Heavenly Concerns

By Stephen Browne

In this fictional novel, mankind is entrusted with the vicegerency by the Creator, to the dismay of Iblis the protagonist of this story, who later becomes the archenemy of mankind, seeking every opportunity to defeat and destroy the enemy. Heavenly Concerns reaches its climax when Iblis renders mankind submissive, passive and indifferent. Thus, the journey to explore the roots of mankind then extends further into the far future to uncover the inevitablethe eventual demise of mankind.

Original and intriguing, this unique novel introduces readers to creative ideas on the concept of God, the purpose of human existence and where it is heading, the true origin of deception, eternity, and whether demise or immortality is characteristic of human souls. As they immerse in this thought-provoking read, they will be exposed to a mesmerizing voyage in space and timefull of intriguing science fiction scenes, encounters with beings from other dimensions, and previously unknown accounts and deliberations of the divine court and the news of the divine.

Through Heavenly Concerns, the author invites readers to enter a new reality therein free of the blurring effect of the veils of deception and falsehood. Thereto, a new reality is exposed full of promise, excitement, and hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 18, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453591512

Stephen Browne

The Author had received degrees in physics from the University of Waterloo in 1983 and in engineering from the University of Guelph in 1986. He worked as an engineer and produced many engineering designs to the satisfaction of his clients. The author recently became interested in writing and has dedicated much time to this endeavour. His many areas of interest include among others philosophy, alternative civilization, social harmony, and how to attain genuine wealth and happiness.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Archangel Iblis Is Assigned

New Powers

IN THE YEAR 30,000 BC, just before any human had seen any terrains or territories, the valleys, mountains, and oceans of planet earth were still exotic and mysterious. Archangel Iblis [Iblis is an extraterrestrial nonangelical entities, who was granted the honorary title of an Archangel due to his distinguished devotion to God] had joined his regular court at the Purple Palace in the fourth-dimensional heaven—the domain of his authority. Iblis had learned that a divine messenger from the heaven high above was due to arrive. Iblis was expected to be assigned more powers to widen his domain of influence in the lower heaven [the three-dimensional heaven, perceived as the known universe in the domain assigned to mankind]. He was to consolidate his dominion in preparation for the arrival of a new being whose progeny would propagate in perpetual successions. This latest addition was anticipated by Iblis and was expected to dwell within the sphere of the lower heaven. As far as Iblis could tell, the new being was to be a terrestrial one with earthly attributes and characteristics.

From the time we came to be, we have been bestowed with great strength. Our powers had superseded those of the others. Glory to thee, my Lord, Lord of the high heavens, praises to thy name, holy and blessed is he, my Lord, Iblis acknowledged his gratitude to his Master and Creator.

Iblis was ever confident; his self-esteem was continually boosted as he witnessed his angelical powers becoming greater and stronger. He did not realize, however, that this might lead to undesired outcomes.

Iblis, in addressing his court, said, I want to share with you the fact that we are stronger than ever considering the new powers delegated to us. I am quite aware of the challenges that might come along though less concerned of whatever envy and umbrage this might cause among the others, even if resentment is caused. I vow that I shall spare nothing in order to crush anyone whom I feel might interrupt or disturb in any way my smooth rule. I proclaim that my throne is eternal and my crown is glorious, and certainly, it shall stay this way. Iblis did not hesitate to utilize his new powers against his foes.

The anticipated angelical messenger had arrived and immediately requested an audience with Archangel Iblis. The messenger was led to the court to deliver his message.

Heavenly peace upon you, The messenger opened majestically.

Heavenly peace upon you, divine messenger, they responded.

New powers will allow you to access the consciousness of the inhabitants of the lower heavens including these new beings anticipated to dwell on the planet earth, over which you shall have limited control. You shall exercise these new powers with the use of an obedient army of various ranks, loyal only to you. These soldiers are created and fashioned from weightless substance, abundant and plentiful in your physical domain. The proposed army shall be called the Army of Iblis, put at your disposal to assist in achieving your new mandate. The messenger informed Iblis of his new subjects and of additional powers.

At this stage, Archangel Iblis did not fully comprehend the fundamental nature of his new subjects nor could he probe the burden of his new assigned powers. Nonetheless, he was able to gather some insight regarding the potentials and capabilities of these expected beings.

What are these anticipated earthly dwellers? Iblis asked the divine messenger.

They are conscious entities not yet in existence. They are to be fashioned from matter, heavy and crude. They will be earthly bound, with intrinsic characteristics that are fundamental to the lower heaven. Furthermore, they will be restricted to a body whose weight is significant. They are expected to manifest their existence through self-propagation, a perpetual cycle of birth and death, offspring replacing vanishing ancestors, the messenger further described.

One thing was certain to Iblis: the earthly bound characteristic of the anticipated beings revealed certain restrictions and weaknesses, thus making these beings feeble and indeed vulnerable. Therefore, they would present an easy challenge considering the valor and fearlessness bestowed upon Iblis, a mighty figure of superior angelical powers.

Iblis continued in his preoccupation with these new anticipated creatures, though expressing his thoughts and imagination in various ways. Nonetheless, he was unable to avoid becoming ever more fascinated with these peculiar beings who were being introduced to his sphere of authority. They’re likely to be heavy and unwieldy, practically motionless as far as I can tell. I can’t imagine how they are being permanently confined to a fixed dwelling and surrounding. Iblis pondered about the earthly confinement as compared with the vastness of the lower heaven.

Iblis was able to learn also that the new subjects would be limited to three-dimensional space; with this inhibiting deficiency, piercing into higher heavens/universes would be out of the question for them. (The ability to pierce through the fabric of space was something that Archangel Iblis was capable of and, hence, gave him a unique eminence in contrast.)

Iblis continued in his reflection. Having all these powers bestowed unto me, he mused, I shall be able to access with ease the consciousness of such beings. The souls and the bodies of these anticipated entities will always be at my mercy. I will sense and feel their exotic thoughts, desires, and motives. I must say the notion of being able to do all that is delightful and exquisite indeed! So Iblis presumed that he would be able to interact with the consciousnesses of these new entities that were about to be introduced into the domain of the lower heaven.

The divine messenger had been excused and was seen ascending quickly to take his course, signaling the end of his mission.

Meanwhile, Archangel Iblis turned his attention to his court and announced his dominion over earth and all of its dwellers. Pleased courtiers congratulated him for his new powers and applauded in joy!

The court was then dismissed.

CHAPTER 2

Visiting the Grand Temple

THE YEAR WAS 29,900 BC. Human population was nil as humankind was not yet in existence. Iblis had heard rumors while at the Grand Temple, a place significant to angels of the lower heaven; it was a majestic and imposing house of worship, frequently visited by the dwellers of the lower heaven and those whom God had chosen and praised as noble and decorous. The place was awesome, always teeming with angelic figures and dignitaries; they had come from the far reaches of the lower heaven.

The first time I had seen it, I was overwhelmed with compassion and majesty, Iblis recalled his affection as he contemplated the moments of the experience.

The rumors, however, spoke of long-anticipated news, presumably telling of an important event that was about to take place. During the last gathering at the Exalted Assembly of Angels, many angelical attendees talked about the anticipated event with great fascination.

The Exalted Assembly of Angels was the place where God dwelt. It was located high in a heaven beyond the reachable and beyond the imaginable, exclusive only to a few!

The exalted angels and Iblis were permitted to enter this exclusive realm only at certain occasions, usually whenever God planned grand events. God then called the Assembly of the Exalted Angels to convene and subsequently informed them of his intentions regarding their respective role in the Grand Design [the unbound existence]; they, on their part, were expected to obey and comply.

Quite a lot of time had passed, Iblis mused, since we attended the last gathering at the Grand Temple. Every time we gather, we cannot resist discussing and expressing views regarding this upcoming event. It is certain, however, that we have no idea of the current and the future plans of God, nor do we know the effects and the implications this might have on the Grand Design. Iblis continued in his pondering. This may affect the minuscule and the insignificant as well as the grand and the vast, yet we cannot tell! We all are just a manifestation of his magnificent work. Can we, the exalted angels, be certain that the anticipated grand event has nothing to do with us? Alternatively, could it unfold glad tidings or could it be otherwise? A cause to be alarmed of? Reflecting on how God conducted His affairs, he concluded, God’s work has been always mysterious, and still it is!

To lessen his apprehension over this matter, he had to leave his lower fourth-dimensional heaven and pierce his way into the next dimensional heaven. Therein, he met three high-ranking archangels whom he believed may have some indications of what this anticipated news might hold.

Since Iblis was a bestowed entity, he was capable of going beyond the limit of the fourth-dimensional heaven. He could tear the fabric of space and pierce his way through into the fifth-dimensional heaven [the next dimensional universe].

Heavenly peace upon you, glorious angels, guardians of the fifth heaven, Iblis said while approaching the three archangels who lined up to welcome him.

Heavenly greetings upon you, oh, Great One, the three archangels replied.

The echo of these rumors is spreading fast, presumably they relate to a new significant addition that might have to do with us! Iblis began, raising the curiosity of his receiving party.

God Almighty probably desires to form a new higher-dimension universe whose inhabitants are conscious planets and stars. Certainly, capable angels are required for such a grand endeavor, for functionality—to maintain and keep it viable and orderly, suggested Tabriel, who was the highest ranking among the three.

Oh, Great One, I think the anticipated news might reveal a plan for a completely new entity, a creation characterized by limited consciousness. Although confined and stationery, it could live on the ground, inhabit and propagate. A being with such physical features would be unique and one of a kind, a curious addition indeed! offered Zichael, the second in rank of the three.

But, Great One, I say no. My view swings to some sort of a new concept, a multidimensional entity capable of interdimensional motion. This new entity, I presume, can move with relative ease in and out of the confinement of the lower heaven. Needless to say, this does not come close to what I am capable of. I can move from one point to the next or pierce my way into any dimension I want, still in a flick of a second, boasted Siphael, the last and least ranking of the three.

I am afraid I must disagree with your assessments. I am of the notion that the anticipated news might have to do with the planet earth, Iblis said with a disapproving gesture.

Earth! You are way off, earth can’t be that important for such a celebrated event. Earth is a feeble planet, inhabited by insignificant beings classified under animals and beasts, hopelessly lost in the struggle between the species. They can neither name an ant nor define it. Moreover, they belong to the grouping of those restricted in consciousness. Thus their awareness and intelligence are curbed by definition. Needless to say, they are completely helpless to protect against celestial or terrestrial calamities, should they hit! declared Siphael as he harshly gazed at Iblis.

While they were still debating the issue at hand, a voice suddenly came thundering from high above.

Oh, noble dignitaries, heavenly peace upon you all. Glory to God Almighty. Exalted angels, you are requested to convene at once! All at the appointed place and time. The voice from high above abruptly ended; however, the call was heard loud and clear over a multitude of domains throughout the vastness of the Grand Design.

Immediately, formations of angels of various ranks and forms began to descend. In splendid patterns they moved; they overwhelmed the horizon in majestic displays and configurations, performing and singing in a grand procession of glory. They continued to descend wave after wave!

Iblis and his party were overwhelmed by the awe of the moment; they quickly abandoned their discussion and set forth to leave the fifth-dimensional heaven and ascend as directed.

CHAPTER 3

Introducing the Vicegerent

IBLIS PROCEEDED WITH the three archangels immediately, escorted to the Exalted Assembly of Angels at God’s court as indicated, located at the highest-dimensional heaven wherein beauty, purity, and grandeur are experienced at their ultimate—unimaginable and inconceivable, truly majestic!

Behold! Assembly of the exalted, I shall create a vicegerent on the planet earth, God proclaimed.

Oh, a vicegerent! What is a vicegerent? whispered the angels among themselves in bafflement.

It is my divine wish to introduce the spirit of life into the unconscious and the lifeless. A new entity shall emerge to act as my deputy on earth. I wish to bring in a representative, a superior ruler, who shall rule with immunity and enjoy my trust in the domain of the lower heaven, God replied to the puzzled angels in unusual expression of divine humbleness.

Siphael was still unclear about the identity and role of this new addition and how it could fit in relation with the multitude of the angelical forms already in existence. He, therefore, sought a more specific explanation. Siphael then turned to Archangel Tabriel. The answer remains veiled and implicit! he admitted, expressing a lack of discernment of the matter while facing his fellow angels.

The new addition is probably a mighty and supreme entity but, nonetheless, angelical, Tabriel countered while gazing at Siphael.

Iblis, at this stage, seemed skeptical about expressing his view, but after a careful thought, he responded, This is our domain. We have done our best to be obedient and maintain the peace. How then are we supposed to make sense of this new addition? The lower heaven is important to us. The introduction of a new and, as it appears, a supreme being still vague and ambiguous . . . yet to dwell among us . . . is certainly a cause of concern. Iblis argued, The purpose behind this new entity is really the introduction of another kind of intelligence and consciousness, although both qualities are desirable, but we do not know for sure how it can relate to us or how it would affect us. This is still a mystery!

While it is an honor to be branded as God’s representative, it is still a dreadful task, an immense responsibility indeed! We, the exalted angels, are obviously unfit for such an undertaking! Aren’t we? Siphael reacted resentfully as he gestured at Tabriel.

Tabriel, being an archangel of greater wisdom, could foresee the possible implication of God’s plan. He then concluded that the new anticipated entity is something rather fundamentally different than anything they have ever encountered!

The new entity is literally a unique creation for a unique purpose. Therefore, we angels may witness the making of a human being, plainly a human race. The implication of a vicegerent as envisioned by God really spans the collective existence of mankind rather than an individual human. The outcomes of such an existence would have a landmark effect on the natural environment. In due time, the fruition and culmination of such existence is expected to be splendid and remarkable, indeed, the real objective and the goal of this event! Tabriel explained while gazing at Iblis.

Yes, it is obvious that we will have to witness the formation of mankind, even though mankind is still mysterious to us, and we remain unaware of the specifics and details of such seemingly important kind, Siphael further argued while gazing at Iblis. Still unclear and unable to satisfy his curiosity, he then turned to Tabriel and asked, What is this mysterious human entity? How can he fit as God’s vicegerent? I know you are the wise one, and surely you can enlighten us!

You can perceive the vicegerent as the similitude of an allegorical expression to the future propagation of mankind, represented by the consequential outcome on the transformed reality of the planet earth and beyond. The eventual realization and fruition of the human existence are still to be witnessed, Tabriel answered as he looked at his fellow angels.

Siphael was even more puzzled, looking toward Tabriel and seeking further elaboration. And then he said, As I understood it, there is a new reality awaiting planet earth.

From what I could gather, the transformed reality of earth, which is still to be witnessed, is a part of the Grand Design. It is apparently the implication of wisdom as materialized from the fruit of knowledge acquisition, expected to stem from the introduction of the human existence. Let’s put it plainly, the Maker wishes to observe and expose a hypothetical, portrayed maker!

Siphael looked even more confused. He posed yet another question. Aren’t we, the exalted angels, in essence, the only manifestation of wisdom and knowledge throughout the heavens? Searching for an answer, Siphael turned to both Tabriel and Iblis.

The dilemma of this company of angels lay in their inability to define the concept of intelligence and wisdom. They were aware only of a rigid form, namely intuitive wisdom. They did not seem to understand acquired wisdom whose main attributes are the freedom of choice and the ability to aspire for self-reliance and independent learning. This new form of intelligence would be attributable only to the anticipated human consciousness.

In essence, the introduction of mankind symbolized God’s wish to challenge the angels at the core of their obedient and submissive nature. While it was difficult to see the merit of it at first glance, perfect conduct and behavior were not to be expected from God’s vicegerent. It had been the views of this company of angels that many indications as to the nature of the conduct points toward impurity and malevolence amid the anticipated human existence. Nonetheless, it was in accordance with God’s Grand Design.

Knowledge and wisdom are the most sacred gifts in existence. They are much more precious than any carbon crystals, considering their rarity and scarcity. Whoever is bestowed with them is blessed forever and definitely worthy of our honor and respect, Tabriel stressed as he continued in his explanation. We have enjoyed a level of wisdom without a comparison as angelical entities. Nonetheless, it is rigid. We can neither self-induce nor learn.

The acknowledged earthly residency of the vicegerent is meant to be only allegorical, thus marking the initial and infancy stage. From what we could gather, it seems that the human race is capable of living close to earth and beyond, in the vastness of the lower heaven indeed, in the distant future. The human race will have no choice but to seek residency in the outskirts of the stars, in the outer reaches of the lower heaven, Tabriel further elaborated.

But how could this be? Don’t you understand that they’re earthly bound and, therefore, can’t pierce into space as we do! Siphael insisted, turning to his fellow angels to further extend his argument.

At this point, the angels could neither clearly foresee the role of man nor his destiny. As far as they could tell, his residency was confined to earth. As a dweller of earth, man was viewed as incapable of piercing space to seek the outer reaches of the lower heaven.

This entanglement is getting complicated and can only be resolved by seeking an explanation from God! Siphael admitted while gazing at his fellow angels.

The angels were still assembled at the Exalted Assembly of Angels and still feeling incredulous from God’s proclamation as to the vicegerent’s appointment.

Oh, Lord, why have you chosen a nonangelical earthly dweller to go beyond the boundaries of earth and pierce his way into the far reaches of the lower heaven? We have always had assumed this function would be strictly ours! Tabriel respectfully posed the question.

The vicegerency is a mandate given to the anticipated humans to rule with my permission. The vicegerent shall enjoy sovereign authority and sweeping powers over his natural surroundings, all of which are delegated with my permission. This authority is provisional and limited to within the domain of the lower heaven, God patiently replied as Tabriel attentively listened.

The angels were further astonished to hear about the strength of the newly designated vicegerent; up and until now, the lower heaven, including earth, has been inhabited only by obedient angels. This company of angels was of the notion that the proposed vicegerent might have mandated powers that could eventually exceed their own. Accordingly, they feared the vicegerent might pose a real threat or ultimately challenge them in their own domain.

Archangel Siphael voiced yet more questions to satisfy his never-ending curiosity, What are his knowledge and perception regarding higher heavens? Is he aware of their undisclosed secrets and characteristics? Is he limited in his consciousness?

Since angels were capable of interdimensional space motion while earthly dwellers were incapable of such motion (such was the perception of the dwellers of higher heavens), the angels argued, Their sheer weight is bound to restrict and make their motion cumbersome.

Such perceptions the angels could only envision at this point, but God then further explained, The vicegerent shall be the supreme ruler within his designated domain—the lower heaven and its vast matter contents, the stars and the planets and all others put under his disposal—by my permission. Such is my decree. The delegated authority is valid and provisional until an appointed time!

The fact that the angels were able to perceive and conceptualize a multidimensional reality, they were surprised at the fact that the new entity was incapable of such notions considering its proposed role.

The vicegerent within his existence shall not be limited to three-dimensional space and shall acquire space-piercing capabilities in due time, God further explained. "This entity I have called ‘human being’ shall have, among other things, a free will, which is a solemn and a dreadful responsibility indeed! This is my desire and this is my decree!"

A free will . . . What is a free will? the angels began whispering again.

It is a unique consciousness, a characteristic of the human awareness. It constitutes the essence of his significance. God continued to detail the nature of this unique being, raising more curiosity amid the assembled angels. The free will and the ability to acquire knowledge are the main distinguishing characteristics of mankind. These are unique attributes of human wisdom and intelligence. Consequently, the new face of reality which we seek, and yet to be witnessed [in the lower heaven], is attainable only through them. The various phases of the human civilizations are expected to extend over the whole earth and indeed, in due time, to spread beyond!

God had unveiled man, a new concept of creation, a manifestation and a framework, an analogy, a portrayal of the expected civilization, and a conduit for knowledge acquisition. Such concepts are rare amid the dwellers of the higher heavens. Consequently, the prospect of the human emergence had caused unexpected reverberation among the assembled angels, thus necessitating further elaboration.

"It has been my wish to see that natural creation becomes artificial synthesis while natural selection becomes genetic engineering. Human ingenuity and creativity, as intended, falls within the stipulation and ordinance of the Grand Design. Simply, I have chosen to delegate certain attributes to be entrusted in other hands! Such a mission holds awesome responsibilities and calls for a unique being. It is an honor of great proportions, immense and unprecedented, a blessing by which I chose to bestow upon the seemingly feeble and fragile!

The earth shall experience many aspects of the human manifestation. The procession of humanity is not to be bound by the limitation of earth. The vastness of lower heaven shall be their domain and their theater of action. I have made everything within the domain of lower heaven subdued, passive, and submissive to the will of man as to be harnessed, utilized, and exploited as they see fit. They are to rule undisturbed until the appointed time. This has been decreed and set in accordance with my divine ordinance. God had now introduced more terms and concepts whose connotations were unfamiliar to many of the assembled angels. They were unable to comprehend such terminology!

The angels were even more puzzled as it appears that the more explanations they were provided, the more curious and inquisitive they became. Their interest with the human vicegerent was becoming more intriguing. One thing was certain, though, the angels at this stage were still incapable of attributing creative powers to any but the immortal and the eternal, whom they certainly knew and to whom they adhered to.

One puzzled archangel could not help but harbor the thought that other angels seemed to have missed and were not alert to! He wondered, What if these anticipated humans are to fail the task? What would be the ramifications of such a circumstance? Fascinated and overwhelmed, Archangel Iblis interjected. Iblis had taken a different course in his approach. He began directing his attention to specific details and inquiries, seeking to determine the hidden characteristics of the anticipated vicegerent. He was especially keen in identifying possible flaws or weaknesses.

The session continued; the assembled angels were becoming ever intrigued as they requested to learn more about the proposed vicegerent. God patiently continued further in his revelation, detailing more of the characteristics of his planned addition.

CHAPTER 4

The Nature of the Vicegerent

THE TERM HUMAN was ambiguous prior to the introduction of the vicegerent at the Exalted Assembly of Angels. The angels simply were unable to comprehend such a conceptual being with exclusive and seemingly incongruent characteristics.

Archangel Iblis was particularly intrigued by the unprecedented nature of this new entity. Nature, after all, was full of mysteries and could always reveal unexpected, baffling secrets. Iblis then made a proposal to his fellow assembled angels. "Let us find out what this man is made of and what his intrinsic nature is? We all know what we are made of and how important this is to us," he urged while glancing at Siphael

Siphael knelt in respect, Oh, Lord Almighty, Siphael began, we have seen that you have granted man great favors by assigning him the vicegerency. However, we know the essence of our nature and that of our inception, but we want to see your wisdom. So, Lord, disclose to us the essence of this new being and the substance of his origin. Siphael took a short pause, then, We are inclined to think of a substance of a great worth and nobility.

"I have ordained that the anticipated human shall be made of selected fine-matter particles