I know I’m going to be seen by some as a party pooper in this review – but bear with me. I think this little book raises from serious questions we DO need to ask.
That said – let me plunge on into it.
Heaven is For Real, is the (supposed) account of Colton Burpo – son of Todd Burpo, a pastor in Imperial Nebraska. When I use the word “supposed” in parentheses above, I do not wish to imply that there is any kind of fraud being perpetrated in this story. I use it only because a lot of what is reported in the book (beyond the verifiable historical facts), is all dependent upon what may or may not be the genuine experience, or dreams, or hallucinations or combinations of these – of 4 year old Colton Burpo. I do not use it either to impugn the sincerity of the Burpo family in any way. I use it because “experiences” are tricky things. And how we interpret our experiences may or may not be accurate. And herein rests a key problem with this little -quick reading and fun book.
The story line is pretty simple, and there appears to be no question regarding the general circumstances themselves. Due to an undiagnosed (for 5 days) burst appendix in little Colton (who by all accounts seems to be an utterly charming and normal little guy), the lad nearly lost his life. Sometime later, after his (by all accounts) miraculous recovery – Colton begins to let slip certain facts about an experience he relates as having had while so gravely ill. The experience ultimately being uncovered as some indeterminate (though by Colton’s reckoning – 3 minutes, be it Earth or Heaven time) amount of time spent in Heaven. I will not labor the reality that much is made of Colton’s high fever issues during his illness – but nothing of how such things effect dreams and perceptions.
As the next several years unfold, Colton relates to his parents how he saw his long deceased grandfather there (ending long speculation on whether or not he ever became a Christian), his miscarried older sister he presumably knew nothing about until he saw her there and wrestled with why she had no name (but whom later he has a very emotional sense of missing), Jesus, Jesus’ horse, lots of other children and animals and even (inserted with special reference by Todd for his Catholic friends) the Virgin Mary, assorted animals and lots of people with wings.
The book goes on to catalog the blessing all of this has been to Todd, his wife and many others. Why? And please – I need to say this firmly, but completely without malice: Because Colton’s “revelations” seem to meet some need in them, that God’s own Word through the ministry of the Holy Spirit cannot or does not. They seem to need categories of information God does not seem to have found necessary to reveal previously. And this makes me ask a lot of other questions.
Now I read a lot of books. I do so for various reasons. Some I read just for personal enjoyment. Others because I think they are important to the ministry. Still other because they simply interest me – but quite a number because people either ask me about them, and/or I think they may be books which will become part of the Evangelical landscape and thus need perused and analyzed somewhat given my own pastoral role. Heaven is for real fits this last category. I had no interest in the book personally, and would have passed it over but that I’ve been asked by several people what I think about it. It is a book also that is gaining a lot of pop-Christian attention, and thus it seemed prudent.
To be honest however, I come to books like this (dealing with near-death, death or supernatural experiences) with a load of skepticism. Why? Simple. Because the only authoritative book on these subjects – especially Heaven, has already been written – by God. And if we needed something more on this topic, the proper way to proceed (on safe ground anyway) is to carefully study what the Scripture has already revealed on it. I would suggest something like Randy Alcorn’s “Heaven”; or drawing from an earlier age – Richard Baxter’s “The Saint’s Everlasting Rest.”
You see, we are never to draw our theology from experiences. Instead, it is God’s Word, and the theology in it which is to be used to interpret our experiences. Whenever the experience cart gets in front of the Scriptural horse – speculation, rather than revealed truth rules the day. And when that happens, we slowly undermine the authority of Scripture, and will inevitably undermine our own faith. How so? Because faith, real, Biblical, saving, soul-affirming faith, can only be a by-product of the revelation of God and His character, or trust in His promises IN His Word.
This then is THE primary problem I see with this (in and of itself) innocuous little tome. The problem is NOT whether Colton might have had some genuine sort of experience of Heaven or not. The problem is (as is evidenced both in the book itself several times – AND by one or two people I’ve spoken with personally) that we are willing to find more comfort and encouragement about the reality of Heaven and some of its supposed features – from the subjective experience of a gravely ill little boy – than we are from the Bible and God’s own revelation of these things. It is as though the Holy Spirit’s revelation is inadequate for us.
The problem isn’t as much with the book and its material itself – the problem is what it reveals about us! That we know so little of what the Bible teaches about this subject, and are so little interested what God has to say about it – or are so little comforted by it – that we will find our hope rather in Colton’s experience.
So, if you have read the book, and have found your “faith” bolstered by it or your soul encouraged by it, my question to you is – Why? Why not the Bible? Why this story – and not the authoritative one? What does this say about your own attitude toward Scripture? What does it say about your understanding of Scripture? What does it say about your approach to truth – and how it is found, discerned and processed? Why does this strike a chord with you God’s own Word to you does not?
So, would I recommend the book? Not really. But neither would I say one shouldn’t read it. While it is truly light on the Gospel (especially in light of its declaration that the meaning of the Cross – indeed the gospel is summarized by Jesus saying “I had to die on the cross so that people on earth could come see my Dad” – true enough but notice how it side-steps the sin issue altogether) – I reiterate that it is not its content I find disturbing. That is – IF – one takes it for what it is – just a 4 year old’s subjective experience. Perhaps a fever, or medicinally or physiologically induced experience. Who knows?
The BIG question one must ask themselves is HOW do I respond to this – and WHY?
I just address this issue today on my Blogger. And I added our article. Thanks it was very good.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting Charles. I read yours as well. Good stuff!
Glad to see your review. I felt similarly concerned while reading the book. I posted a review here: http://momsinneedofmercy.blogspot.com/2011/03/heaven-is-for-real-astounding-tale-of.html
I contrast Colton’s claims with what the Bible expressly says about those claims to see if his experience matches what Scripture tells us about those issues (i.e. everyone has wings and flies in heaven).
Disagreeing that this book is not theologically sound is not too popular
Thanks for stopping and commenting Cheryl. And I thought your own review was really well done. Great job. I recommend it to others who might stumble upon mine. Keep up the good work!I left the link her ein the comments for others to follow. Reid
Actually, I found the story refreshing and very similar to the one I had. When I was three I had polio, was in an iron lung, both legs crippled and left arm crippled. Because of the high fever, the doctors believed I would be mentally retarded. I remember being very little, and having a large being hold me in His arms, and then me walking on a street that was pure gold. It was awesome, I remember seeing Jesus, but do not remember what He looked like. I remember Heaven is innocent from all evil. Colton is trying to share from his experience when he was three almost 4 years of age. That is so difficult. I applaud him for sharing. It takes lot of courage to tell his story. Only a could of times have I shared my story in 58 years.
Dear George – thanks for writing and sharing. While I cannot say for certain the exact nature of either your experience or Colton’s – which I can say is the experiences are subjective – and must always be tested by Scripture. The Apostle Peter was so guarded over his own experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, that he made sure his readers were re-directed to the Scripture as “more sure” – so that their faith was not anchored in any way in his own subjectivity, but in the objectivity of God’s Word (2 Pet. 1:17-19) My only concern is that our faith rest in what we KNOW from God’s revelation, rather than from our own subjective experience – for I may not even have the tools to interpret my own experience accurately.
I disagree with you and I would recommend this to friends. I think that scripture is important and I agree with you that that’s what people need to stick to. But I think people who are on the fence or who haven’t quite picked up a bible or are regular christians who have yet to read it could gain that extra push to start reading scripture after reading this book!
Jesus said we must become like children, humble and loving. He died for all. If one doubts, one does not know the mind of God,Romans 11;33.
Women who have lost children or aborted children who have turned to Christ may well see them again. This book is about helping people seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, fall in love with Jesus and find God.
Thanks for stopping and commenting Melissa. It is always appreciated. I guess we’ll just have to disagree on the merits of recommending the book. Because it “might” draw someone more by accident than the actual articulation of Biblical truth simply isn’t compelling enough for me to endorse it – but as I said, I would not tell them not to read it either. My concern was what people draw from it. And the comfort we really need, isn’t based upon Colton’s (or anyone else’s) experience, but on what God has spoken in His Word infallibly.
Thanks for stopping and commenting Mary. I certainly do understand that affirming a Believer who has lost a child is very important. I have no doubt whatsoever that a Believer who has miscarried will see their child in Heaven one day. I take that from the Bible though – and not what may or may not be a genuine experience of an ill 4 year old. Take a look at John MacArthur’s excellent work: “Safe In The Arms Of God” as an example of how that hope and joy can be approached Biblically – and with assurance, rather than hope in a child’s possible reality.
I’m afraid this book (in my opinion) does not in any way help people seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit (which is in the Word) nor make them fall in love with Jesus – since what it given to us is speculative at best – where what God’s Word gives us divinely reliable.
I think Colton was given divine revelation of the essence of Christianity and Salvation History in a way a 3-year old is able to understand – that is why it side-stepped the issue of sin, as the reason why Jesus died on the Cross, because a 3 year-old will not have a concept of sin yet. I agree we should not draw theology from experience, and I don’t think that this is the author’s purpose of writing this book. The Burpo family has experienced a gift of divine personal revelation, and they are serving as witnesses of God’s Love and of Heaven. Isn’t that what we are all called to be? I recommend this book as it will encourage people to read the Bible and get to know their faith more.
Thanks for taking the time to read and to comment Christine. Ultimately, whether or not I may think they had a “divine revelation” I must give ultimate authority to the Scripture. What if Colton’s “revelation” contradicted Scripture? And in some places it IS questionable. We have no reason to believe Christians gain wings in heaven, that is an angelic attribute – and nothing in the Bible’s descriptions of the resurrection would give any indication whatsoever of such things. This is where it starts to get sketchy. We are called to be witnesses of Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection – not of our subjective experiences or “revelations.” The Gospel cannot be confused with such things – or the Gospel becomes subjective itself. The Gospel must be rooted in the historical Jesus living and dying to pay the penalty for human sin, and make a way for the Holy God to forgive sin without violating His own holiness and justice – NOT – in anything else. This is why the whole issue becomes slippery. I do appreciate the dialog!
Hi Reid,
Just wanted to let you know I am adding a link to your review on my review as well! Thanks again for standing strong for Scripture!
Wow. Um, Prof. Buzzkill, I presume.
I woudl like to expound on the scriptural soundness of Coltons experiences. I have been in Children’s Ministry for 14 years and have a strong sense of being able to discern a story being spun boy both a child or adult. I have read many an article and book on this type of expereince and his innocent account that backs up scriture is what I found fascinationg. I strongly believe that not only was his experience real, but I count this book amongst the top 5 “Faith Builders” for me. For those “doubting Thomas’ out there, I adavise you look back to the book, highlight those areas that were mentioned to be scripturally correct and look it up for yourself to see if it lines up.
thanks for stopping and sharing Rebecca. It will come as no surprise that I disagree with you – especially when you say this is “faith building”. It may seem encouraging to some – of that I have no doubt – but Biblically – faith does not exist in a vacuum – it must be related to who God has revealed Himself to be in His creation, Word and finally in Jesus Christ – or something he has promised. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ – that is the Biblical construct.
That Coulton’s “accounts” are mixed with some Biblical factuality is OK. Some of what he says is clearly not. And thus as a source for faith – it must inevitably fail.
Again – whether or not I or anyone else believes his experience was real is in the end – irrelevant. The final question must always be: What does the Bible say? Coulton may agree or disagree – but I will be judged on whether or not I believe God – not Coulton.
I’m a catholic and I read scripture regularly as well as pray, and use the teachings of the church to clarify my understaning. I’m so hungry for the word of god my heart is naturally drawn to the bible and i resist delving into the afterlife because I’m one if those Christians who doesnt need to see it. Since God lives outside of time and exist in every time therefore I’m already united with heaven through the church. I can feel it in my soul and in my body. I don’t need proof because the proof is in my heart. I just KNOW and feel heaven around me. Like you said, it is the WORD that’s the key. You have to read scripture everyday, like Jesus said to in the bible. But for those who are on the fence and it helps them point to the bible and more prayerful life, then I don’t see the harm. Only time will tell whether this book produces good fruit or bad fruit. Good fruit is that you become more devoted to scripture, prayer, and spending quite time with the Lord. Bad fruit is you become obsessed with the afterlife and abandon scripture and prayer all together and rely on others personal revelations, mediums, etc. vs. The revelation from Christ.
AMEN!!!
This review really nailed it if you ask me! I feel like you perfectly articulated everything I’ve been feeling/thinking about this book in the last month.
I hope it’s ok if I link to this in my blog post about the book … and possibly even quote you?
Blessings,
Suzi
http://edgeoftheplanetadventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/yes-as-matter-of-fact-heaven-is-for.html
Thanks for stopping and commenting – I appreciate your kind words. Yes, of course you can link to it or simply re-post it. Use it as you see fit if you think it might be helpful to someone.
Reid
I have not read the book just YET, but i heard about it through a customer of mine who is blind. I was going thru a lost and his kind words and his recommendations about this book, is what pushed me to find out more about it. I respect your point of view, but my thought is that when you believe completely in God, anything is possible. My sister died 11 years ago of cancer and before her passing she would tell my mom how she saw angels around her, and God speaking to her. She even was confronted by the Devil. now that I will NEVER say she was making it up or dreaming it because maybe she wasn’tin her 6 senses, I know it happen. I’m a strong believer that God can do the most outrageous things, even those we think are impossible or unreal. If you i suppose read the bible often (or at least more than me) you should know that God speaks to you in many ways. Having a 4yo go through the experiment of seeing Jesus,shouldn’t be something taken as a genuine experience, or dreams, or hallucinations, if we belief Jesus is real, why should think the boy had is a dream.Lets just say. I understand where you say that books like this shouldn’t be taken as a way to accept Jesus Christ or have faith right? but I ask you this. How did you find Jesus? did u just get a bible and start reading it?? I think that if this book is a way to have people believe in God and that there is a heaven, and that if we allow God guide us thru his son Jesus, accept Jesus as our savior than why not read it? I can’t wait to read the book and recommend it.
Thanks for the post. I am a Christian of the reformed persuasion and found many of your reader’s posts unsettling. My wife just miscarried a couple weeks ago and half a dozen people recommended this book and two people bought it for us… All Christians.
I was disappointed in my friends for they know me to be opinionated and reformed. They know I love and read my Bible. I did not find this book helpful especially in my situation. I would recommend the Bible however.
I end with this, I do not exegetes personal experiences, only scripture. God can do what He wants. I praise the Burpo family for their courage in telling the story of their hardship but wish they would have left it at that. The historical accounts of Jesus Christ are worth boasting about, not personal experiences per se.
J
I am so very sorry for your loss Joe. I am certain this must be a very great grief to you and your wife. And if could imagine myself in the same place, I too would be far from comforted from this book. But when my Savior breathes through His book – though the storm rage, I know Him in the boat with me. And what I cannot explain – He can meet in me when I find His completely trustworthy in every way. Not only sovereign, but inviolably good. Thanks for stopping and commenting. May you see Him in His mercy and grace all the more in the days ahead.
I find it odd that you would write a negative review of this book, and then just rant about how mankind is suppose to NOT experience God? You never really addressed the boy’s experience other than it was an experience.
It seems to me that the question that has to be answered is, “Did this really happen?” If it did then WOW. If it didn’t then it’s a book full of lies.
Do you believe this happened, Yes or No? Don’t worry about if my theology is built on some of my experiences, which it is…… as is yours.
I’ll tell you what a disturbing trend that is developing in our Christian circles today and that’s the fear of a divine miracle. I am shocked at how many people are simply afraid to believe. It’s sad to think about “believers” living in this world and professing to know such a wonderful God and then living such explainable lives. Can God not do something in our life that has no explanation other than the fact that God did it?
I enjoyed this book very much, however, I believed in Heaven long before this book came out. I love having the freedom to believe in such an awesome experience and a God that graciously allows these experiences.
Thanks for stopping and commenting Kenny. I’m sorry you saw my review as a “rant” – that was certainly not the spirit in which it was offered. But to respond to your conclusion that THE question to be answered is: “Did this really happen?..Do you believe this happened, Yes or No?” is NOT the questions. The little guy may have indeed had some real experience – as do many Hindus in trances, etc. The question is – how do we measure this by Scripture? If Peter would not rely on his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration – but said “we have the more sure word of prophecy” – we see the need for some source of objective truth by which we interpret experiences. We are not denying genuine Christian experience at all – but what we ARE saying is that experience is not the measure of truth – God’s Word is. As the Bible demonstrates over and over – truth is not left up to our experiences and our interpretation of those experiences left to ourselves. We use God’s Word. And unfortunately – in this book, there is an attempt to insert knowledge (in an authoritative way) which shoots beyond Scripture in some places, and contradicts it in others. And for that reason, we do not look to it as authoritative in any way.
Thank you for this sound review. I have been seen as extrememly critical by friends when I pointed out the ways it “added to” scripture. It seems very clear that the example of Paul would be enough to tell us we should not be looking for experiences that give us an opportunity of boasting. When we in the Christian world can’t rejoice in The Word and in real experiences from the Holy Spirit—say perhaps not responding out of our flesh when provoked—and we are constantly looking for extra biblical manifistations we are in a sad state. I was prompted to look for some reviews of this book when I discovered that my state convention (southern Baptist in OK) is having Mrs. Burpo speak at the State Evengelism conference. Where are our leaders????
Thanks for stopping and commenting Nor. I had no idea the SBC in OK would do that. We need some sound leadership indeed. A good place for us to be in prayer. Keep up the fight! Christ’s kingdom WILL come in all of its fullness.
The following was sent to me by Ennis Pepper. Apparently there was a problem which would not allow him to post directly.
I appreciate your preliminary remarks safeguarding the Burpo’s integrity but I don’t understand the hesitation to accept his testimony. And to me that is what the book is, just a detailed testimony of Colton’s experience. I didn’t get the idea he was trying to rearrange theological traditions.
There are a few details we might question but that shouldn’t prompt us to throw the baby out with the bath water. He was a kid recollecting – over a few years – an experience that had several twists. Must the details be absolutely accurate for the event to be considered genuine?
As I understand it no human reporting of any event is absolute so his testimony is as accurate as the retelling of a complex event can be. He doesn’t claim inspiration or perfection. The questions we have about a few of the details shouldn’t cancel out the reality of his experience.
Actually, I would question the testimony more if it had been carefully shaped to accord with fundamental thinking, like Alcorn’s books.
If this type of thing can happen, and there is no Scriptural evidence that it can’t, then we should embrace it as genuine and use it for good where possible rather than cast “doubt.”
And for the record, I have an ultra conservative background but have come to believe that ideas about “experience” are over cooked in the extreme.
“Experience” is respected in the secular realm and treated like an illegitimate step child among conservative Christians. To apply for a job you need to have it but to be accepted into fellowship you can’t mention the word.
Lance Armstrong had cancer and survived it. His experience has been an encouragement to countless numbers of others. Writing about it didn’t diminish the reality of cancer or cast doubt on professionals who treat it. What is true in the temporal realm is also true in the spiritual.
I have written several posts discussing the topic. You can find them here: http://nowthinkaboutit.com/about/search-results/?cx=016407140664787037896:lpietwbuy8k&cof=FORID:11&ie=UTF-8&q=heaven&sa=Search&siteurl=nowthinkaboutit.com/#1273
Thanks again for stopping and posting Ennis. I appreciate your thoughts. However, I think you may have missed my main thesis. As I said in my review – the authenticity of Colton’s experience is not the problem – the importance we give it or the stress we may lay upon is.
Let me cite the key paragraph on this once again here. I wrote: “This then is THE primary problem I see with this (in and of itself) innocuous little tome. The problem is NOT whether Colton might have had some genuine sort of experience of Heaven or not. The problem is (as is evidenced both in the book itself several times – AND by one or two people I’ve spoken with personally) that we are willing to find more comfort and encouragement about the reality of Heaven and some of its supposed features – from the subjective experience of a gravely ill little boy – than we are from the Bible and God’s own revelation of these things. It is as though the Holy Spirit’s revelation is inadequate for us.”
This is the issue as I see it. We may well continue to disagree.
My thoughts, nothing extraordinary, but I would be careful about putting our God in a box. If this boy was brought to Heaven- which only God would know- then who are we to say that it didn’t happen? Perhaps the Lord wanted Colton to experience Heaven to share with others for a purpose that you or I don’t understand. By heavily spending so much time refuting this experience, we may be going against what God wanted to use it for. Remember, He is a LIVING God, and can use anything in any way that He pleases for the good of those who love Him. He is greater than our understanding and the Holy Spirit could possibly use what Colton has said for a greater good, could he not? I would just be careful in taking such a hard line response and instead ask the readers to ask the Holy Spirit reveal to them what He would about the book. Just my thoughts.
Thanks for stopping and commenting Kerry – but let me reiterate what I stressed in my original review – and what I repeated above to Ennis. The problem is NOT the book itself, nor whether or not Coulton had a “real” experience – the problem is what IMPORTANCE we may attach to it.
If we work by your reasoning – Can’t put God in a box – so if he had the experience, its real, let’s accept it, then we are hard pressed to make some other necessary distinctions. For instance: Joseph Smith had a “real” experience, and since we can’t put God in a box – we have to accept the revelations of Mormonism are true? Can we really go there? Mohammed had some real experiences, and since we can’t put God in a box, we have to accept his revelations as authentic and acceptable – right? I am reasonably certain you would not go that far (I certainly HOPE not) – but I use the extreme to prove the point. Whether or not the experience was real is in the long run totally irrelevant. What truth do we base our hope and faith upon? Biblical truth – or the subjective experiences of others? If it rests in the experiences of others – we can be led down almost any path, for we have no mechanism by which to measure truth. Truth is ever changing and up for grabs – dependent upon who has the most convincing (or attractive) experience.
This is one of the kinds of things Paul warns us about in Colossians 2:18–19 (ESV)
18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.” Going on in detail about visions is problematic. When we buy into them, we put ourselves in jeopardy of actually disqualifying ourselves from genuinely fruitful Christian service.
We cannot put God in a box, but WE must restrain ourselves to the limits HE has put in His self-revelation – and to go beyond that is unspeakably dangerous.
I appreciate what you are saying. I have read and understand in all of your replies that the issue is not whether this child experienced Heaven, but why we need his book to be a revelation to us- when we should in fact be looking into the Bible- the word of God.
I would merely suggest that this continued hard stance and rigid argument that is continuously argued in the blog may be at this point just defending a stance that was taken. When you say by my “reasoning” we could also “have to accept”… This sounds like Theology at it’s finest. But we who believe know that the LIVING God cannot fit into the simple human reasoning. That is why I would think it would just behoove us to bring up concerns about the book, but then suggest to the readers to ask the Holy Spirit for discernment on it. When we are offered a job, we can pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in deciding which job to take. Nowhere in the Bible does it say, “Kerry, you should take this job” or “Kerry, you should take that one.” But I believe having a relationship with God, he can guide us to answers that are not going against His written Word. Has anybody ever said something to you that you knew was from God, even though that person had no idea they were doing so? I grew up with rigid Catholic theology before, by grace, I came to KNOW Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I think your points are well taken, and I think the Holy Spirit can also use what He wants from this book for the good of those who love him. These experiences are described from a small child, so just ask the readers to have the Holy Spirit show them discernment as we have to do in every other aspect of our lives. Who shall we vote for? I don’t see George Bush or Barak Obama’s names in the Bible. Yet our Lord can still speak to us about such leaders, can He not?
Thanks again for the conversation Kerry. When you say ” by my “reasoning” we could also “have to accept”… This sounds like Theology at it’s finest.” – I have to disagree – that is just plain common sense. The Bible is rational. That does not mean we understand it all – that there are not transcendent matters we cannot fully grasp. But the Bible is written to be understood. God is not ill-logical, though His logic transcends ours at times. The Bible is written coherently, and is meant to be understood – especially with the Spirit’s illumination. Its main thoughts and doctrines are rational and argued for by the writers. Romans is a wonderful example of how many times simple, straight forward logic is used to prove a point – as even Jesus does at times. None of this denies genuine spiritual experience. But it does give us the tools to examine and analyze our experiences and to enable us to see if we are interpreting them correctly.
In most matters of life – the principles laid out in Scripture preclude needing special guidance. Proverbs for instance is aimed at this very idea. Does God give subjective guidance at times? Certainly. One must always ask in the paradigm you suggest “how do I know it is God speaking, and how do I know I’ve heard and understood properly?” This is so vital, that Hebrews reminds us Moses acted precipitously in killing the Egyptian because he supposed the Jews knew he was to be their deliverer. The problem was – he was 40 years too early! This is why we do not depend upon such subjective things – but ask the Spirit to bring His Word to bear on matters, rather than leaving it to feelings and impressions. Many a good person has gone way off the beam or defeated their own faith because God didn’t seem to come through on something they had the impression the Spirit told them would come to pass. The Word alone is sure – and how we measure everything else.
Can and does God still speak? Yep. Through His Word. The way I know the true from the false is to compare it with the Word – by the Spirit.
Thank you for this review! As a pastor (in the Presbyterian Church (USA)) I have been asked repeatedly about my thoughts on this book. I honestly ahd no intention of ever reading this book as I often shy away from “pop” theology bestsellers. But the questions were so great and I was tired of the look of disbelief when I admitted I hadn’t read this “great work of Christianity” (as one person describe it to me), I broke down and read it.
I admit that the story captured me and I wanted to keep reading to see what happened next. However, by the end, the book had done nothing for my faith – neither strengthened it nor shook it! In fact, at the end I was left with more questions than answers.
Perhaps because I don’t (and have never) doubted the existence of heaven; perhaps because I don’t doubt God’s ability to comfort us and come to us in our time of need; perhaps because I believe in Christ’s ability to reveal himself and the truths of God in miraculous and remarkable ways; and perhaps because I beleive in the ecclesial (and scriptural)tradition of visions and dreams – this book was to me just a good read with the issues that often come with being a good read.
I longed to hear from Colton’s pre-teen voice rather than his father’s 7-8 year old recollections. I longed for a deeper digging into the scriptures – to show both continuity and conflict within Colton’s experieince. I longed for things to NOT be tied up with nice, neat, and tidy bows.
I really wish (and hope and pray) that people would read the Bible with as much passion and gusto as they read these books which purport to proclaim the truth of God. And yet, even through the scriptures we “see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face.” Whether the experiences and claims of this book are “true” or not, we will not know until we stand before the throne of God. (And at that time I DON’T beleive we will have wings nor halos!)
With respect, please allow me to quote you: “To be honest however, I come to books like this (dealing with near-death, death or supernatural experiences) with a load of skepticism.”
Sir, I come to the Bible with a load of skepticism.
Salvation comes in many forms. For a select few, perhaps this book brought Christ to life.
And as for the so-called dedicated Christians who turn to this book for comfort….this is simply because Christians are human, too, my friend. They come with doubts, insecurities and faults just like everyone else.
It is my belief that God understands this about our human nature. He created us after all?
Thanks for stopping and commenting Beth. I appreciated your many reflections. I have agree pretty much across the board. And I am humbled by your kind words. May the Lord be pleased to use you in ministering to others in moving folks away from what is often a more superstitious approach to Christianity that a Biblical one. Stop by any time.
Thanks for stopping by Jaclyn, and for leaving your comments. The fact that you come to the Bible skeptically is honest. And I would rather have you coming to the Bible period – even skeptically, than avoiding it or refusing to interact with its claims at all. The Bible is more than able to withstand the scrutiny. Keep at it.
Does God understand our nature? Absolutely. Not only as He created us, but also the impact of our rebellion against Him and its effects. To say that “salvation comes in many forms” – I would simply ask – how have you arrived at this? Is is merely your opinion? Or is there some objective source from which you’ve derived your conclusion? For myself, I use the Bible as that objective source being God’s own revelation. Barring that, we’re left wholly to the myriad of humans opinions – which may be conflicting or even completely contradictory. It does bring its own problems.
Good article. Thanks for your review.
You are most welcome.
If there is one thing I have learned about God it is that He is totally ‘Other’ than
us. He made is in His image but we are still creatures who are limited.
God cannot be put into anyone’s box…..’He is this….not that….’ God can do
anything He wants to. He gave us scripture to tell us about Himself…..but it
has been made quite clear that Sola Scripture is wrong.
This is about a little boy who had an amazing experience……many of our Saints
had amazing experiences.
I am dissapointed with your review of this book. I agree with Kevin….it is a rant.
You need to have your own experiences that can not be clearly explained by our
limited words.
I appreciate your comments Dorothy, but (as you might image) must respectfully disagree in places. While God cannot be “put in a box” – He does have some objective and real attributes which cannot be denied or modified or fabricated. The Bible does speak in certain absolutes regarding Himself. For instance, Hebrews 6:18 says it is impossible for God to lie. He cannot NOT be God. He cannot cease to be 3 and one. He cannot sin, etc. He cannot deny Himself. There are places (He has revealed to us) which are unchangeable and incontrovertible. He has indeed given us the Scripture to tell us about Himself – but as to your statement that “is has been made quite clear that sola scriptura is wrong” – I would have to ask: a. How are you defining sola scriptura? and b. Just HOW has it been proven wrong?
Joseph Smith had some amazing experiences too – ones that contradict the Scripture record – do we accept those too? Or how about the occult experiences of those involved in demon worship, or those in Hindu trances? Experience can never be the measure of truth. The Apostle Peter made this abundantly clear when he wrote about his own experience on the Mount of Transfiguration – but rather than using that as authoritative said: “we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:19-21. If Peter taught us (by the Holy Spirit) that scripture was to be received above even his own experiences – I’ll go with that.
Sorry to Trish: I cannot leave your link until I’ve read your study. It is my blog after all. If you would like to email it – I will read it. Thanks.
Sorry to John (jneff) – But some of your comments were a bit incoherent and have been deleted. You are free to write me off line if you would like to respond.
Thanks. Tired of the undoctrinally sound sentiments of evangelicalism. I’ve had three conversations with young college agers and they have no conviction whatsoever about God’s Word (sola scriptura); and I wonder why they lack any passion about TRUTH. Praying for our pulpits right now.
Grace be with you,
Pastor Tobby
Thank you so much Pastor. Your words are an encouragement indeed. I am most grateful.
God works in mysterious ways. Who knows how many people this “little tome” will bring to Christ? The Burpos are only relating what their innocent little boy experienced. Adults have tunnel-vision and reject so many testimonies that don’t match their biblical understanding. Children are most loved by Christ because they enter His Kingdom with joy and without complete understanding, because they trust Him and love Him without restrictions. We have so much to learn–the Bible is the best book we have about Christianity. But, God has not tied it up with a ribbion and gifted us with complete knowledge. He works in the lives of people every day but not necessairly within the confines of what we have been taught about Him. He is an awesome, loving, understanding, forgiving, and peaceful Heavenly Father. Let’s not allow anyone to claim to have all knowledge–He has many, many insights to reveal to us as we ask, seek, and knock at His door.
Thanks for stopping and comment Kate. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, Scripture itself shows us how to draw the line on such “revelations” in Isa. 8 – “Isaiah 8:20 (ESV) “To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” We weigh everything by what God HAS said in His word. And if they do not speak in full accordance with that – it is because “they have no dawn” – no real light. Thus we cannot receive their testimony as in any way authoritative.
I don’t understand the need for a book like this. It is a book that give false hope to people that don’t study the scriptures. I don’t know why we are hearing about this story know. This has been many years since this happened. Scripture doesn’t support this book.
Kate, I agree with you. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your review of this book and especially for your careful, respectful replies to those who disagree with you. I have learned a lot just from reading your response to your critics.
Another worrisome thing is that the only artwork that supposedly looked liked the real “Jesus,” based on Colton’s experience, was the one painted by the young lady named Akiane.
Though this is not a popular stance, I should say that Akiane is spiritually deceived, and that she has a view of God and Christ that is more inclusive that that presented in the Bible. In other words, after perusing her writings and artwork, one can see more of a New Age Christ and spirituality at work in her. This leads to the idea that the road to heaven is not the only one, narrow way that goes through faith in the work of the genuine Jesus Christ on the cross. I’m referring to the faith in His exclusive blood-bought salvation of sinners by His death on the cross and His resurrection.
All sinners who get to heaven, get there by having their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus. Those saved sinners are saved by placing their faith in the Person and work of the genuine Jesus Christ, as carefully exhibited in the Bible.
There are other (false) gospels and many so-called Christs. There is only one who can save. Now I am not saying that all who like Burpo’s book or like Akiane’s art are all automatically going to hell. No. But I have to ask why Jesus (when we have almost nothing in the Bible about his physical form) would indirectly endorse the artistic rendition of “Jesus” by a New Age artist.
Some people, who are not grounded in Scripture could read the Burpo book and then really get into Akiane and her beliefs, since now we know that she painted an “accurate” painting of Jesus. Since we have two witnesses, Colton and Akiane, about the likeness of Christ, shouldn’t we also drink deeply of the many other revelations and insights Akiane has had?
No. Give me the Bible! Give me Jesus!
I would LOVE to visit with georgie szendrey who left a reply earlier in this post. Is there a way to get in touch with someone through this site? I had a similar experience to his and have also told only a few people. After I read the book, I felt a little bolder in sharing my experience, but did not receive the support I was anticipating, so will probably not tell others unless they have experienced it for themselves. No offense to the author of this blog/review, as God’s Word is the Truth,and we must hold it and our faith sacred.
Dennis: Thanks for stopping, reading and writing. I will have to check out Akiane as you have – that sounds like a worthwhile follow up.
Tonya – So sorry, but no, there is no way to interact with Georgie on this site. If a commentator does not include their address in the body of the comment – I do not reatina them. But thanks for stopping by and leaving a note.
I have to agree with Melissa… and counter that while I HAVE read the whole Bible – cover-to-cover, reading this book only reinforced my faith… and could certainly help someone who sees “reading the WHOLE Bible” as intimidating to perhaps make that leap, especially with all the Biblical references.
I also find it interesting that you state “Because the only authoritative book on these subjects – especially Heaven, has already been written – by God.” My daughter JUST came home from Sunday School with a big “debate” on the subject matter: Who wrote the Bible: God or humans? With the bulk of the OT passed along for generations and the bulk of the NT written by Paul (guided by God, of course!), why do you say the Bible was written “by God”? Why are any of these new revelations and experiences less spiritual because they weren’t written 2000 years ago? Are new, current authors – by default – “always” a farce? I certainly think God is alive and active in our lives, and wonder why his day-to-day interactions with us are criticized if people choose to write and share about them…
Just something to ponder: when the apostle Paul was caught up to heaven, he related that he heard things that men were not permitted to speak about and experienced great revelations, he made it very clear that he was prevented from exalting himself because of what he had seen and heard. If this mighty man of God was kept from sharing this with the believers that he ministered to, so that he might not somehow draw the attention to himself and not God, then why would it be different now for this child or all the many others who claim to have been to Heaven and back (or Hell for that matter)? I’m thankful for your discernment in this, sir! May we be as the Bereans were, “examining the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so”. [scripture references: 2 Cor. 12:1-7 and Acts 17:11]
Spot on Amy. That is it precisely.
Very glad i found this review, and thank you. i was secretly unsettled about the book and some people talking about it with such affirmation of their faith. I agree it may not be a great tool for faith building the way my walk has gone and the abandonment of self and the faith portions which carry on with unseen quality that makes the journey with Christ and the grace and truth true God so incredible and irresistible. That within my own wretchedness and failure the Lord still grabs me and carries me and without the filthy rags of the world and its view which is a constant pollution or seduction which hinders His ultimate plan and promises. That within the midst of that plan and the promise we are walking through paganism and deceit and wastelands. And by faith the Lord brings the streams in the desert and that is what the great awakening becomes, that we are in need of Him because something is wrong with such an elegant kind of life of evidence but everyone is regularly turning from God and turning from the Way because people made in His image know not what they do and are plagued with sin.I have played the political correct card for now not wanting to really create a division and an argrument, fiction can inspire and I was afraid to ignite an “evil” rant. But there is so much I read in the Word and say and people , even Christians who seemed genuine got this bad taste in their mouth over how Jesus created quite a stir and a clear division. And in the OT there are confrontations that are simply opposing the wide road, though I read and know the Lord breaks tradition regularly clearly the Lord and the true prophets of Israel ( i have Elijah in my mind right now) have called out His character as that which boldly confronts these practices of needing some magical sign or spiritual seductions. The new age is full of them and I was deceived by many. The amazing thing about grace and the way one gets saved is the way it is unlike what you would pre suppose. And it is very much not a vision or a spiritual revelation as much as it is recognizing your complete blindness and death inherited transgression. I love to paint and sometimes get glimpses and visions, but I have to be very careful not to wrongly represent or try to spiritualize the message. I usually end up telling the story of what the painting is about and when it is a form of worship I feel it only really genuine when I say that at one time I was vain and conceited yet was saved and the the Lord will use my past for His glory. the paintings eventually come to a place where my old life is full of dark and dead but
now that Christ comes in with the advocate Holy Spirit it transformed me. the painting or writing about it is symbolic, to be able to visually or conceptually convey the story, but ultimately it only will evangelize because of the great redemption it may express and that I must add in my own words in addition to someone looking at the work that when Jesus entered my life and i received the gift realizing my own weakness and blindness and great need it was not quote like this depiction of my experiences, Im trying to tell the story and maybe God is using me to tell His story more now that i submitted to Him, He knew me in the womb before I was conceived so He probably has a good idea how He made me, but I feel my efforts to convey what is changing in me through salvation can be futile if I only show a
nice piece of colorful art . ( ancient peoples painted on caves, people see art all the time and it does not always give them a sense of needing God or believing necessarily).Im quite shocked how many people(Christians I presume are mature) need something else other than the redemption they claim they have received or are misreading in the scripture. I get miracles and gifts a lot along the way and I sometimes share them but people still do not believe it or they forget quickly and then they want to know what they can get from God when i praise Him and say it was not me at all but rather through praying in Christ name
and adding my testimony. Maybe we are conditioned to see something packaged and because it gets published we more are inclined to believe it. I mean look at the tabloids at the supermarket, as long as it sits there we still speculate on its truth. i agree with the author of this review, as soon as I start going into whether Elvis or Buddy holly was seen alive a few months ago, or the word will end in 2012 , or Nostradamus predictions, etc, etc. it leads me to no solid ground quite like the scripture does. Also to think that Satan is not diligently looking to make almost Christs or false Christs tirelessly also shows the ignorance of so called followers of Christ or laziness( and Im guilty often of not reading enough) . When we are saved Satan has no power of us really , but we must recognize the subtle little ways he can entice us into something “close”. I do not think this book is evil it is fiction and sold as such, maybe it will plant a seed and stir someone to consider afterlife more, but by golly i mean ghosts and spirited and books and religions are plastered all over our existence, and many lead people astray by needing a tangible grasp on something and then turning anyway to go back to a darker choice and a life of sin, even after knowing the Lord and experienceing miracles.
All religion is severe Delusional MENTAL ILLNESS! A delusion that there is an imaginary MALE Diety who judges and punishes and rewards us for proper or improper behavior is insane!
Humans are the only creature that can contemplate their death. They fear death and cannot cope with the thought of it.
Humans cannot deal with their animal instincts and SEX, so they make up rules to cope with them and call this Religion.
Humans wrote the Torah, Bible, Koran and other holy books.
How can GOD have gender. always referred to as a MAN–HE, HIM, HIS, KING etc.? Why would god who created the sun, the earth, and formed man out of dust –need a human woman Mary to create a son? Why would god allow the torure of his son to forgive bad actions of people thousands of years later? Belief in this fantasy/fable is a delusion and total insanity!
Where was god during –Hiroshima Bomb, the holocaust? The WTC attack? On vacation?
Thanks for stopping by Ellen.
I do not what precisely led to the need to lash out as you did against all religion – but I know hurt when I hear it. I doubt that a public arena like a blog comments section is a fruitful place to dialog about that, but if you’d like to write me off line, I would love to talk with you about it. I am so sorry for whatever it is you experienced that would generate this amount of pain. Anytime – reid.ferguson@gmail.com
From one of the previous messages:”I would like to request that the gentlemen consider that many of those women who respond negatively to their chivalry have been deeply wounded by other men” – that is the attitude which I was trying to criticise. So when women respond negatively to chivalry, often by verbal abuse, it’s again some man’s fault! They are just victims of evil men! By the same logic, a man abuses his wife because he was once deeply hurt by a woman so that we must really understand him and treat with all respect.
I don’t go to church. I have been so detached from church and anything religious. In the last year and half, I lost three babies. One at 16 weeks, 11 weeks and the most recent one, a month ago, at 11 weeks.
In your review about the book, you asked why people have founded their faith through this book and not the Scriptures. Well, someone gave me that book to help me through what I was going through with my latest lost . Chapter 17 brought me to tears and made me wonder about so many things. I wondered not only about heaven but about God himself. Does he really exist? is Jesus really the son of God? I disllike going to church. I have met so many hypocrite people who go to church including my grandmother. She goes to church and right after she is talking bad about other people or criticizing every one. She judges everyone. I want to believe in heaven. I want to believe there is something more after dying. I grew up a catholic and learned a lot of the stories mentioned in the book, but stopped going to church at 14 or so. I have heard people say god has spoken to them. I always wondered how is that even possible or how god’s voice sounds like and why he would not talk to me specially when I lost those 3 babies I so badly wanted. This book has giving me an excuse to maybe get closer to god and to have faith. Maybe I will. I wonder if I pray will god listen to me. Would he? I am not sure.
I liked what you wrote here and for what I can see you are a believer. Maybe I can be too.
Forgive me for I am not a good writer and English is my second language.
Best Regards,
YT
An interesting viewpoint. However, I am currently in the process of reading “Heaven is For Real” and have been given a much-needed lift to the spiritiual side of my life. The Bible is not an easy read for everyone, and the good Lord does work in mysterious ways. So I ask this… If a simple book, with a simple message, delivered from the experiences of a four-year old boy help to spark religion into those that need it, or crave it… don’t you think that is a good thing? I find it difficult, if not impossible, to believe that however someone would find and welcome Jesus into their hearts and into their lives… would go questioned… as long as it happened. As I’m sure you know, it happens differently for everyone.
Thanks for a thoughtful piece. I love the bible and am so excited to get to heaven (and the millenium) because of all I have learned about it through the Word and good teachers of the Word. I put off buying this book because of some of the concerns which you have expressed and I feared it would be another cultish Rick Warren book. However, it is easy and entertaining to read and highly encouraging, I did find it to line up with what I have learned very well except I was bothered by 1) that we all get wings (this seems out of line considering Jesus is the first fruit and I feel our bodies will be more like His as opposed to the angels, 2) there are differences in the ages of those living in heaven (this is only my perception but again I feel like God would not saddle some with being a child for eternity so not sure why this is in Colton’s experience). That said–I feel like what happened here is no different than any other person who has experienced heaven due to a near death experience. The difference is — Colton spoke about it over time and his dad had the foresight to write it into a book which I am sure will be a blessing to many people and likely be another seed that brings them to faith. When my neice died it was a terribly sad but profound experience for those who witnessed and heard about it….while she passed to the other side over the course of a day, in her unconsious state, she was speaking to various loved ones who had already passed on–some seemed to be in her room. One theme we saw repeated was reconciliation and resolution with both people from heaven and this life. It was amazing. She also spoke of events that were occuring within the household of which she could have no knowledge (as if she were viewing it from a perspective outside her body) and sometimes before they occurred. She also spoke about heaven (and its beauty) and most amazingly, kept indicating she needed to leave by 3:15. At the moment she died (which was 3:15) she sat up in bed and excitedly exclaimed, “hello mama” before expiring.
The point is: as long as it is truthful and lines up with scripture, I personally am thankful for this book as long as it reaches those who have not yet read the word but have heard it anecdotally or once or twice a year. They are missing the word and its wonderful benefits but hopefully they are experiencing Christ in the little they encounter — enough to believe and be saved.
With respect, I would offer you another view of the book and it’s purpose. I believe that God speaks through his creation, in the words and actions of people that are divinely inspired. I do not believe that those who purport to be “Messengers of God” truly are, nor do I believe in people who offer a connection to our Father for money. A certain popular psychic comes to mind…..
HOWEVER, I do believe that there are experiences and stories written by men through divine muses. You note that the bible is the word of the Lord, though it was written by man, so why is it so hard to believe that God has continued to speak to us? The bible was written thousands of years ago and is filled with wisdom, enrichment and parables meant to help us lead a worthy life. Some people have a hard time relating with the vernacular or the phrases that have been translated from prior translations to a point where they no longer carry the same meaning.
Why is it an impossibility that God could be speaking to us through the words of little Colton or the story he relates? I don’t mean verbatim, but rather, like in many chapters of the bible where we are given hope and have our faith fostered by the experiences related by others. We speak to God every day and I believe he speaks back to us through tales like this one and the random kindness of others we experience through our daily lives. If the Burpo family was telling us their child was the new messiah, that would be a completely different issue. Instead, they’re offering the innocent words of a child as hope for a generation that seems lost and desperately looking for direction.
There are scores of people who were never introduced to God as a child and if this book gives them the introduction into Christianity, then how can that be a bad thing? Heaven is For Real is no substitute for the bible, but it never claims to be one. At the same time, perhaps it will bring people back to the bible or cause them to search it out and read it for the first time.
Consider what the bible says about God speaking to us-
Acts 13:14-15 But they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”
Acts 7:38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
Jeremiah 17:10 I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.
Colossians 1:27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Like I said earlier in my post, God spoke to us through the words he inspired men to write in the bible. Why is it such a stretch to think that God could have inspired this boy to tell his story and this father to have it published? Have you ever considered the chances of a small town pastor with no literary connections, writing a book and getting it published, then having that book become a huge bestseller. There must be a reason and I implore you to have faith. God knows Heaven is For Real and he wants us to know too, the church goers and the simple man who was never taught any better. He also wants to reassure people that he is still there, listening to prayers, answering them and speaking to us.
It comes down to a matter of faith. If we were to have some definitive sign that this book is 100% authentic and true, then we couldn’t have faith in the story it tells or the biblical stories it corresponds with indirectly. With proof, there can be no faith and without faith, we are lost.
Ben, Trudy, YT and Jason – my apologies for not giving some reasonable responses as of yet, but I promise I will interact with each of you. I am about to enter into a 6 month medical leave of absence from my church due to exhaustion. In the meantime, I have been away on a vacation which has not allowed me good Internet access nor the time to sit and write back in a satisfactory way. I will do so at my first opportunity.
By way of giving Ben, Trudy and Jason something to think about (YT I wish to respond to you separately because of the obvious pain out of which you write and not by way of the broader discussion) – bear in mind that “faith” as defined in Scripture is not something we conjure up and simply “put” in something at our personal discretion. “Faith” is never a generic concept like that in the Bible. Hence, idolators and those of other religions are never spoken of as having faith in the Bible. That is a modern construct foreign to the Bible.
In the Bible, faith is always located (without exception) in believing what God has revealed about Himself and believing what He has said. It can rest only in inspired revelation, and not in impressions and experiences and personal feelings. The very fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden is the result of not believing what God had said, and giving in to the testimony of some other. This is why being sure that it is God that has spoken is absolutely essential. This is why the Jews we so careful in what they allowed into their canon – rejecting tons of other Jewish & even religious literature (e.g. They never accepted the apocryphal books as inspired) just as the New Testament church had rejected tons of non-inspired literature trying to weigh very carefully so that what we have could be properly integrated with the balance of Scripture, and had some tie to apostolic authority.
Whatever Colin’s little book may incite in anyone, it is not faith, unless it is Biblical truth. Are there some BiblicL truths reiterated in the book? Surely. But also many mythical and unverifiable elements. As such, it must be read with much more discernment, and the readers must be careful not to let pleasant or curious ideas take on the authority of Scripture, and that we do not have “faith” in such fancies – but reserve our faith for God’s Word alone.
I hope that clarifies some.
Blessings to you all.
Mr. Fergson (if it’s Pastor, I apologize, I am not sure),
First, let me wish you good health and peace as you embark on your leave of absence. No apologies are needed for a delay in responding. You get better and take some time to yourself.
With regard to your reply, again, I respectfully disagree. Is not the bible filled with “many mythical and unverifiable elements?” You would reply that the bible is different from this book, because we were told the bible was divinely inspired and the bible tells us it’s the only book that is divinely inspired. However, consider how long ago it was written and the fact that up until that time, it was the only divinely inspired book. It does not say that God will never again speak to the world through divinely inspired, written words of others.
In fact, it says in Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” God speaks to us every day, through inspired words of others, simple gestures of kindness and other instances that we chalk up to mere coincidence. We ask for help for our father, for direction and for signs that we are on the right path. I believe that God answers those prayers, indirectly, using others as vessels of his word.
Consider the 1917 Fatima phophecies and how they have been embraced by the Holy Father in Rome, and subsequent Popes. Why would someone who has access to so many historical religious text and relics that we will never know of (in the Vatican achives), take those phophecies seriously? And how about their implications? http://americanvision.org/1750/pope-john-paul-ii-fatima-visions/
Again, I wish you peace and good health. Please reconsider your view that the bible is the only way God speaks to his children on Earth. Verily, that isn’t so.
Having already read the book I really appreciate your review as it is good to know what other people think about it. I can also see from reading many of the other comments that you are a very grounded man with a strong faith, and I respect that greatly. Continue to love and serve the Lord and others around you.
Your response is interesting. I see where you are coming from, but I feel like your argument can be a little weak at times. Your reason for not liking the book (and that is because it takes away from the bible) is flawed. This is because every single time something that would “take away” from the importance of the bible occurs, that occurrence is backed up with biblical proof and a biblical reference.
Regarding your argument about the book being a source for belief that should be from the bible – Yea, this is very true, but a) if you already have a solid faith, then why not? What’s so bad about it? and b) if it “bolsters” someone’s faith who is a nonbeliever, then what is the wrong in this? Faith has to originate from some place, so why can’t it start here? The account of the baby sitter whose faith was strengthened by her experience with Colton, even though it wasn’t based off of an experience with the Lord’s Word, nonetheless is a strengthening of faith. If that was her way of coming to accept Christ, then so be it. God works in different ways through different people, why can this be no exception to that?
Dear Ben – thanks for replying, and again I apologize for the length of time on my end to respond. I’m afraid health issues have been challenging.
As you respectfully disagree with me – so I with you. A presuppostion I DO hold to is the inspiration and thus authority of the Bible, So I would reject the idea that it contains “mythical and unverifiable” elements. What is useful is that where we have timelines, individuals and events which CAN be verified – it stands up. We have the changed lives which give testimony to its transforming truth. And when we know what we CAN test is reliable, we rely on the rest. All of which finds its fulfillment in the coming of Jesus Christ. C.S. Lewis’s old rubric works well here. Jesus claimed to be God – and that no one could get to God except through Him. He was either lying, telling the truth or deluded. We do not have any more options. And if HE appealed to the Bible as true, as God’s Word – I will believe Him, even over myself.
If we do not have an objective source of truth in the universe – then all truth is up for grabs. Truth is only what I or you or anyone else deems to be true. And this, was exactly the problem which brought chaos into the world as recorded in Genesis. Man was unwilling to take God at His Word, and believing a lie, rebelled in attempt to de-throne God by becoming our own arbiters of truth. And all of human history shows the sad, tragic, grotesque results. If left to ourselves to determine truth with absolute objective standard, then nothing fences us from the depravity of man on any front. So – to use an extreme – a Hitler can decide genecide is acceptable. And if it is only your truth versus my truth – who’s to say?
The passage you cite from Jeremiah is a wonderful one – but it must be understood in the context of God calling His people to repentance for their sin – not carte blanche for all knowledge in general. It is not NEW revelation being appealed to in the abstract – but in terms of the redemptive wonders of the coming Christ.
As for the apparitions of Fatima, etc., I reject them. And I do so mainly because they fail the test of pointing people to Christ and Him alone for their salvation – but to dreams, visions, Mary, etc. They spring from a religious point of view which puts others things on par with Scripture, and obscures then the single source of the eternal truths we need for fallen human beings to be reconciled to the Living God through the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ alone.
Galatians 1:8 “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
Isa. 8:20 “To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.”
Thanks for the comments Matt. I will only reply to one aspect of your note since I think I covered other parts of it in my response to Ben.
The part I would address is your statement that faith must start somewhere. BINGO! Absolutely. And the Bible is clear on how it is faith is created or how it begins: Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
You see, the Bible has no category for generic “faith” – like hopeful feelings or a positive outlook. It isn’t that those things do not exist, it is rather they are not faith in the Biblical sense. Faith in the Bible always has a ground (see: Hebrews 11) – it isn’t plucked out of thin air, nor worked up the mind – it is the by-product of the Gospel. It is ALWAYS connected with God’s revelation of Himself in His promises, culminating in Jesus. If I could put a definition on it it would be: Faith is believing what God has said is true, and ordering my life accordingly. But it must always begin with what I know GOD has said – and not from any other source. When someone preaches God’s Word, then faith gets created in the heart. But apart from that – simply having good feelings toward God or the world irrespective of what God has revealed, is in the end a false faith and cannot save anyone. This is why we must be so careful to be diligent to seek out God’s revelation of Himself which has stood the test of time and can be confidently trusted in as passed down by those who knew Him.
I hope that helps some.
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does it REALLY matter where someone obtains faith from? whether it be the bible or this book, at the end of the day, they were saved. that’s all that matters. let God sort out the rest.
Thanks for stopping and commenting Jon. Respectfully, I must reply that it surely does matter where someone obtains from – or better, what they place it in. The Bible never represents faith as a generic kind of belief. Faith, true faith, Biblical saving faith is always anchored in the revealed character of God and/or in His specific promises to us in Christ Jesus. So it is in the book of James, when people claim to have faith, but it is not backed up by their actions, the Apostle rhetorically asks: “can that faith save them?” The obvious answer being – no. Faith does not work magically on its own – Biblical faith must be IN something, someone. And the Bible reserves that idea for God alone. We must have faith in who and what is true – and based upon His own revelation of Himself. 2 + 2 = 4 is true – but it saves no one. And simply because people may feel better about some issue or feel encouraged because of something in the Burpo’s book doesn’t mean faith is actually built up. Rather, the Scripture states it for us in its simplest form: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ Romans 10:17. And we need to get it right on such a point, because the Bible also asserts that we are justified by faith – we obtain right standing with God through it. So getting it right has eternal ramifications.
Blessings: Reid
Greetings Sir, I read your review and appreciate your opinion. I have read this book and many, many others, in an effort to find some answer for what happened to me. I have been turmoil for over six years now since it happened to me. First, let me state that I am a Bible purist, a member of the Church of Christ, I have taught Bible classes for over twenty years and never in my life would even dream that something like this could happen to me. Here is my take on Colton’s story. First, his age would preclude him just making this stuff up. That does not dismiss the possibility of his parents somehow involved in mischief; however, I have watched many different appearances of the parents and see no detectable signs of deception. They seem to be telling what happened to them. Todd Burpo, the preacher that he is, cannot help himself, and feels compelled to rationalize his son’s story into a teachable tool that he feels others might accept. I felt like I was sitting in a pew listening to him from the pulpit.
Here’s the kicker, because of his little book, I finally found a striking painting of the man I met during a simple knee operation. It came from a 12 year old girl who should have no reason to be able to replicate such a master piece in such striking detail that matches so very closely to the man I met. That’s all I have to say on my ordeal. You can imagine the thoughts that been expressed toward me from others who have heard my tale. My own wife does not believe me, why should others?
In closing, here are my thoughts. The Bible is all sufficient to save a man’s soul, read that, believe and obey. But also, this story comes to my mind about what you have written. It’s something to think about.
Luke 16:27-31
New King James Version (NKJV)
27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
Ricky Michael
Thanks fpr stopping, reading and sharing Ricky. There is no question that there are inexplicable experiences we might have. Some of them even divinely appointed in blessing us. My only concern – and the one I hope I made in my review is that we cannot use those experiences as tests of truth, nor to determine doctrine. That God uses and orchestrates wonderful and serendipitous events is beyond question. What we draw from them however is to be determined as we sift them through the filter of Scripture – and not read into them significance that isn’t there.
Enjoy that picture to the fullest. But rest in God’s Word.
I totally concur with you here. The Bible stands alone and needs no such support. But I do find it fascinating that the Burpos had the courage to come forth and tell their story, fantastic as it is. To me in my situation, it is 100% believable. I would wish it were possible for everyone to see what I saw, without the circustance that got me there of course. Would I ever preach a sermon on this? No way, not in a million years. But I cannot express how it feels to have seen something and know what is coming, yet no one will listen and they all look at you with this slight smile that says it all, you nut job.
That’s why I only talk of this with my closest confidents, even the wife who is supportive, in a dis-believing way. Thank you for being so understanding in your response. For me it has moved from believing to knowing. There is zero fear of death in me now. I look forward to when calls me home.
Well sir, I guess I’m not finished. You seem to be a reasonable person and I would like to hear your response to something I ran across this afternoon. I read another argument this afternoon against the Burpos. It was an article in the Berean Library site. Lady who wrote the article was Biblically flawless in her percision with scripture. I could not have done a better job than she did with her defense of the scriptures. The issue I have was the tone and demeanor used aginst this little boy’s story, or more acurately, against the father Todd Burpo who wrote the story down. I thought about responding to her directly but decided based on the way she wrote the article I believe I would not do any good reasoning with her.
Her command of scripture is not in question, but the lack of compassion toward a family who under went a trauma is. There is not the slightest little sign of kindness coming out of her toward a family who continued to experience a trauma that did not end when Colton got well. Dealing with this issue is dramatic, I can tell you it has been for me. It’s fine to be strong in your conviction but unless its tempered with love, the cymbol only loudly clangs.
Just in case you are wondering, I have no new revelation to give. The thing I know for sure is coming is that you are drawn directly to him. Whether you believe or not, ready or not, whether you are atheist or christian, pagan, or whatever, you will go to him. I had some sort of conversation with the Lord, but the only thing I can remember was “Hello, I’m the Son of God.” After that, I cannot remember a single thing. No big thing huh, just a little conversation of the King of Kings. Try to get over that.
Was It a dream or hallucination? Perhaps, but try and remember what you dreamed about last night. I’d bet dinner that you can’t do it. I on the other hand remember in fine detail what he looked like and that was six years ago.
Thanks for writing back Ricky. Having not read the review you mentioned, I cannot speak to the reviewer’s tone etc. Sometimes, issues like these can become very emotionally charged. And if the reviewer sees a more serious threat in the Burpo book than perhaps you or me, then maybe some of the zeal that loves others and cringes to see them deceived in any way rises up in them and states the case in ways we would not.vI don’t know.
What does occur to me in all of this is two things.
1. We must be careful not to let these matters become an unnecessary diversion. We are called to seek first His kingdom and righteousness. If a prolonged engagement in this topic robs us seeking to have His kingdom extended within in sanctifying holiness, or in my fellow believers by building them up in the faith, or by bringing others to Christ in evangelism, then we are being drawn off task and need to set it aside.
2. However we might understand either your own experience, my own, young Mr. Burpo’s or anyone else’s – even if we make them absolutely excellent in every way – we can turn them into something bad through a wrong focus. Remember how Moses was commanded to make the brazen serpent on a pole in the wilderness in Numbers 21. Well many many generations later, when Hezekiah was king, he had to have that same instrument made by God’s direction and for their good – destroyed (see 2 Kings 18). Why? Because they gave it a place in their worship to God it was never designed to have – they we’re burning offerings to it.
Thus, I would say we need to set these things aside, and stick with what we do know and can rely on. Remember the words of Peter in 2 Peter 1 when he recalls seeing Jesus glorified on the mount of transfiguration, and says that he does not rely on that experience, but rather resorts to the “more sure word of prophecy”. Memories and experiences can fade,Chet distorted, etc. But God’s Word remains ever steadfast. So it Paul can recount his being caught up to the 3rd heaven, but we only hear about that when he is admonishing others not to rely on visions and experiences others may have related to them.
Whatever you experienced, rejoice in it and move on. Take your truth from the Word and not from that. Remember Deut. 29:29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Leave the secret things with Him, and stay in the Word.
Blessings.
Good words. I think your right and I’m done. I am going to stop trying to figure it out and stay with what I know. Reading about this and the reactions about it, from both sides of the fence, is extremely aggrevating. Sometimes there is more understanding from the atheists than the christians. It shouldn’t be that way, it should go the other way around, should it not? Oh well, thanks for your wisdom. Best wishes.
Wow! Why shouldn’t we be allowed to share our experiences with other people? When something wonderful happens to us, are we supposed to keep it secret or can we not share it as testimony? I am no Theologian, but I do believe the Scriptures. What if, for example, we know for a fact that if not for the intervention of an angel we would have met with a terrible fate, are we not allowed to tell anyone?
As far as I’m concerned I will share what happened to me. However, I will not be writing a book and presenting my story as something equal to scripture. Also, twice in my life someone has directly intervened and saved my life. Both times I heard (in my head) a voice that gave me instructions. I reacted immediately. One stopped me from being crushed to death by a car. And, the other stopped me from doing harm to myself during a critical moment in my life. Here is some news, we are watched and protected. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do stupid things to hurt yourself and we have free choice to make all the mistakes we want to make.
None of this can be proven, you believe what I say or not. Doesn’t matter to me which way you believe. I believe it did happen to me, I’m still here.
Genny, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I am afraid however that I’ve been misunderstood in your reading of the review. I have no problem with people’s individual experiences. Nor do I think I indicated that anywhere. The issue I am concerned with is two-fold: How we interpret those experiences (how do we know we are understanding them correctly?) and what weight we give our experiences in determining truth.
When it comes to understanding heaven and the afterlife, the only truly reliable source from which to learn about theses matters in a way which can build genuine Biblical faith is the Bible itself. What has God said on the matter – that is the final word on it.
No doubt we all have many experiences, but we must be careful not to build our truth structures because how we are even to understand those experiences needs to be tempered by what God has communicated faithfully, authoritatively and sufficiently in His Word.
Excelent points. You area very wise man. Coping with what has happened depends on a person’s regard for the scriptures. I hold them (Bible) as the absolute guide for my life. I will never be able to explain why my adventure to myself or others. I will leave that to the Lord. Have a nice day, Reid.
Thank you for this post, exactly what I think as well. I felt uneasy after knowing the contents of this book — I’m a Christian and I somehow don’t feel right about this book. I would think Anything from God should give us peace, protection and grace in our hearts, but this book made me scared for some reason. Why would there be an eye witness of heaven anyway? Isn’t heaven real and we all know it because we know that Jesus lives! I think it’s great that the little boy has seen Jesus, but for the rest of us, let’s focus on the Bible and keep praying.
Be at peace my friend, our answers are coming. Reid has helped me deal with this. I am grateful to him for that.
I have just finished reading Heaven is For Real and came online to search and see if anyone else had the same uneasy feeling as I did. I too feel that what is to be revealed about heaven is found in scripture. I especially found the revelation of a special place for Mary (who according to Colton continues to mother Jesus) rather jarring, as if it didn’t fit in with the rest of the book, as if it were added to appease a certain kind of audience (and no clue of this is offered in scripture). Like you, I am not saying that the family or the boy are intentionally leading anyone into believing a lie BUT they may indeed be innocently doing so. I once had a dream that I was taken to the foot of a large gate and I knew it was heaven. Every atom in my being wanted to go inside those gates and I said aloud in my dream “That is where I really belong…that is my true home”. When I awoke I lay there achng with the knowledge that whatever heaven is like, it is my home. That is all I need to know and it is in direct line with the BIble. Thank you for being brave enough to write an honest review.
Reid, my problems with your assertions as outlined in this review are three-fold:
First, you imply (intentionally or unintentionally) that the Burpo’s present this story on an even keel with Scripture. One commenter even states that she wouldn’t present “[her] story as something equal to scripture,” as though that’s what the Burpo’s have done. You fail to mention, even in passing, that Todd is a pastor, and when he preaches on heaven, he speaks ONLY from the Scripture, NOT his son’s testimony. They belabored this point in the book.
Second, the areas where you question Biblical veracity (i.e. wings, halos, etc.) have no direct congruence or refutation in Scripture. We could very well have wings, or fly like Superman, or walk, or anything else. How do you know Jesus doesn’t have a horse? (I’ll refer you to Revelation.) The Bible doesn’t address it directly. The book also doesn’t refer to Mary as the “Virgin Mary.” The book simply refers to her as “Mary,” and states that she still “treats Him like a son” (implying the Burpo’s are merely placating their Catholic friends.)
Lastly, you make an overstretched and grotesque assumption that believers WILL equate this with Scripture, and be unable to categorize the two. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “This is what is, and this is what might be.” Likewise, you assert this book (or it’s ilk) is unacceptable as a “gateway” for an unbeliever. I say this in love: your premise reeks of elitist arrogance. Why have people give testimonies at church? Why share what the Lord has done for you? After all, it’s already in THE book. In fact, why have other books at all! Why should something inspire us? Isn’t the Scripture enough? The answer is that my God is a LIVING God, working here and now. People need encouragement. People need uplifting by other believers. People need to hear that God is working amidst their contemporaries.
You’re walking dangerously close to a line that says “If you need a pick-me-up to inspire you, then there’s something wrong with you, and your faith.” But that’s a lie. Christ’s grace is sufficient to carry me through my deficiencies, and my doubts. And anything not in direct contradiction to the Bible that inspires us to think about Him, to keep carrying on, or leads a unbeliever to relationship with Christ, is a testimony worth sharing.
Alex, Reid has a right to his opinion. Please don’t be too hard on someone who has only one perspective (from this world) only. The truth is that all we are to live by is the Bible and it is silent on a great deal of what the Burpo book says. Skepticism is a natural and correct tendency to adhere to when there is anything stated that would not be totally in line with the Word of God, even if it complements it.
My episode occurred in 1996 and I have physical consequences that I have had to learn to live with because of it. Even my wife did not believe, in the beginning. She does now because of things that have happened. I know when people are lying to me. I only wish I could do this over the phone or when someone writes something. The only thing I can even guess about why, is that perhaps I am now super or hyper intuitive. I somehow notice subtle things, maybe body language, that sets off the alarm in my head. This did not happen prior to the operation I had that set all this in motion.
Also, a very annoying thing that I see with my eyes now is the aura around everyone I run into. It is especially bad at worship services. I find myself staring at those instead of listening to the sermon. I visited another church one Sunday and their preacher was shinning so very brightly that I had to advert my eyes for most of the sermon. Even the unbelievers have them. The only way I can think of to describe them is that it looks like the waves of heat off hot pavement and it extends two to six inches away from the bodies. It is different for different people. The preacher’s was at least 12 to 18 inches while he was preaching. I have had to train myself to ignore it, but it’s still annoying.
Here is the deal for me. I don’t care the least bit whether or not anyone believes me. There is nothing I can do about it anyway. But, for the rest of my life I will try and save everyone I can from what I know for a fact is coming. The only way people are to be taught is by what we were given, the Bible. It is all sufficient to save men’s souls. Everything else is only an interesting diversion.