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 appreciated the well rounded POVs the film provided, so that believers and non believers alike could relate to it with giving an opportunity for those who don't believe to consider asking certain questions. The fact that believers are the most critical means they think this film was meant for them alone. But just like the church is meant to be for the sinners.... So this film was meant for hearts to be opened and I appreciated that so much. I love that the book and film go in different directions, allowing the viewer to not feel like they've wasted their time rewatching what they just read. Strobel mentioned that in several interviews leading up to me watching it- that it would offer more and differing things than just what his book discussed. Honestly, I left the theater wanting to see more of each interview and would pay for any of the extended interviews. I can't explain too much here without giving too many spoilers, but I cried and related to many of the different stories. I love the artistic point of views of different walks of life and how faith impacts generations, so ONE person's near death experience and their coming to Christ would affect so many generations to follow. It's beautifully done, and the music made you want to feel like you could hear John Burke talk about heaven all day.... And eager to be there with Christ asap.

Anyways. Loved it. When can we see more?

Full disclosure, I am a fan of Strobel's "Case for Christ" and a true Christian who has been saved by the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, so my expectations for this move were high. But this movie was a miss, not a hit.

While there are Believers who have interesting comments in the film, I wasn't expecting to listen to 'fair and balanced' personal viewpoints made by people who are not Christians. This movie was made from a vantage point that is ecumenical, and at times, secular.

A singer who was a "Believer" was featured; he abandoned his faith because, he admitted in a round about way he never truly was born again, and in his way of thinking, "His God" wouldn't send to people to Hell. Nothing original about that, straight from the Rob Bell School of Bad Theology. Why he was given a platform in this movie is bewildering. I guess to present another point of view?! Interesting, we get the alternative view, day in and day out by the vast majority of people who don't believe in God, Jesus, Sin, Heaven, or Hell. That viewpoint is everywhere, it is the norm in today's society, and it's clearly the broad path to destruction.

There is a focus on Strobel's marriage and family, which didn't fit well into the storyline nor made the case for Heaven.

Overall, the quality of the film was not good; the plot line was disjointed, and at times it seguayed toward the irrelevant. The movie wasn't well edited and clearly had a low budget. No, it didn't need to be a big production, but the sound track didn't even match the mouths of the speakers...pretty annoying.

I went to this movie with friends from my church; we were looking forward to seeing it together. If I hadn't been there with them I would have walked out at the halfway point because, lamentably, it lurched along from the dull to inane.

Sure, I'd still recommend this over a Marvel franchise movie, or any of the rubbish being produced by Hollywood today. But on it's merit alone, I can't recommend this movie. It's highly unlikely it will compel anyone to come to Christ or to look forward to the glorious eternity God has planned for those He loves and who believe in His Son.

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.