Heaven Is For Real (2014)

Heaven Is For Real (2014) is a film based upon the book of the same time, which itself is based upon the true life story of a young boy who experiences heaven. The film did well at the box office and the author (who pastors a Wesleyan church in Nebraska) has now converted the book and the movie into a non-profit ministry.

Let me say at the outset that I do believe that heaven is real. Heaven is real because God created heaven and earth. Jesus Christ promised that He has “prepare for us a place” (John 14:2-4). So I personally believe in the existence of heaven. At the same time, I struggle with its reality from time to time. I constantly go back to the Scriptures for my reassurance.

There were elements of the film which I liked. I could relate personally to the struggles of a pastor and his family. (I too have had kidney stones and they do hurt!) I preach every Sunday from a pulpit and while I do my best to trust the Word and share it with others, there are times when I have questions. There are times when I struggle.

I did have a few problems with the film. I thought the idea that a pastor would go to a therapist for help with understanding heaven was frankly absurd. Then to end the conversation with a condescending note that the therapist herself did not have faith was insulting. I would have preferred to see the pastor actually trust God with his struggles instead of sharing them with everyone. Frankly, it shows weak spiritual leadership (which was revealed in the film.)

My other problem with the film was the fact that a pastor has taken personal experience and monetized it. I am also quite sure this film solved many of his financial woes. However, the experience seems more like a gimmick used to get attention. Instead of concentrating on Jesus Christ and how He helped the family, it is all about this personal experience with heaven which everyone should believe. Heaven doesn’t change people. Christ changes people. I never saw how Christ changed the boy’s life. Instead, this personal experience is what seems to be the driving point throughout the entire movie.

The problem is that people are going to go see this movie. I just hope that they don’t replace Jesus Christ with an experience of Heaven. Because without Jesus Christ, there is no heaven for anyone. He is why Heaven is for real.

Questions:

John 14:2-4 describe how Jesus Chrit has already prepared a place when we die. What do you think about what the Bible says about heaven?
How does this personal experience as described in the movie compare to the account by Jesus?
Do you struggle with the belief in heaven? How does the Bible give you comfort about heaven?