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Imagine the God of Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Revelation, and the Love You’ve Always Wanted
Millions of people around the world have reported a near-death experience. Do they prove the existence of a loving God?
Never in history, until now, have we been able to hear from so many people around the world who have been brought back from clinical death. Modern medical resuscitation and digital communication have revealed a goldmine of intriguing near-death experiences (NDEs) that show us the character of God. John Burke has spent the last three decades studying the commonalities of more than 1000 NDEs. His investigative journey started as a skeptical agnostic, when his own father was dying from cancer. When he first read these eyewitness accounts, he couldn’t help asking “Could this be real evidence—even possible proof of God’s existence?”
In this book, you will Analysis of 1000+ near-death experiences and how they reveal the wondrous attributes of God and correlate with the Bible Follow up research to Burke’s exploration of the afterlife, Imagine Heaven, a New York Times best-seller of over 1 million copies True stories from nearly 70 people from every continent who have died, been resuscitated, and now testify to having been more alive than ever in the presence of a loving God they never wanted to leave People of all ethnicities and backgrounds―including doctors, engineers, and CEO―experience the same God. John Burke unveils the love story and characteristics of this God of all nations, revealed throughout history and in Scripture, now illustrated by these thrilling encounters. You will realize God’s love, power, compassion, friendship, and guidance are closer than you could ever imagine. And for such a time as this, people need to know a loving God is within their reach.
Never in history, until now, have we been able to hear from so many people around the world who have been brought back from clinical death. Modern medical resuscitation and digital communication have revealed a goldmine of intriguing near-death experiences (NDEs) that show us the character of God. John Burke has spent the last three decades studying the commonalities of more than 1000 NDEs. His investigative journey started as a skeptical agnostic, when his own father was dying from cancer. When he first read these eyewitness accounts, he couldn’t help asking “Could this be real evidence—even possible proof of God’s existence?”
In this book, you will Analysis of 1000+ near-death experiences and how they reveal the wondrous attributes of God and correlate with the Bible Follow up research to Burke’s exploration of the afterlife, Imagine Heaven, a New York Times best-seller of over 1 million copies True stories from nearly 70 people from every continent who have died, been resuscitated, and now testify to having been more alive than ever in the presence of a loving God they never wanted to leave People of all ethnicities and backgrounds―including doctors, engineers, and CEO―experience the same God. John Burke unveils the love story and characteristics of this God of all nations, revealed throughout history and in Scripture, now illustrated by these thrilling encounters. You will realize God’s love, power, compassion, friendship, and guidance are closer than you could ever imagine. And for such a time as this, people need to know a loving God is within their reach.
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Published November 7, 2023
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About the author
John Burke
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For the British novelist and writer, see John Burke.
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For the British novelist and writer, see John Burke.
Christian Witer = John Burke
Trek President = John Burke
Burke's Peerage = John Burke
Educational Editor = John Burke
Boat Builder = John Burke
Theologian = John Burke
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
May 31, 2024
Pros: Good research, interesting analogies and explanations of the possible different spiritual dimensions - tied to science, and fairly compelling, albeit hyperbolic, stories.
Cons: Burke laid on thick the cringy, contemporary American, evangelical Christian-style proselytizing. That agenda-pushing, always awkward (“Have you asked Jesus into your heart?”) bent took away from the personal stories and my overall enjoyment of the book. It was written to the choir, but marketed as an evangelical, conversional tool for the “lost.” Those who would have found this book most meaningful already subscribe to the “cause.”
Cons: Burke laid on thick the cringy, contemporary American, evangelical Christian-style proselytizing. That agenda-pushing, always awkward (“Have you asked Jesus into your heart?”) bent took away from the personal stories and my overall enjoyment of the book. It was written to the choir, but marketed as an evangelical, conversional tool for the “lost.” Those who would have found this book most meaningful already subscribe to the “cause.”
June 14, 2023
If you’re as fascinated as I am about near-death experiences (NDEs), or if you’re curious about God, heaven, and the afterlife, you will love John Burke’s latest book, Imagine the God of Heaven.
Burke presents data collected from several thousand near-death experiences (from people who had clinically died). His results are distilled down into the common patterns and themes found in these experiences. His focus is on those NDEers who experienced heaven, because some experienced hell.
Beyond the NDEs, Burke consolidates the attributes of God as that of light and love, which were most commonly expressed by NDEers. The stories that describe our amazing God are truly inspiring and give a beautiful glimpse of what we can hope to experience one day. These stories also help us know God today in a more personal way.
Imagine the God of Heaven includes an interesting and eye-opening view of the Trinity. The NDE experiences helped me understand more fully that a triune God is possible even if we can’t understand it in human terms.
I especially appreciated that the NDEs included were from people of various religious beliefs.
I agree with Burke that NDEs are one way God speaks to us today. Do we still know everything there is about God and Heaven? No, but I don’t think we’re meant to. We’re given enough to feel hope for an amazing eternal future.
Burke presents data collected from several thousand near-death experiences (from people who had clinically died). His results are distilled down into the common patterns and themes found in these experiences. His focus is on those NDEers who experienced heaven, because some experienced hell.
Beyond the NDEs, Burke consolidates the attributes of God as that of light and love, which were most commonly expressed by NDEers. The stories that describe our amazing God are truly inspiring and give a beautiful glimpse of what we can hope to experience one day. These stories also help us know God today in a more personal way.
Imagine the God of Heaven includes an interesting and eye-opening view of the Trinity. The NDE experiences helped me understand more fully that a triune God is possible even if we can’t understand it in human terms.
I especially appreciated that the NDEs included were from people of various religious beliefs.
I agree with Burke that NDEs are one way God speaks to us today. Do we still know everything there is about God and Heaven? No, but I don’t think we’re meant to. We’re given enough to feel hope for an amazing eternal future.
November 9, 2023
Another wonderful book from John Burke. Imagine the God of Heaven is so much more than a compilation of NDEs, While the stories are fascinating, uplifting, and inspiring, the analysis from a biblical worldview is what really makes this book shine. I appreciated the NDEs from all over the globe, their similarities and differences.
The book did not shy away from those who described meeting their "god," be it Kali or Allah or the man in the white robe. Burke shows that the NDErs often described the encounter with this god of light based on their prior belief. Their accounts align with the God of the Bible, the I AM. It's a reminder to me that Jesus is not an American. He is the King of All Creation.
I love the research that went into this book and the way Burke examined every story through a biblical lens. Scripture backs up the truth claims. God's attributes of justice, goodness, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, grace, joy, peace, patience, and overwhelming love are presented throughout.
I finished the book with a glorious anticipation of what is to come, a peace about what is, and a desire to make his name known. What more could you ask.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book did not shy away from those who described meeting their "god," be it Kali or Allah or the man in the white robe. Burke shows that the NDErs often described the encounter with this god of light based on their prior belief. Their accounts align with the God of the Bible, the I AM. It's a reminder to me that Jesus is not an American. He is the King of All Creation.
I love the research that went into this book and the way Burke examined every story through a biblical lens. Scripture backs up the truth claims. God's attributes of justice, goodness, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, grace, joy, peace, patience, and overwhelming love are presented throughout.
I finished the book with a glorious anticipation of what is to come, a peace about what is, and a desire to make his name known. What more could you ask.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2025
I listened to this book over the past few days and it was incredible. The stories told by so many people who have had a near death experiences, all having shared the same or similar experiences confirming God. God continues to show himself to us and how much he loves us and most important God is not mad at you! The book was narrated by the author who is also a pastor who included scripture to ensure these experiences align with the word. Many people never knowing Jesus, including people from other religions were met by Jesus in death. I highly recommend this book.
April 6, 2024
This is an incredible book and I can’t recommend it enough to absolutely anyone & everyone. It gives you such a unique and fresh perspective of how much God truly loves every single person and how gracious and good he really is. It changes how you think about your interactions with people as he goes into the great impact our words and actions truly carry in the last half.
It includes real-life accounts, Bible-filled truths, and easy applications. This book is also great for lessons on forgiveness, prayer, purpose, and surrender! Our God is a personal God and he wants a relationship with you and this book breaks down what that actually looks like and means, no matter what stage in your faith journey you are. Will 100% be rereading!
It includes real-life accounts, Bible-filled truths, and easy applications. This book is also great for lessons on forgiveness, prayer, purpose, and surrender! Our God is a personal God and he wants a relationship with you and this book breaks down what that actually looks like and means, no matter what stage in your faith journey you are. Will 100% be rereading!
August 22, 2024
This is mostly sermons using Near Death Experiences (NDE) to go along with bible passages. Page 31 did summarize/group common components of NDEs:
· 75% had out of body Experiences:
· 57% involved deceased family, friends or angels
· 45% had evidential observations
· 45% had telepathic communication
· 74% had heightened senses
· 48% had God of Light and Love
· 76% had peaceful positive feelings
· 56% had special knowledge
· 34% had tunnels
· 32% had life review
· 52% had heavenly realm
· 31% had border or boundary
· 66% had increased visual perception
· 59% told to return or had choice
· 65% had light that is love
· 73% had profound life changes
· 75% had out of body Experiences:
· 57% involved deceased family, friends or angels
· 45% had evidential observations
· 45% had telepathic communication
· 74% had heightened senses
· 48% had God of Light and Love
· 76% had peaceful positive feelings
· 56% had special knowledge
· 34% had tunnels
· 32% had life review
· 52% had heavenly realm
· 31% had border or boundary
· 66% had increased visual perception
· 59% told to return or had choice
· 65% had light that is love
· 73% had profound life changes
May 4, 2025
Absolutely wonderful. I loved Burke’s first book Imagine Heaven so very much that I didn’t expect to enjoy this one as much. Boy, was I wrong. While Imagine Heaven focuses on the incredible reality of heaven (and hell), this book focuses on God Himself as the title indicates. Burke brought the qualities and nature of God to life in such amazing and fresh ways through his integration of Scripture and the commonalities found in over 1500 near-death experiences. Just incredible and so encouraging and freeing and hopeful and just wonderful. This is a book to reread and to give to all those you love.
May 28, 2025
This book was very powerful. It’s a book I could see myself re-listening to if I find myself needing a reminder of how much God loves me and everyone else. It was a bit redundant at times, but maybe that is a good thing. This book allowed me to imagine God and heaven in a way I never have been able to before.
January 6, 2024
3.5 stars
I had a NDE in 2005 where I experienced the white light that is described by many in this book. It is interesting that similar experiences happen so often.
I had a NDE in 2005 where I experienced the white light that is described by many in this book. It is interesting that similar experiences happen so often.
May 12, 2025
Book #2 of Burke’s. If you’re struggling with a belief in God, this is what you should read. Really incredible!
February 9, 2024
Wow, I loved this book so much, with all these beautiful stories of near death experiences collected from people of all backgrounds, interwined with scriptures, this book was a gift to me. Love how the author connected them all using scriptures...
January 8, 2024
Do yourself a favor and read this! What hope and joy it's provides.
August 4, 2024
The best book I've ever read on NDEs. 10/10 recommend.
Jesus is the way.
Jesus is the way.
May 13, 2025
I truly love this book and the companion book Imagine Heaven. The loving God described here sounds so wonderful. It really makes me look forward to meeting Him. For anyone with a fear of death or fear of meeting God, I actually think these books would help calm those fears. The author, who is a pastor, does a great job tying these experiences to scripture. No one can say for sure that every one of these is 100% near death experience, or experience with God, but there are so many commonalities among the stories, and so many unaffiliated medical staff and witnesses to the events, that it certainly seems likely that many of real experiences. My favorite parts are the descriptions of Jesus laughing and having fun with people.
I have both these books in print, but both also have excellent Audio versions.
I have both these books in print, but both also have excellent Audio versions.
September 18, 2024
I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by the author, and I absolutely loved it! I love how he pulled together attributes of God based on NDE experiences and was able to tie them into scripture.
Chapter 12 was my favorite where he discusses “doing life” with God. In it he provides some helpful suggestions about how to walk with God throughout the day. I loved how he pointed out that God wants to be included in every aspect of our lives.
This book has given new life to my relationship with God. It has helped to increase my awareness of his presence and to better grasp his great love.
Chapter 12 was my favorite where he discusses “doing life” with God. In it he provides some helpful suggestions about how to walk with God throughout the day. I loved how he pointed out that God wants to be included in every aspect of our lives.
This book has given new life to my relationship with God. It has helped to increase my awareness of his presence and to better grasp his great love.
January 7, 2025
Imagine The God Of Heaven completely shifted my thinking on my purpose, God’s plan, and many other spiritual components! John Burke does an incredible job with his research and shows how all the commonalities of Near Death Experiences along with their unexplainable profound details give us proof that there is a life beyond this one.
The lone caveat of this book is the author definitely views these NDEs solely from a Christian lens, it would be interesting to read a compilation of NDEs from a different author’s lens to see 1) which NDEs they find valuable 2) the author’s interpretation of these events. Regardless, if anyone is a rut with their faith or purpose I highly recommend this book.
The lone caveat of this book is the author definitely views these NDEs solely from a Christian lens, it would be interesting to read a compilation of NDEs from a different author’s lens to see 1) which NDEs they find valuable 2) the author’s interpretation of these events. Regardless, if anyone is a rut with their faith or purpose I highly recommend this book.
December 3, 2025
I had never read anything about near death experiences before this book, but I was so captivated by these stories. Jesus must truly be infinitely more wonderful than our most generous conception of him, and heaven more happy and beautiful than we have the capacity to imagine. I could have easily read a hundred more accounts of how vivid the colors, how moving the music, how comprehensive the understanding, how bright God’s glory, how tender Christ’s affection, and how joyful and fulfilling and freeing it is to stand in his presence.
The book itself is organized in kind of a confusing way, and the commentary felt unnecessary at times, but the stories and interviews the book is centered around are well worth reading.
The book itself is organized in kind of a confusing way, and the commentary felt unnecessary at times, but the stories and interviews the book is centered around are well worth reading.
December 13, 2024
It was an interesting book, and definitely fascinating to read the experiences of so many people with near death experiences. I find the similarities between everyone's experience, as well as the differences, wildly interesting.
However, I felt that the book primarily served as Burke's platform for promoting his religious views, selectively highlighting near-death experiences that supported his beliefs, rather than providing a comprehensive overview of the full spectrum of near death experiences and the broader lessons they might offer.
However, I felt that the book primarily served as Burke's platform for promoting his religious views, selectively highlighting near-death experiences that supported his beliefs, rather than providing a comprehensive overview of the full spectrum of near death experiences and the broader lessons they might offer.
May 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Brought many tears to eyes and helped me obtain a much better and broader sense of how God works. He is a wonderful, gracious, and loving God. This book puts that on display with beautiful stories told from individual experiences. I pray I have a long life and act in every moment layer before in the manner God would like. As much as I have to be grafted for in this world and live the life I have, this is just my temporary address. One day I will walk in person with all those that have walked with Christ. I pray you are all there with us.
October 4, 2024
I loved this book - I do feel it could have been shorter because it seemed like a lot of repetition. But I was all in with the concepts and everything. One question for me was if there are soooo many NDErs, why have i never met one, except through books? Maybe they don’t talk about it unless they are asked..
i do feel like its possible to feel that kind of love without dying first. But it is a stretch of the soul. I think it requires a consistent “thinking celestial”! 😇
i do feel like its possible to feel that kind of love without dying first. But it is a stretch of the soul. I think it requires a consistent “thinking celestial”! 😇
December 16, 2025
I enjoyed this one more than Imagine Heaven, i think, because we got more of the meat from people's stories and experiences. We can analyze and interpret them all we want, but just hearing the stories I think is what moves people and what moved & inspired me the most.
May 17, 2024
I loved this book! I will definitely be rereading it. I highly recommend.
September 25, 2024
This book was incredibly life changing. I recommend everyone to read this.
March 26, 2025
Just wow. This book is incredible and I feel like it rounded out my understanding of God while also giving me a better perspective of who He is and just how great His love is.
April 23, 2025
Incredible
The stories of NDE give hope to all . what a modern blessing this book is! It is long and at times repetitive, but that is the perfection of it!
The stories of NDE give hope to all . what a modern blessing this book is! It is long and at times repetitive, but that is the perfection of it!
August 29, 2025
Incredible. The evidence that is here. It is truly amazing and unfathomable to see how good and loving God is.
March 9, 2025
Easy read and interesting stories and perspectives.
January 3, 2026
Compelling book about NDE experiences of those from different backgrounds/places around the world and what they saw on the "other side". Comparisons given to first-hand experiences & Bible narrative, etc.
January 7, 2025
Recommend for anyone regardless of where you are in your faith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews