Goodreads | Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

Goodreads | Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists:

This is a book that many people have read and many people in congregations have started to talk about. It was not until it was brought before me by others, that I actually stopped and took the time to read through this book. For many people who long to know more about what Heaven looks like and what it is that God has in store for them in their lives. This is a great book to start the conversation of what it is that God is doing in the world and precisely the relationship that God wants for you and for all of us. It does not use big churchy language. It gives an account in rather simple language that God does indeed love his children and does not want you to suffer and get lost within this world of sin and seek only things for your own account.

Yet I think that there lies the problem with the book. It is too simple. While it delivers the message that Jesus loves you and wants you to have a relationship with them. It does not truly drive home the accounts of the church and how God is present within the community of faithful people. We do not hear much of what happens in the sacraments of Baptism or Communion. We do hear about bolts of lightning that are shot down into Colton's father as he is talking to the congregation which does give some indication that God's Words are being delivered to the people who are gathered to listen to them. (This is one of the strongest understandings of the Lutheran church.) However, how does God relate to us on daily basis? How is God active within our daily lives as we are helping our neighbor who is in need?

Above all, I think that this book is a great testimony that each one of us has a story to share with one another of how God has truly been appart of our lives within difficult situations. For it is often during those times in which we realize that we truly do not have the power to get through this situation without the help of God. The story is important to remind us of the promises that have been given to us and to all of God's Chosen people. This book is the testimony of Colton (only told through his father, which is another issue that I have of how much got distorted.) Yet each one of us has a story to share with one another as we walk through this journey of life. It is important though that we not get so focused upon our own story, or the story of others but be reminded of the ways in which Christ has been in our lives so that we may be a witness and share the good news of Jesus with others.

This book can be a great place to start a conversation on similar experiences or perhaps even help others realize just how powerful God can be within a person's life.