Singapore Fable: Why some people choose Hell?
28 Nov 06
While walking down the street one day, an MP from the Peoples
Action Party (PAP) is tragically hit by a truck and killed. His
soul arrives in Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the
entrance.
Welcome to Heaven, says St. Peter. Before you settle in, it
seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around
these parts, you see, so were not sure what to do with you.
No problem, just let me in, says the MP.
Well, Id like to, but I have orders from higher up. What well do
is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can
choose where to spend eternity.
Theres no need! I want to be in Heaven, says the MP.
Im sorry, but we have our rules. And with that, St. Peter
escorts him to the elevator, the doors open, and he rides the
elevator down, down, down. When the doors open again, the MP finds
himself in the middle of a beautiful green golf course. In the
distance is a club, and standing in front of it are all his friends
and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in formal dress. They run to greet him,
and they reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich
at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and
then dine on lobster and caviar.
Also present is the Devil, who is a very friendly guy who has a
good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good
time that, before the MP realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator
rises.
The elevator goes up, up, up, and the door reopens in Heaven where
St. Peter is waiting for him.
So 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls
moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing.
They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have
gone by, and St. Peter returns.
Well, youve spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now, you
must choose where you want to spend eternity.
He reflects for a minute and then answers, Well, I would never
would have thought it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I
think I would be better satisfied in Hell.
So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator, and down, down, down he
goes into Hell. Now, the doors of the elevator open, and he is in
the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees
all his friends dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting
it in black bags. And its hot, hot, hot, and the odor is just
horrible. Sweltering hot. Hot and miserable. The Devil comes over
to him and smoothly lays his arm around his shoulder.
I dont understand, stammers the MP. The day before I was here,
and there was a golf course and club, and we ate lobster and caviar
and danced and had a great time. Now all there is is a wasteland
full of garbage, and my friends look miserable.
The Devil looks at the MP, smiles, and says, Yesterday we were
campaigning. Today you voted for us.
