The Case for Heaven

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.

The film seems to be haphazardly put together with not that much new information/thoughts on the afterlife. Having said that it's not a bad starting point for someone who is a novice to Christ. It makes some deep and profound points but they are made somewhat insignificant due to the constant and self indulgences/biography of the lead characters.

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?

It was disjointed. A few touching moments. Seemed to run in too many directions and didn't make a case at all. I wanted to see more about NDEs. But a lot of random pieces thrown in that didn't have anything to do with the topic. But the movie itself was VERY well made. Just didn't have the right ingredients. Anti-climactic.

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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