Between Heaven and Hell: A Dialog Somewhere Beyond Death with John F Kennedy, C.S Lewis and Aldous Huxley

Published: 2008
Pages: 144 pages (includes prologue, epilogue, appendices and index)

By Peter Kreeft

Between Heaven and Hell is a light read, despite the heavy subject matter. What happens after we die? Does heaven exist? Does hell? Is there a space between? Peter Kreeft applies his keen philosophical mind and passion for Socratic dialogue to imagine a conversation between three men with different convictions. Kreeft positions Lewis at the center of a discussion about traditional Christian beliefs about the afterlife alongside Kennedy and Huxley, who represent humanism and pantheism, respectively. In a world where thoughtful debate has been replaced with polarization and rage, Kreeft shows us how to have a conversation about what’s important, respecting the dignity of the person we are speaking with.

Where are we?

The premise of the book hinges on the fact that these three influential and fascinating men died on the same day in 1963, November 22. Who wouldn’t like to be a fly on the wall on a discussion between these men? Kennedy, whose tragic murder signaled the end of the hopes of so many Americans. Lewis, whose books inspired his generation like no other, across faith traditions. Huxley, whose novel Brave New World still speaks with remarkable power to a generation addicted to pleasure and social harmony.

Lewis:…real debate, debate to unearth the truth, not to beat your opponent, seems to be the right thing to do here

You can borrow Between Heaven and Hell from Mannix Library. It’s an easy read that’s only about 140 pages, meaning you can read it fast, or linger over the insights. Perfect for fans of C.S Lewis, philosophy students and deep thinkers.