zombie? . Yet animals are inventive and clever. They even have languages through which they communicate. They have been known to show empathy, kindness, joy and sadness. Something to think about…

What about the rest of us? We live somewhere in the midst of madmen and saints. We have good days and bad days. Probably more bad days than good ones. Sometimes its too dark for us to find our way around. Days that we wish to be relieved off from our memories.

Do we all have the same propensity to do good? I don’t think its the same for everyone. Correspondingly does God judge all of us on the same measure? I would think not. A cripple may take a few minutes to complete 100 meters, while a sprinter could do the same in less than 15 seconds. As parents we encourage our children to participate in competitions. We don’t always expect them to win, but we advice them that its the act of participation and completion that is more important.

I think we should be encouraged by the faithfulness and clarity some have in life (not just as a christian) but we should never have to compare and feel discouraged by them. It is especially difficult for me to understand the sovereignty of God’s grace and love. I can’t take it for granted and live life like I’m covered. Neither can I take credit for my accomplishments

An atheist once told me that God’s love is tiring; that Christians are iron clad by a petty God who is an egomaniac. But nothing can be further from the truth. God doesn’t care about our piousness or filthiness. He loves us no matter what. But we have a responsibility to carry the cross. To some it may be significant while for others it might be lite.

Note: This is me thinking loudly. It is likely to contain unsound doctrine’s. But hopefully I will be able to correct myself along the way.