PASSAGES

There are numerous passages during one's life. There is the physical passage to birth. Then there is the passage from dependent baby to exploring child. Then there is the transition from child to adult. And the final transformation from adult to old age.

Literature is filled with symbolic passages marking life's key events.

The journey through life is depicted as travel, a voyage, a quest, a road to hoe.

At death, is it symbolized in various forms but takes on the elements of travel to the next level existence, heaven. In ancient times, there was the story of the dead being ferried across the River Styx to hell for judgment. In modern times, in movies like Defending Your Life, souls are sorted by various passenger trains. Some evidence suggests that in near death experiences, people see a bright, white light in a tunnel. They get a sense of wanting to follow the light.

Once one reaches the travel sorting station, there is usually a test or continuation of the journey. A weighing of the heart. A defense of good versus evil behavior. Sins judged against moral achievements.

These passages represent a purification of one's spirit. This cleansing is to be done so only "worthy" souls can join in external paradise. Most people believe that one will have a second or third chance to become "worthy" of everlasting life.

All major religions have some teachings about the passage of a person's life force after death. It may be the foundation for hope in the present and the future. The cynical believe that it is merely a means to control unruly populations. There gets to a point throughout history that people would rather take the unknown passage of death than live in the poverty, war, disease or pain of their culture or society.

There is no question that the main characters of LOST had many passages to make during the series. There is a question of whether the whole LOST series was merely a dress rehearsal for the real passage in the sideways after life. Whether the characters were in a island purgatory or human beings transported to a spiritual world, they were given the opportunity to change, make amends, release regrets, and cleanse their sins. Whether they made good on their second chances is highly questionable.