The Case for Heaven

I've read the wonderful book by Lee Strobel, and found it provided answers to the many questions that people have about what happens after a person dies, and what heaven is like if it's real. I was excited to hear about a movie based on the book and did not want to miss it.

I found the movie very good and would recommend it to anyone. A concern is that the movie did not seem to be on-track with the "case for heaven" as the book, and at times it deviated into areas that were not in the book. Occasionally I found myself asking, "How does this support the case for heaven?" The answer was not clear to me. Also I noticed that several topics in the book (such as whether there is evidence for reincarnation instead of heaven) was not mentioned at all.

Is it a good movie you should see? Yes. Does it represent the material in the book well? Only partially. So even if you see the movie, be sure to read the book as it contains so much more I wish had been included.

I would very much like to be able to recommend this, especially for non-believers. There are some really moving pieces, especially about near-death experiences of both heaven and hell. Lee's story and the Christian message are absolutely excellent, but this movie itself we found to be long, drawn out and somewhat disjointed. We were quite disappointed in the way that it was made, but the message is spot on. If you have the time and can wade through it, the teaching points are well worth it.

Thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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First off, let me say that I am a Believer. However, I have seen a few of these movies aimed at the Christian audience that simply quote scripture to reaffirm one's belief. I saw one a few years ago of a little boy who was clinically dead describe what he saw.

I don't need an affirmation, but was curious to see if the writers could effectively use an objective means outside of scripture to make the case for the existence of Heaven.

Of course, nobody can scientifically prove that Heaven (or Hell) exists, but the movie did have some good moments that would make most viewers pause with thought.

I will say too, that among Christians they run the spectrum of belief - outside of the essential things, of course. And some of Christians are critical and even condemn anyone straying from their own beliefs.

If you think that, for example, Hell is full of fire and brimstone and tortured souls, and ready to condemn or "correct" anyone not holding this belief, this movie is not for you unless you at least are willing to consider another thought.

The movie had its slow moments, but it had 3 highlights for me. I enjoyed the interview of a Cambridge neurologist who tells us what our neurons can tell us and what they can't, but we perceive anyway.

There was an interview with a retired Christian singer, who filled stadiums, tell us how he had a crisis in faith. He describes what became his own view, using his love for his own son, how the Father loves us.

Don't want to be a spoiler, but I will say that his using his own love for his son, and then saying that should he want to remain "behind the scenes" in his son's everyday life, is that love diminished if the son strays?" I am not using the most accurate example in rephrasing, but will say that the man's argument gave me some pause for thought.

Of course, the near death experiences were interesting and compelling, and some of the interviewees weren't Christian.

In summary, the movie isn't ground breaking, nor could it be. But there is enough it it to make both believers and non-believers cause to reflect.

This had so much uncapped potential. The framework was laid out, but they never dove into the details written in the book. I was left scratching my head during so many moments of this movie. They utilized unorganized cinematography to try and create an ascetic that was never needed in the first place.

The only part that I enjoyed was when they interviewed John Burke, who wrote "Imagine Heaven" based on his research of Near-Death experiences.

As a believer, I was very disappointed.

And if I were an unbeliever, I would have not been spiritually challenged.

Do yourself a favor, and just read the book.

The wonder and beauty and glory of Life Himself is beyond comparison. I got a little teary when I watched this movie. What a sweet reminder of the gift we have in Jesus! The soundtrack by Eric Owyoung (Future of Forestry) is stunning. And Mani Sandoval is the real deal. It's a beautiful film!