
When a 4-year-old Colton Burpo visited heaven during surgery, he returned with impossible knowledge - meeting his miscarried sister and describing his great-grandfather. This #1 USA Today bestseller challenges skeptics and believers alike, sparking a Hollywood film and global conversation about what awaits beyond death.
Todd Burpo is the New York Times bestselling author of Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, a pastor, and a trusted voice in Christian non-fiction.
A graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a BA in Theology, Burpo draws from his pastoral work at Crossroads Wesleyan Church and his family’s transformative experience to explore themes of faith, near-death experiences, and spiritual resilience. The book documents his son Colton’s account of heaven during a life-threatening emergency, blending personal narrative with theological reflection.
Burpo’s work has been featured on major media platforms like The Today Show, Fox & Friends, and CNN, amplifying its reach to audiences seeking faith-based inspiration. The 2014 film adaptation grossed over $101 million worldwide, cementing the story’s cultural impact. Heaven is for Real has sold more than 10 million copies, translated into multiple languages, and remains a cornerstone in contemporary Christian literature.
Heaven Is For Real recounts the true story of Todd Burpo’s son, Colton, who described visiting heaven during a near-death experience at age three. Colton shares vivid details—meeting Jesus, angels, and deceased relatives—including a miscarried sister his parents never told him about. The book explores themes of faith, family resilience, and the afterlife through Colton’s childlike perspective.
This book is ideal for Christians seeking affirmations of faith, readers curious about near-death experiences, or those grieving loss. Its accessible storytelling appeals to both religious and secular audiences interested in spiritual themes, though critics note its lack of theological depth.
Yes, Todd Burpo frames the book as a nonfiction account of his son Colton’s 2003 appendectomy and subsequent heavenly visions. The family’s emotional journey and Colton’s unexplained knowledge (e.g., his miscarried sister) are presented as evidence of authenticity.
Colton described heaven as brightly lit by God’s presence, populated by winged angels, and filled with vibrant colors. He claimed Jesus had “markers” (stigmata) on his hands, sat at God’s right side, and emphasized loving children. He also met relatives like his great-grandfather and unknown sister.
Many found it spiritually uplifting, strengthening their belief in an afterlife. Critics, however, questioned its doctrinal accuracy and reliance on a child’s testimony. Despite debates, it became a bestselling phenomenon, inspiring a movie adaptation.
Colton’s accounts include biblical elements (e.g., Jesus’ wounds, God’s throne) but add speculative details like Gabriel sitting to God’s left. Some theologians argue it blends Scripture with imaginative interpretation, risking oversimplification of complex doctrines.
Skeptics cite inconsistencies in Colton’s recollections, potential parental influence, and the commercialization of a spiritual experience. Others argue near-death visions are neurological, not divine. The book avoids addressing these critiques directly.
The Burpos’ story offers comfort by portraying heaven as a reunion with loved ones. Colton’s mention of his miscarried sister—later confirmed via ultrasound records—resonates with grieving parents, though some find this anecdote emotionally manipulative.
Notable lines include Colton’s declaration that “Jesus really loves the children” and his description of God as “really, really big.” These phrases underscore the book’s theme of divine love and accessibility.
Unlike Proof of Heaven (Eben Alexander), which blends science and spirituality, Burpo’s narrative prioritizes evangelical Christian perspectives. Both books face skepticism but differ in tone—Burpo’s is more folksy and personal.
The book emphasizes trusting God through crises, as seen in the Burpos’ financial and health struggles. Colton’s story is framed as a reminder to approach faith with childlike wonder, though critics argue it risks reducing theology to anecdotes.
For readers open to faith-based narratives, it’s a quick, emotionally engaging read. However, those seeking rigorous theological analysis may find it lacking. Its cultural impact and relatable storytelling make it a worthwhile conversation starter.
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"We screwed up."
"the shadow of death."
"Daddy, you know I almost died."
"Colton's appendix has ruptured. He's not in good shape"
"Daddy! Don't let them take meeee!"
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When four-year-old Colton Burpo began talking about sitting in Jesus's lap during his emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix, his parents were stunned. How could their son describe heaven with such vivid detail? How could he know where each parent was during his surgery - his father raging at God in a small hospital room, his mother crying on the phone in another? The Burpo family's journey began in March 2003 in Imperial, Nebraska, when what seemed like a simple stomach flu nearly took their son's life. What emerged in the months and years following was something no one could have anticipated - a child's matter-of-fact descriptions of heaven that would eventually captivate millions worldwide. For the Burpos, Colton's illness was the culmination of months of suffering. Todd, a pastor and garage door installer, had already endured a devastating leg injury, excruciating kidney stones, and a breast cancer scare. Financial strain mounted as medical bills piled up while income disappeared. Their fellow pastors had begun calling Todd "Pastor Job," referencing the biblical figure who suffered one affliction after another. Just when things seemed to be improving, their family vacation to Colorado was interrupted when Colton fell violently ill. After days of misdiagnosis, a surgeon finally discovered Colton's ruptured appendix. As Colton was wheeled away screaming "Daddy! Don't let them take meeee!", Todd fled to a small room where he finally broke. "Where are you?" he raged at God. "Is this how you treat your pastors?!"