Book Review: “Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” by Todd Burpo

1.25.2011 — 5 Comments

A few weeks ago I began hearing about the book, “Heaven is for Real”, written by Todd Burpo. Todd is the pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, Nebraska. I was initially interested in the book simply because a fellow Wesleyan Pastor was published and apparently the book was gaining in popularity. When I read the description of the book, I knew I needed to get a hold of it sooner-than-later.

Late last night I was reading through my Twitter feed and saw that one of my buddies about 3/4 of the way through the book and was obviously impacted by what he was reading. I made the decision to buy the book through my Amazon Kindle app on my Android phone and literally within seconds I was reading. A sample-chapter of the book is available if you’re interested.

The story follows the Burpo family through months of trying times all culminating with their 3-year-old son Colton’s appendix bursting and his near-death. A few months after this incident, while on a family-trip, Colton began to reveal that during his surgery he actually visited Heaven. The details with which Colton described his time in Heaven are absolutely incredible. I am grateful to the Burpo family for allowing readers to be brought into this incredible story.

As I read the book, there were a few times where I literally dropped my phone to my chest (was reading it on my Kindle app) and gasped in disbelief. I was in awe at how the details continued to be revealed to the family as Colton continued to let them in on his experience in Heaven.

Personally, Colton’s story drew me back to an experience I had with my older sister Stacia while she was still here and suffering through her bout with cancer. On a Sunday afternoon with her eyes still shut she exclaimed to those of us in her hospital room that she “saw stairs”. I cannot recall exactly how much time lapsed, but I believe it was over the next couple of hours she gave us a play-by-play of her experience of visiting Heaven. She was twelve years old. I remember instantly-interpreting her description of what she was seeing and being fascinated that God was giving her a glimpse of her eternal home. She mentioned meeting family members that she did not know here on earth. I remember her getting quiet for some time and then exclaiming loudly, “I found the babies!” as we all quickly returned to her bedside for the update on what she was experiencing. It was after that experience that my sister had a new-found peace in being ready to leave this world for her eternal home with Jesus. That experience has left indelible marks upon my heart.

When I think about ‘visions of Heaven’, I can’t help but be skeptical. I approach these kinds of things with hazy glasses – wondering how much of any account can be trusted as a genuine source or actual testimony. Much of the Christian world does the same. We’re even quick to quote passages like 1 Corinthians 2:9 – But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” When we do this, we make the mistake that we do more often than not of taking the Bible out of context. In the very next verse (10), the Apostle Paul writes, “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” This gives me assurance that indeed God does reveal some of these “hidden” things by His Spirit. And as we look at the whole of Scripture we see picture-after-picture of the glory and awe that awaits the faithful who find rest in eternity.

I don’t know what parts of the Heaven-visions in Scripture or in accounts like “Heaven is for Real” are symbolic or literal, but God’s Word is not cryptic in revealing that Heaven and Hell are real places and are the only two options when we leave this earth.

“Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” is an excellent book. It is well-written and provides a fascinating inside-peak into the lives and experiences of the Burpo family as they experienced the supernatural. I highly recommend reading the book and from experience can say that it is nearly impossible to put down.

The book is available on Amazon right now at 48% off.

Have you read the book? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

5 responses to Book Review: “Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” by Todd Burpo

  1. I saw Todd and Colton one morning on Fox News and knew I had to have the book. I immediately ordered it from Amazon and received it quickly. I never doubted Colton’s visit to heaven because his innocence and his knowledge was way beyond his age. I read it once and called my sister who immediately ordered the book. After receiving it she called and said she had read it twice and was in tears because of precious Colton’s innocence and the vivid details. It has blessed me beyond measure. I, too, read it twice and gave it to my daughter to read. She returned the books a complete believer so I gave it to my son. He was so anxious to read it and share with some friends who had doubts about heaven. This book dispels all doubt about the wonders of God’s provision for us once we leave this world. What a comforting thought….there is no doubt that the life beyond will be much better than anything we have ever imagined!

  2. I am reading this book as soon as I get my hands on one. Planning to look to buy one this next weekend. I heard the father’s testimony recently on our local christian radio station.

  3. Oh and Stevan, I would like to hear more sometime about Stacia and her stay in the hospital. I think you shared with some at our house once but I missed out because I was not in the same room.

  4. I think a book needs to be written about Stacia! That’s my opinion!

    • My mom has been encouraged even in the last couple of weeks to write that story. Maybe you could nudge her in that direction as well?

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