Most people are aware of the recently published and extremely controversial book by Rob Bell entitled Love Wins. But that book has drown out much engagement with other controversial books that have recently been released, including the one I speak of in this article. This book is not so much about a theology of heaven or hell, it’s rather an account of a nearly 4-year old boy’s trip to heaven. And, thus, you have the title, Heaven Is For Real.
So what’s the story?
It all centres around an extremely painful (both physical and emotional) event occurring one day in the life of little Colton Burpo (please lay aside any chuckling at the last name, as I will use it somewhat regularly). Following the bursting of his appendix in late February 2003, with neither his parents nor doctor realising such had happened for 5 full days, Colton finds himself intensely ill and on an operating table. It is during that time that Colton made his trip to heaven, a rather quick one from a human standpoint (3 minutes), but seemingly much longer from a heavenly perspective.
Of course, as I said, this is not nearly as contentious as Bell’s Love Wins. But it has still caused concern for some (i.e. here), with much of the controversy probably revolving around 2 main areas: 1) some of it’s possible theological ideas and 2) building theology on someone’s experience, especially that of a 4-year old. So I will address these two areas as I review the book, though they will probably bleed together.
Here we have a book written by Colton’s father, Todd Burpo, though he is assisted by best-selling author, Lynn Vincent (most known as a co-author in Same Kind of Different As Me). One thing of import to note is that Todd Burpo is actually a pastor. He leads a small Methodist congregation in the small town of Imperial, Nebraska. But what is also of interest is that Colton’s story is being told by Todd, a father recounting the unique ways of how he came to learn of his son’s own supposed visit to heaven.
What you must understand is that this was just as much a struggle and challenge for Todd, and his wife, Sonja, as it will be for some Christians to read and believe this was an authentic visit to heaven. From the first time Colton tells of his visit (about 4 months following all of the surgeries) through to the present day, both parents have to ‘work through’ some things themselves.
So, if you read the book (or my review), don’t think you are the only one struggling with some of the things Colton says about heaven. His parents are walking through it much more than you and I, especially noting Colton’s father is a solid, evangelical believer (as far as I can tell from reading the book).
Some of the theological ‘problems’ in the book are not major ones as I understand theological problems. Probably the most difficult one, at least for evangelicals to swallow, is when Colton explains that all people in heaven have wings that help them fly and lights above their heads (think more of a shining brightness and not a gold circle as portrayed in cartoons). This is one of those places where Todd, the father, shares his struggle:
I couldn’t remember angels having lights over their heads specifically – or halos, as some would call them – but I also knew that Colton’s experience of angels in storybooks and Scripture did not include lights over angels’ heads. And he didn’t even know the word halo. I don’t know that he’d ever even seen one, since our bedtime Bible stories and the Sunday school lessons at church are closely aligned with Scripture. (p72-73)
I think it is interesting to consider this statement – ‘And he [Colton] didn’t even know the word halo.’
Todd makes similar statements a few times throughout the book, which seems to point to the fact that he does not want to manipulate what his son shares about the visit to or vision of heaven. Matter of fact, early on in the book’s account, Todd shares how one of his questions almost led Colton to answer in a certain way. Mr. Burpo did not want to walk down that road, but instead try to understand his 4-year old’s explanation of heaven. This could be a strong pointer that authenticity is quite likely.
Outside of the wings and lights above the heads, I don’t believe there were any other statements that challenge evangelical Christian beliefs (as if Colton even knows what theology or evangelicalism is).
One of the more personally challenging aspects of the book is Colton’s explanations of what he saw in heaven. They seem to come straight out of more ‘literal’ reading of Revelation – i.e. as if heaven really has streets of gold, as if we really will be hanging out in the clouds, etc.
For Todd, the father, these more literal descriptions seem to be a point of confirmation that Colton’s visit to heaven was real. But, for me, the main problem is that I see the book of Revelation, and other such Hebrew apocalyptic and prophetic visions, as just that – visions.
Revelation uses a lot of imagery to describe a greater reality of the kingdom of heaven. Thus, the pictures and the images and the numbers are more ‘symbolic’ or ‘figurative’, if you will. I’m not trying to strip Revelation of it’s truth as God’s word in Scripture. It literally means what it literally means. John really meant what he meant in describing that heavenly vision. But we have to ask what the heavenly vision literally meant and pointed to as God gave the vision to John, the apostle.
But what brings me solace, at least from a more theological standpoint, is that I realise that God has always accommodated himself to those to whom he reveals himself. Some of us might know of John Calvin’s description of God’s revelation being like baby-talk. If God spoke God-talk to 4-year old’s, or 34-year old’s or 74-year old’s, we wouldn’t understand him. Therefore, God accommodates to our level, speaks our language, makes himself understandable with where we are at, all to help us get glimpses of who he is in all his glory.
And so, for Colton to describe what he saw in the way he did, as if from a more ‘literal’ or ‘traditional’ sense (better words fail me right here), I have no problem with such. Again, though his father is a pastor, remember that, at just under 4-years old, there is not too much of a chance that Colton had been indoctrinated with what I might identify as a ‘traditional’ mentality of heaven – Jesus riding on actual white horse, people wearing white robes with sashes, everyone (or just angels) with wings, lights above people’s heads, even a future cosmic war to come (as if to support premillenialism). And so I am not completely closed to the idea that Christ came to a young boy, a pure and simple-hearted young boy, and revealed himself in a way that Colton would understand.
And, if heaven happens to literally look like what Colton explains, then I’m fine with it. But I still think this is more vision-imagery explaining a greater reality. But my theology has been known to be wrong in other places.
I think there are some other telling factors that could contribute to the possibility of this being an authentic visit-vision. One is that, while in heaven, Colton says he met Todd’s grandfather who was affectionately known as Pop. Now, this might not seem a biggie, but the thing is that Pop had died almost 25 years before Colton was born. Colton had never met his great-grandfather and didn’t know anything about him. So, for Colton to tell his dad about Pop, well, you can imagine the shock of such. See more details in the book, p85-91.
Another interesting factor, maybe even more mind-boggling, is when Colton came up to his parents and said, ‘Mommy, I have two sisters.’ But, at that time, all he had was one older sister, Cassie. They thought he was also talking about his female cousin. But Colton replied, ‘No. I have two sisters, You had a baby die in your tummy, didn’t you?’
Well, lo and behold, Sonja Burpo had had a miscarriage. And they had never mentioned this to Colton (who would to a 4-year old), not to mention that a 4-year old would not even know what a miscarriage is. Needless to say, that was an extremely emotional and stirring night in the Burpo family. See see p93-97 for more.
There are a few other interesting accounts such as how Colton knew about his dad’s calling to be a pastor (p90-91).
But one of the more mind-boggling accounts is Colton’s confirmation of what Jesus physically looked like. Since the visit to heaven, when Todd and Sonja would see pictures of Jesus, they would ask Colton if that is what Jesus looked like. Every time Colton would answer in the negative. Yet, one day, Todd received an email from a pastor friend in Colorado. The email was forwarded about a young Lithuanian-American girl named Akiane Karmarik. She, too, had claimed visions of heaven, all subsequently leading to her atheist mother becoming a Christian.
But even more interesting is the fact that, following some of the visions, Akiane painted a portrait picture of Christ (now quite famous). You see, Colton had given negative responses to each picture of Christ that his parents had asked him about. But, after Todd called for Colton to come look at the picture in the email, asking if this picture was a correct representation of Christ, Colton just stood there in shock for a long moment without saying anything. Finally, after his dad nudged him in the arm, Colton responded, ‘Dad, that one’s right.’
No doubt, for some, this might seem more Twilight Zone than reality. And this leads to one of the major hang-ups with the book – building our beliefs and theology around someone’s experience, especially a 4-year old’s. Let me just go ahead and say that my desire is to not build my beliefs around Colton’s experience, just as I would not expect people to build their beliefs and theology based upon some of the personal revelations, prophecies and 2 or 3 more prophetic dreams God has given me in my life. It’s not worth doing such, though it also isn’t worth approaching every single account with cynicism.
But, with Colton’s situation, I believe Christ could have accommodated to a little 4-year old to reveal himself. God accommodates to me as a 31-year old pastor. God accommodated to a 100-year old man in Abraham, a life-threatening persecutor of God’s people in Paul, a strong-willed one in Peter who denied Christ at such a time as he did, and on and on. I am not trying to say Colton and Abraham or Colton and Paul are to be considered one and the same. Even Todd and Sonja, his parents, argue this. All I am saying is that understanding God has always been in the context of God making himself known to people where they are at, in their language, within their grasp, i.e., in baby-talk.
So I have no grave problem in believing that God could have brought little Colton to heaven, or gave a vision of heaven, during those pained and life-threatening days of multiple surgeries in early 2003. I am not going to stick this book somewhere between Galatians and Ephesians as what needs to be recognised as canonical revelation in the Bible. But I think it’s not out of bounds as a beautiful account of God’s grace to not just a young little boy, but to a family.
I end with a saying from one wise man long ago:
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Excellent review; right to the point and done logically. This writer knows his stuff, so unlike many “reviews” which end up vitriolic diatribes.
Great review. Read the book last night. I’m skeptical of books like this, but this one checked out biblicaly and logically. I’ve read some poor reviews – this one was balanced and well done. Thanks!
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There are a few things in the book that raise questions: one being the father mentioned he told the daughter about the miscarried child…wasn’t it possible she told Colton about the baby?
Most compelling is the painting…Also when Colton cried to the babysitter that he missed his sister…I could see that. He probably missed heaven in general..not really knowing how to express that.
This book is absolutely amazingg!! I recommend it for anyone.. even if you have a different religion then catholic. Being 17 years old, i can honestly say that its one of the best books i’ve ever read! If this book doesnt encourage you to become a better person, than i dont know what will because the author goes so much in depth as far as what colton sees in heaven. My favorite part though was when there was a painting of Jesus, it looks so much more believable then all the other painting of Jesus.
I haven’t read the book but must we not assume that Colton had received Christ PRIOR to the vision at the tender age of 3? The Scripture tells us that without Holiness no man (or 3 year old boy) will see the Lord.
Aside from this I gotta say. I’m almost 40 and have seen primarily two genres dominate Christian (sometimes I use this term lightly) Publishing. Angel Encounters and now more recently To Heave/Hell and back stories. Everyon sells a lot of books, makes the rounds on TV…and guess who gets the Glory? Angels and Heaven… but not Jesus. I have never seen these people use their fifteen minutes of fame (camera time) to present the Gospel. It is all presented so it is digestible and adaptable to any World Religion or even New Age philosophy.
I have read the book and I must say that there is no “shying away” from the emphasis that you must accept Jesus in order to go to heaven. For example, Colton’s deep concern at the funeral of someone who has died that they had “Jesus in there heard” or his explaination that Jesus said, “I had to die on the cross so you can come to heaven and see my Dad”. Todd doesn’t use the opportunity to attack other religions, but he doesn’t pander to them either. I came away from the read with my focus more drawn to Jesus than to the little boys experience…
Small children, before they reach the age of accountability, are protected, and will go to heaven if they die.
I am glad that God helped Colton and his family. I believe that it is a beautiful reminder of God’s divine love for all mankind. I have thanked God numerous times for this story… I hope that he will bless others who, like Colton need strength of the Holy father. God bless Colton’s family and all those in this broken world, who need him…amen
May God be praised!
Personally, I have never believed any of these so called visits to heaven or hell books. Paul said himself it was unlawful for him to try to describe it. This book does nothing to change my position. I think the child’s head has been filled with facts that happened, and it is being exploited for quite a sum of money. Jesus warns us to be aware of deception in the last days.
A child of this age is not going to make up things such as going to heaven
and speaking with GOD. You can believe what you want but GOD is real and
the bible says he works in mysterious ways. And in my opinion this is just one
of very few. GOD bless this little boy and his family for sharing this book. It could
actually save someone from going to hell.
So you ended by saying that this book can save someone from going to hell? I’m going to have to disagree there. We’re saved by the grace of God alone. To me, this is no different from 23 minutes in hell or the subsequent book 90 minutes in heaven. However, throw in a little kid and best selling author then you’ll get a nice payday. Besides, why would God tell the rich man that he would not send Lazarus from the dead because the rich man’s family had the law and the prophets to believe? Is God conflicted with himself? Absolutely not!
“To them that don’t know him, the ways of God are foolishness.” God gives those who belong to Him spiritual discernment, so if you discern that this book is written for profit that is hopefully what God has revealed to you.
Personally, I believe Colton’s story, at least the way God showed him Heaven. For Christians, we should be able to read books, or anything for that matter, then put all such material through our own spiritual filter. Those who don’t know Christ as their Savior may not believe this story or they may just consider it cute. With almost everything in life, criticism or doubters should be expected.
Someday I will know for sure.
When I hear about these NDE stories and I cannot judge, the first thing that comes to my mind is Col 2:16-20: … v18 Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head…
I understand from the reviews that this book tends point poeple to the gospel.
Regarding what Jesus looks like and this picture – it seems the post assencion description of Jesus in Rev 1:12-20 is not as depicted in this book, if the above picture is the one: …v14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. …
Colton’s experience shouldn’t be thought of as strange. Heaven is a reality and is very close. For ages people have reported, not visions, but visuals of heaven or hell from their death bed. We seem to forget that we are a split second away from eternity and constantly standing at the door. Why then should we be surprised that such visits could take place on the odd occasion.
Paul, by the way, never said these experiences couldn’t be reported. He only said that he HEARD things that it wasn’t lawful for him to repeat. That does not constitute an absolute gag order. His later writing included many heavenly descriptions that were probably influenced by his visit and no doubt there were only SOME things he wasn’t allowed to repeat. In Revelation, John reported many of the things he saw and heard and was only marginally limited on what he could report. And in the Old Testament Isaiah freely reported his vision of heaven, not mention Ezekiel.
And there is really no brag factor here either. This was an honest retelling of a genuine experience by an innocent child. The experience was sensational but there was nothing hucksteristic in the telling of the story.
And as a side note, don’t get hung up on experience. I’m not sure why but only in the Christian community is experience downplayed. Everywhere else it is respected. Requires interpretation, yes, but dismissing it is not appropriate.
You can find further discussion on the issue at http://nowthinkaboutit.com/2011/02/eye-witnesses-to-heaven-are-they-genuine/
Sorry for the typos:
No question scripture conveys visions of many things – including heaven.
For some people, experience can and does supercede Scripture and in so doing, their/our/my theology morphs to what we want to believe instead of what was conveyed. Paul urged us to not go beyond that which is written.
The faith was once and for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3.
I’d say be very careful of these reports and the purpose of these documentaries. Jesus noted that even if someone rises from the dead people will not believe. Luke 6:31
To me this story is nothing but a showering of the grace and love of Jesus Christ! Colton was terrified and screaming for his daddy! Jesus chose to show himself to this child to give him comfort. I am grateful that his parents have chosen to share this experience with us.
When discussing the book with others who have read it some have said that these things should not be discussed.
Personally, I am not a pastor and have not had formal theological training, I think that God shows himself to us in a way we can comprehend as to where we are in our relationship with Him. Colton saw Jesus and Heaven through the eyes of an innocent child, that is the way Jesus longs for all of us to see Him!
Thank you Todd and Sonja for having the faith and courage to step out and share this amazing story with us all!
Free Bible study on the book HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
The book, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL was a fascinating read for me. For many it has given them hope for eternal life.
To me, this is a far too important a subject to put my hope in a little boy’s experience. I wanted to see what
God had to say so I went to the Bible. I have written a Bible study about heaven.
I would be delighted to send you a free copy. Email me at heaven.study@yahoo.com and I will email you a copy.
Trish Pickard
I’m 17 years old and doubted that Heaven was really there, but after reading this book it changed my whole outlook on life. I’m more involved in church and a better person sfter reading this book. I recommend everybody, anybody to read this book; it will change your life!
I was really encouraged by your comment. I have written a very basic study about heaven. If you would like it email me at heaven.study@yahoo.com Trish
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Anon:
Cannot believe until a boy being raised in a Hindu household in India has the same vision/experience. Assuming no one is lying here, the mind and one’s vision of things gets effected by the environment one is being raised in. There are seven biilion of us believing in several different gods.
That is the beauty and magesty of the God of Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac – He is the only one true God, big ‘G’ — and it is perfectly okay for you and seven billion others to not believe in Him. Unless the Spirit of the one true God gives you eyes to see and ears to hear you will not believe. The wind blows where it will . . .
Don’t have a heaven; but here is a live encounter between a Hindu pandit and Christ right here on earth:
http://christtotheworld.blogspot.com/2010/03/hindu-pandit-encounters-jesus-to-become.html
It took me about a minute just now to find this example.
The problem is that we don’t bother checking these stories out; and so end up dismissing them as just one of those stories.
It is foolish to put God in a box when He deals with individuals. I wouldn’t put it past Him to deal with a child in this way. He tailored the experience to make it easy for the child to comprehend. Also some of the descriptions may off because a child isn’t the best communicator nor does he completely understand what he a looking at. I noticed that with the gate description.
Even I feel this is how Christ looks like.
I just finished this book the other day. It has made me think very hard about Jesus and heaven. Growing up in a Christian religion I was always taught about Jesus. Jesus was a huge part of my life when I was a child. The last few years I sort of felt like Jesus was a real man but not a God. After reading this book, it has put Jesus back at the top of my list where I have found true peace. Why is it so hard for people to believe that Jesus would not speak to the children? Their hearts are still open and have not yet been stained of the harshness of the world. The picture Akiene drew of Jesus, I believe that is truly what he looks like. If you look deep into his eyes it does leave you feeling a little different than any other picture of him I have ever seen. Wonderful story. Don’t read too much into it, Enjoy it for what it is.
You said Akiene had drew a picture of Jesus really? who’s Akiene and where can i find this picture? Plz do let me know. I read the sample of this book in my phone and im thinking to buy the whole book i have a wonderful relationship with my Heaven;y Father and would LOVE to read such a inspiraitonal book : )
I Have not read the book , but I Will , watch the TV series on Bio Channel : I survived Beyond and Back and you will see many accounts similar to this story, It is for real !!! ,, I always talk of the show and someone said read tis boys Book .
The classics on this subject of Near Death Experiences and the reality of the Afterlife were written by Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772). These books are Heaven and Hell & True Christian Religion. Yours refers to the Writings of this ignored seer as, ‘the redheaded stepchild of Christianity,” because of the condemnation the author and publisher brings upon the faith alone doctrine as redeeming and Three Gods controversy as truth of doctrine. These pillars have bound the Established Church in error since its inception in 380 AD by Order of Emperor Theodosius and the subsequent Edict establishing the Nicene/Constantinople Creed in 381 AD as litmus test for all bishops of the Empire. After encountering this story yours printed up a color print of Jesus the Anointed and has begun using this Icon in prayer practice. Encountering the Divine Man is a difficult exercise in the life we all share. This is an excellent article relating a child’s encounter with the Lord Jesus the Anointed.