Stardust.

That's it.

Not only does it appear to be the best hypothesis from which to base future study, but has a far greater glory and power association than any crummy old heaven concept!

I too have an issue with "eternal" as a word, although only insofar as I could have an issue with "infinite." At least infinity can be a way of describing certain mathematical states. If the big bang is taken as a believable concept, (and my own PhD research led me to be overpowered by the logic) then eternity flies in the face of reason every bit as much as the bit about a bloke getting all the animals in a boat and then screwing his own daughters.

I like the idea we are all stardust. Heavy element formation through supernovae is the key evidence and although I am sure the concept will be refined and may not be as simple as we think, at least it will be refined and maybe even thrown out? Who knows?

At least scientific reason is willing to be tested and set aside as necessary. You don't need faith, just reason and intelligence.

You know, the eastern religions that include reincarnation appear to be closest to the mark. From stardust to here; what were our base elements doing for the last few billion years? (Not having their strings pulled by a sentient concept, that's for sure....)