In his writings, the “theory of forms”, Plato put forth the notion that the reality we perceive is but an illusion, a shadow, at best, a part of what perfection might be. A “form” is a blueprint for perfection.
For example, we might see a kitchen table, or a coffee table, or a dining room table, or even a workbench. All of these objects have properties of “tableness”… legs, a surface… but none embody everything that a perfect table might be. Similarly, a physical real dog embodies properties of “dogness” but can never be the perfect dog that exists as an idea.
This same concept of forms applies to abstractions. There can be a form of beauty, whereby, there exists perfection of beauty. All of our worldly art can possess beauty but can only mimic beauty as a perfect form.
For every abstract concept in our human lives, there is a perfect form and a human enabled reality, for example, democracy, or compassion, or empathy, or hate, or wealth, or the sciences. Each and all that springs forth from human endeavor is but a shadow of the perfect form from which it draws its characteristics.
So what does this have to do with Jesus? The teachings of Jesus describe the perfect “form” of living together as human beings on a planet populated with all other living things as well.
Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Humility. Distributive justice. Patience. It’s the perfect description of a world where greed, hate, tribalism, and selfishness don’t exist. If only we, collectively, all humans, could do this, the world would be heaven indeed.
There is an exercise called the red/black game, or the “prisoner’s dilemma”. The rules are very simple. If both sides agree to cooperate, and choose black, then each side gets 3 points.
But, if one side decides to choose red over black, they will win 10 points and the other team will lose 5 points. But if both sides choose red, each side loses 5 points. The problem, of course, is can you trust the other team to choose black, or will they choose red in order to maximize their points?
Invariably, self gain and greed, and a lack of trust, always prevails in this type of game. People never choose black. It’s human nature. It’s in our genes and in our rearing. So, what to do about Jesus?
The lesson in real life is clear. if you always choose red, that is, if you choose not to at least attempt to live life according to the teachings of Jesus, then humanity is doomed for for no matter what the other side chooses, then somebody loses.
But, if we live as Jesus taught, as best as we are able, then we are choosing black, and that leaves the door open to the possibility that we can all win… to live in heaven on earth.