This is a book that I had decided I was not going to read but a friend bought me a copy and asked for my input on the book. Several other people asked me about the book as well. So I read it in a matter of three days or so.
The story is about Colton Burpo who at the age of four had a near death experience from a ruptured appendix. Colton’s dad is a pastor and he tells the story. Over time Colton’s parents discover that while he was in surgery he had an out of body experience. Over a period of time Colton reveals things about his experience that are challenging to explain outside of accepting that he in fact went to heaven.
My take on the book is this, I don’t know whether Colton went to heaven or not but I don’t have any reason to dispute what he says. The thing that always strikes me about this type of experience is that people are facscinated and intrigued enough to read about and some of those very people are less intrigued by the experience John had and recorded in the book of Revelation. This is a much more trustworthy source.
I will say this, the story was captivating mainly from the standpoint of all that the family endured (months before Colton’s near death, the father shatters his leg in an accident and then finds out he has cancer) and yet their faith remained strong. Any parent that reads the book will be moved by the emotions the Burpo’s experienced during Colton’s ordeal – he was sick for several days before the doctors determined the cause and then struggled for his life for weeks after the surgery.
All in all I am glad I read the book and thankful for my friend that bought me a copy.