I found out about a pretty neat program not too long ago. I could get free books if I'd agree to write a review. As a lover of books, with over 1,000 of them in my library, I jumped at the chance.
The first book I received was titled "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. Needless to say, as a pastor I was skeptical! I thought, Oh no, not another I've been to heaven book! Beginning with 90 minutes in Heaven, the market has been flooded by books of peoples accounts of their journey to Heaven, Hell, and the Laundromat! I assumed this book would be little different and I thought I'd wind up relegating this book to the "not worth my time" pile. I was wrong.
"Heaven is for Real" is a a heartwarming, simple, and surprisingly biblical glimpse into a little four year old boy's journey into Heaven. Colton Burpo was four year's old when he found himself at death's door. His family didn't realize he had made his amazing journey until small but shocking revelations that amazed and bewildered his parents began to leak out. Colton didn't just have one sit down conversation, he let his journey be known one startling revelation at a time.
How could this little boy know these things? How could he know about relatives who had died long before he was born? How could someone so young offer such amazing insights into Heaven, Christ, and the glories that await Christians? How could he know things he'd never been taught and couldn't know?
As I mentioned before, I'm a skeptic at heart. A book like this one wouldn't likely catch my attention and certainly wouldn't win any praise from me. So many books like these are fanciful, unbiblical, and simply outright inconsistent with what I know to be true from the Bible. Colton Burpo's story was a refreshing and surprisingly accurate portrait of what awaits each of us whose destiny is Heaven. I read the book with a critical eye, looking for those little details that would prove this story to be at best inaccurate or at worst a fraud. I couldn't find them. His tale seemed honest. His descriptions fit the way a child would describe things, not one whose words had been fed him by an adult. Some of his revelations were simply amazing!
Who would be blessed by this book? I'd honestly say almost anyone. If you've recently lost a loved one or maybe you are a mother who has lost a child to miscarriage. You can find something here that will warm your heart and quite possibly help ease your pain. This book is a sweet, touching, and amazing story. I think you'll be blessed by it.
That said, you might wonder if I found anything in the book I didn't agree with. That's a tough question. I found nothing I'd say was blatantly wrong or in direct contradiction with the scriptures. There were a couple of things that made me raise my eyebrow but I can't quote a verse that says Heaven couldn't be like that, just a couple of things that didn't fit my expectation or interpretation of what Heaven would be like. Those things might make you wonder but I think you'll find they don't detract from what this book is meant to do, strengthen your faith, encourage you in your walk with Christ, and maybe just maybe long for Heaven just a little bit more.
Hope this review helps you make your choice of whether or not to pick up a copy of this book. I'd recommend you do.
Micah
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
12 comments:
Greetings Pastor.
I find it ironic (and perhaps you do as well) that you referred to the "90 Minutes" book--and the like--and that book's author is one of the major endorsers of the story on the book itself.
I welcome any feedback.
I don't find it odd that someone who contends they've had a similar experience would endorse a work similar to their own. I don't find it odd or inappropriate.
My mentioning "90 Minutes in Heaven" was because at least in our current literary climate there seems to be a copy-cat mentality. If someone writes a "successful" book the market is soon flooded with similar books with copy-cat themes. If someone has "been to heaven" we are inundated with books telling of others who have "had that experience". Someone goes to hell, ditto. Someone writes about anything and everything, the publishers line up to publish similar works. In many ways literary publishers are like Hollywood, they rarely have an original idea!
Hopefully that puts my statement in context. I don't find the endorsement inappropriate or unexpected. I did expect that "Heaven is for Real" would be a cheap knock off but I found it simple, heartfelt, and seemingly honest in its story. As for me, I found it a good enough story to recommend others pick up a copy. My two cents worth anyway! God bless!
Micah
In your opinion, do you think this book gives people a false hope of heaven if they are not a born again believer? (Does it teach what it means to be a born again believer?) Maybe I should look at a copy myself to see.. I just have overall concerns about NDE's... What I keep thinking about is Satan deceives himself as light and some of these NDE stories take away from the truth of Hebrews 9:27.. Your thoughts?
While I wouldn't list the books among the most evangelical of published works, the gospel is presented and not glossed over. That certainly could have been made a stronger part of the work but the father / pastor does clearly mark the difference between the death of a believer and non-believer. Just a little insight. Hope that helps.
I read this book with every Alarm Bell ringing in my head. It's a very heart-warming story. I like all the people mentioned...especially Colton.
However...are we to believe that somewhere in the Heavens there is Terra Firma...(with grass, trees, animals (friendly Lion mentioned)....and Pearly Gates plus a HUGE Throne for...God????
Are we to believe that Jesus hovers just overhead... ready to rush to the assistance of a sick child?
(Who gets Priority here...with GAZILLIONS of people on Earth...?)
It just sounds hopelessly FRAUDULENT.
Hey...do the Math...lots and lots of MONEY is tied up in this one. The painting of Jesus alone...(we are to believe painted by a child)...sold for a mere $50,000!
Common...can't you just SMELL THE SCAM?
Richard Calderhead
Would you kindly share some good books to read about Heaven? I have read Dr. Melvin Morse's book and it brought so much comfort after my son Justin died. I also read Betty edie's book and think this is a fake. Thank you so much for what you are doing!
I read the book too and there was at least one biblical thing that bothered me. If Jesus took him into heaven, why would he have a terrible experience with satan that makes him freeze up with fear just by discussing it? That doesn't sound like Jesus to me.
Unfortunately I am not able to respond to every post or every question. This last comment about the boy being scared of what appears to be an encounter with Satan in Heaven may at first see strange but in fact Satan's occasional presence in Heaven is Biblical. In the book of Job, Satan is found "appearing" before the Lord. In other passages, there are what appear to be Demons coming before the Lord. It is important to remember that God is sovereign and both Satan and his Demons are subject to God completely.
I would add, remember that this is a child's recollection of something he has seen. It is not inspired scripture. No one, certainly not me, has attributed inspiration to Colton's experience. We must take everything he is said to have experienced with a grain of salt not because it is a lie but because we are dealing with the experiences related to us to his father by a CHILD. He seems to have seen many amazing things and has I'm sure done his best to relay those visions to his parents. IT does not mean he has fully understood them all or correctly related them to us. His interpretations of what he saw may be mistake as well. Meaning, he may not have understood what he was seeing. Remember, the Apostle John in all his wisdom, when confronted with just one of God's holy angels fell down and worshiped him. How much more the mind and limitations of a child? Hopefully this answers at least some of the things I'm seeing written.
Lastly, I would say to the countless naysayers who think it is their lot in life to criticize a book review of a book they have not likely read, about a place they have no expectation of going, in worship of a God they do not believe in, I say this. I NEVER said that Colton's experience was true. I never said that is was without error or that Colton could not have been spoken. Countless of those same naysayers have rattled on about "how can you know what heaven will be like". That answer is simple, the Word of God tells me what Heaven will be like. I compare any writing, that of a Dr. of Theology or that relayed from a child to the one source of truth in this Universe that is infallible. The Word of the Living God. If you want to know what Heaven is like, read the book. Simple as that.
Too all of those who have commented in the spirit of truth and seeking right answers, whether we agree or not, I appreciate your thoughts and input. May the Lord bless each of you as you seek Him and His truth.
In His Service,
Micah AKA "The Heavy Revy"
Just so you know. Someone is scamming your book review. http://the-paradigmshift.blogspot.com/2011/03/heaven-is-for-real-by-todd-burpo-ebook.html
My Mother passed away 6/20/11 jsut after giving me this book to read. She had told me how awesome the read was and she was excited for me to read it. After her heart attack I read the book in 2 days and felt so uplifted and excited for her to be in heavin with my father. I am at peace to know that the heaven I always thought of is "For Real".
Sherri
Free Bible study on the book HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
The book, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL was a fascinating read for me. For many it has given them hope for eternal life.
To me, this is a far too important a subject to put my hope in a little boy’s experience. I wanted to see what
God had to say so I went to the Bible. I have written a Bible study about heaven.
I would be delighted to send you a free copy. Email me at heaven.study@yahoo.com and I will email you a copy.
Trish Pickard
Micah,
I just finished reading "Heaven Is For Real" & decided yo look online at what other people thought about the book. I came across your link & not only read your take on the book but also your blogs about your life & your struggles, but what came thru is your faith in God. Back to the book--I feel it as written as an encouragement for believers & perhaps someone who is not a Christian will be encouraged to believe in a loving Savior. Thank you for your service & taking a stand. I am also in ministry--clown ministry. We go to 8 hospitals, 5 nursing homes & 2 assisted living homes a month to spread God's love thru laughter. I have also written a book entitled "Hats Clowns & Miracles". And YES I too believe Heaven is for real. If you have a chance give my book a look. It is meant for encouragement & hope to others but in no means ever replaces God's holy Word. God bless you & I pray your health continues to improve. Keep on keepin' on in Jesus!
Marcia "Clementine" Manis
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