Break through the Stereotypes
Throughout a person’s life, a lot of things and ideas are put into their minds and are persuaded to what they should believe. However, in the end the ultimate decision is up to that person of what they choose to believe. The main basis of Christianity is this thing called faith, which in the dictionary is defined as a belief that is not based on proof. If one chooses to believe the things stated in the bible, that God has an unconditional love for us and that when we die there is a beautiful paradise waiting for is in heaven, there is always still a small hint of doubt; could this be too good to be true?
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo is a gripping true story about a little boys journey to heaven and back during an emergency appendectomy. Most non-religious folk might try and steer away from Christian books due to the fear of the “bible-bashers”, people who and try and force or scare you into being a believer; this book however, does the exact opposite. The innocence and complete vulnerability that Colton (Burpo’s son) has as he tells his father his experiences during the surgery, really helps you to connect with what he went through and the things he saw. There wasn’t a single part of this book where I thought that Burpo was trying to shove Christianity in my face, he simply just told the story of what happened to Colton and the things Colton saw when he went to heaven.
When someone we love dies, the appropriate and self-comforting thing to say is “they’re in a better place now”. “‘You saw Pop?’ I said. ‘Yeah, I got to stay with him in heaven. You were really close to him, huh, Dad?’” In Heaven is for Real, Todd hears Colton spit out facts and stories about “Pop” or Colton’s grandfather, whom he had never had the chance to meet due to an early passing. The story later on goes to tell how “Pop” had never been a religious man, but the day before he passed, went to a church service and gave his life to Christ; which explains how Colton saw him in heaven.
This book helped me to shape and strengthen what I believe in, and it would do the same for someone who may not believe at all. Burpo simply shares with you the beauty of Heaven told by Colton, and the magnificent and unfailing love that God has for us. All in all I would give this book a 5 star rating, I believe that anyone who reads it, no matter what religion will enjoy the emotional story it has in store and really helps to shape what you believe there is after we die.
