Religion and Society in the West

The myth of Er is a very unique myth which explains why people should live a responsible type of life. According to Er, in the afterlife, people are judged according to their deeds. Those who live a responsible life in the world, are most likely to live a peaceful life in heaven simply because after judgement, they will go to heaven (Plato, 1982). On the other hand, in the underworld, unjust living is rewarded by very stiff punishments which may last for up to one thousand years. The just therefore lead a very peaceful life free from any punishments.

According to Plato, people should not live a just life because of the after judgement, but should live freely in the world. This is so because, people will not only be judged for their deeds but they will also be judged for their actions. One should therefore lead a life which pleases God and not because he or she is afraid of the consequences of the after judgement. The outcome of the judgement is not known, even though one led a just life (Plato, 1982). Thus people should obey the commands of God and not living in the fear of being punished after judgement. According to the myth of the Norse, the greatest warriors afterlife, fight together every day and feast with the gods as they await their judgement. The greatest warriors represent the just livers who will go to heaven and will therefore lead a just life as they await the final verdict from God. This consequently shows why people should obey the commands of God because there is a reward in heaven for the just livers.

Reference

Plato, (1982). The Dialogues of Plato, vol. 2 (Meno, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Gorgias, Appendix I - Lesser, Hippias, Alcibiades I, Menexenus, Appendix II - Alcibiades II, Eryxias). Retrieved from: http://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/plato-dialogues-vol-2#lf0131-02_head_037

Plato, 360 B.C.E. The Republic. Retrieved from: http://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/plato-dialogues-vol-2#lf0131-02_head_026