heaven

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heaven Abode of divine beings or a world of bliss beyond death. In the later Jewish tradition (after the 3rd or 2nd century bc), it was the dwelling place of God and the angels, and of those human beings who had died after leading a virtuous life. Christian theology adopted this conception but modified it to be the destination after death of the true followers of Jesus Christ. See also Hades; hell; limbo; nirvana; purgatory

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