The conclusion of “The Good Place” cannot stand without rebuttal. Previous commentators have pointed out the fundamental errors that result from rejection of Christian basics. (The core problem is that getting to heaven by ethical behavior is impossible, only by receiving the provision of Christ on the cross will we enter in.) The ending, in which the main characters choose non-existence, apparently because of ennui, shows where that error culminates.
What is missing? There are two fundamental omissions which, if included, transcend boredom of an unending morally perfect life.
- Heaven is defined by the reality of the Presence of God. The author of Ecclesiastes reflected on the vacuity of earthly life without God, and its meaninglessness. God is fundamentally separate from our universe, because of the basic logical construct. Everything in the universe has a cause, so what is the cause of the universe’s beginning? By definition, it was something not subject to the law of cause and effect. Ergo, God is beyond our comprehension. Even Aristotle knew that there had to be an immovable mover. Hence, God being outside of time, His Presence in heaven transcends temporal ennui. Beyond that, our earthly relationship with Him will be consummated, much as the Biblical metaphor of marriage implies. Not only is there the first day and night of togetherness, there is a long-term state of being happily married. Both passion and contentment. We cannot know this with God while on earth. (Exodus 33:18-23)
- The continuation of our earthly walk in heaven will be characterized by continually taking on an increased aspect of God’s character. The Bible, and especially the Incarnation, reveal God’s core attribute of agape - sacrificial love. His passionate agape motivated Him to create the universe, and humankind, as objects of His divine love. Jesus came to earth to redeem mankind, at incomprehensible cost, out of agape. As we take on increasing measures of His character we will find vast opportunities for new agape adventures. We cannot begin to imagine what these adventures will entail. Some on earth have already started down this road (e.g., Mother Teresa), but we are limited by physical bodies with finite lifespans.
The vital effusion of life and love that flows from God is not an optional bonus, but the central reality of Christian faith. We can only imagine the power of the transfiguration on the mount that Peter, James, and John experienced. The choices we make now do involve ethics, not as merely a guide to right behavior, but as a manifestation of that power within us on earth. Experiencing that power from within eliminates any misguided concept that non-existence is even an option, despite Solomon’s despairing remark. (Ecclesiastes 4:3)
It would of course be unacceptable in Hollywood to produce entertainment incorporating these truths. The secular vision of heaven as suburbia sells well and offends few. Heaven is not suburbia, and suburbia is not heaven. But just as the rest of Hollywood’s products are fiction divorced from reality, we must recognize that the Truth Incarnate does not call us to an endless ennui, of philosophical meaninglessness. Rather, He invites us to join Him in an eternal adventure.
