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Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You
1 out of 25 Americans has had a near-death experience.
Do they reveal the Heaven of the Bible?
All of us long to know what life after death will be like. Bestselling author John Burke is no exception. In Imagine Heaven, he compares more than one hundred gripping stories of near-death experiences (NDEs) to what Scripture says about our biggest questions of Heaven: Will I be myself? Will I see friends and loved ones? What will Heaven look like? What is God like? What will we do forever? What about children and pets?
Burke shows how the common experiences shared by thousands of near-death survivors--including doctors, college professors, bank presidents, people of all ages and cultures, and even blind people--point to the exhilarating picture of Heaven promised in the Bible.
This thrilling journey into the afterlife will make you feel like you've been there, forever changing the way you view the life to come--and the way you live your life today. You'll discover Heaven is even more amazing than you've ever imagined.
"Burke has managed to write this book like a detective novel--it's very hard to put down, yet filled with important content that answers the questions a typical person would have with this subject. In all honesty, this is now the go-to book on Heaven and NDEs."--J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Biola University
"In his engrossing book, my friend John Burke surveys the vast literature on NDEs, examining them in light of the Bible and showing how they can help us live with an eye on eternity."--Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ and The Case for Grace
"It's been a long time since I have enjoyed a book as much as this one. Imagine Heaven is clearly reasoned and draws relevant applications for our lives."--Gary R. Habermas, distinguished research professor and chair of the department of philosophy, Liberty University
John Burke is the author of No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and Unshockable Love. He is the pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. As an international speaker, John has addressed hundreds of thousands of people in twenty countries on topics of leadership and spiritual growth.
Do they reveal the Heaven of the Bible?
All of us long to know what life after death will be like. Bestselling author John Burke is no exception. In Imagine Heaven, he compares more than one hundred gripping stories of near-death experiences (NDEs) to what Scripture says about our biggest questions of Heaven: Will I be myself? Will I see friends and loved ones? What will Heaven look like? What is God like? What will we do forever? What about children and pets?
Burke shows how the common experiences shared by thousands of near-death survivors--including doctors, college professors, bank presidents, people of all ages and cultures, and even blind people--point to the exhilarating picture of Heaven promised in the Bible.
This thrilling journey into the afterlife will make you feel like you've been there, forever changing the way you view the life to come--and the way you live your life today. You'll discover Heaven is even more amazing than you've ever imagined.
"Burke has managed to write this book like a detective novel--it's very hard to put down, yet filled with important content that answers the questions a typical person would have with this subject. In all honesty, this is now the go-to book on Heaven and NDEs."--J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Biola University
"In his engrossing book, my friend John Burke surveys the vast literature on NDEs, examining them in light of the Bible and showing how they can help us live with an eye on eternity."--Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ and The Case for Grace
"It's been a long time since I have enjoyed a book as much as this one. Imagine Heaven is clearly reasoned and draws relevant applications for our lives."--Gary R. Habermas, distinguished research professor and chair of the department of philosophy, Liberty University
John Burke is the author of No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and Unshockable Love. He is the pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. As an international speaker, John has addressed hundreds of thousands of people in twenty countries on topics of leadership and spiritual growth.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
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July 19, 2019
4.5 Stars— “Imagine Heaven” by John Burke was a book I found on Kindle Unlimited as I was looking to ‘switch it up’ after reading too many thrillers in a row. I have a love for books about Near Death Experiences (NDE), and this one did not disappoint. “Imagine Heaven” is a cross between “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn and “Life After Life” by John Moody. It is the first book I have read on the subject that attempts to reconcile some of the more well documented NDE experiences/books with what the Bible says about Heaven. At first I thought that this format was not going to work, but the more I read the more I felt that the author did an excellent job of showing the legitimacy of the NDE by coupling them with what we know about Heaven from the Bible. The book is well researched ( but does rely heavily on the 3 most popular books about and
NDEs —which may be because these 3 are the most detailed accounts). A few of the NDEs detailed were new to me and absolutely amazing ( my favorite being an account by a blind person who had been blind since birth). The author also does a good job of covering less researched NDE topics like the NDEs of individuals professing other religions and atheists. He also does a good job of at least touching on the Hell NDE and the different versions of that event. The final half of the book moved at a fast pace, and I learned a lot about Heaven as Burke used NDEs to illustrate major points in his book. A very nice addition to this topic which I highly recommend.
NDEs —which may be because these 3 are the most detailed accounts). A few of the NDEs detailed were new to me and absolutely amazing ( my favorite being an account by a blind person who had been blind since birth). The author also does a good job of covering less researched NDE topics like the NDEs of individuals professing other religions and atheists. He also does a good job of at least touching on the Hell NDE and the different versions of that event. The final half of the book moved at a fast pace, and I learned a lot about Heaven as Burke used NDEs to illustrate major points in his book. A very nice addition to this topic which I highly recommend.
January 19, 2016
I am not sure I have the words to convey how much I loved this book. I needed this book. Every so often I find a book that I cannot wait to recommend to someone that I feel would be touched or encouraged by its contents. This book, however, is one that I feel should be read by everyone who has any interest at all in Heaven. In fact, this book is about SO much more than Heaven.
In Imagine Heaven, John Burke shares stories from many people who have had near-death experiences and ties together the details and commonalities in each of the stories. Each of these stories are set beside the many verses throughout scripture that talk about Heaven and also the author’s own thoughts about what we could possibly expect to experience there. Although these stories are quite compelling, I believe the most valuable part of this book is the beautiful thoughts by the author about life, love and relationships in the here and now. I was so very moved by his words and will be reading them over and over for years to come. As a Worship Leader, Imagine Heaven has given deeper meaning to the lyrics in my favorite worship songs and I find this book to be a wonderful resource in helping God’s people to seek after the heart of God in worship.
I hope that you’ll buy and read this book. It truly is about SO much more than imagining Heaven. I believe it’s also about understanding God’s love for us, for each other and His purposes for His people right here on earth!
In Imagine Heaven, John Burke shares stories from many people who have had near-death experiences and ties together the details and commonalities in each of the stories. Each of these stories are set beside the many verses throughout scripture that talk about Heaven and also the author’s own thoughts about what we could possibly expect to experience there. Although these stories are quite compelling, I believe the most valuable part of this book is the beautiful thoughts by the author about life, love and relationships in the here and now. I was so very moved by his words and will be reading them over and over for years to come. As a Worship Leader, Imagine Heaven has given deeper meaning to the lyrics in my favorite worship songs and I find this book to be a wonderful resource in helping God’s people to seek after the heart of God in worship.
I hope that you’ll buy and read this book. It truly is about SO much more than imagining Heaven. I believe it’s also about understanding God’s love for us, for each other and His purposes for His people right here on earth!
October 27, 2019
Look, I know the title is 'Imagine Heaven', but I was just not prepared for how often John Burke was going to exhort me to imagine heaven! My kindle counts over 55 instances of the phrase 'imagine heaven' alone, and there's a lot more imagining where that came from:
This isn't so bad; there's nothing wrong with an explicitly Christian book about NDEs evangelising for Christianity. And Burke's Christianity is that particularly American sort: open-hearted, naive, friendly, happy-clappy, desperate to share the source of all joy. It's sweet and it's endearing.
However, it does get annoying when the actual NDE stories are given second place. There are too many instances of Burke quoting little snippets of NDE testimony, and then going into depth about how that fits with scripture or what we ought to deduce about heaven, without ever finishing the story. I wanted a lot more of the first-hand testimony. At the very least it would've been nice for each story to begin at the beginning and get to the end before the interpretation began.
However, it's even worse than that. Burke says in the beginning:
Uh-oh, it's not a good start when an author makes no effort to verify his facts. But it gets worse:
So Burke is not checking his sources for truthfulness, but he is checking for scriptural conformity.
With this in mind, it's impossible not to be disappointed by the book. A book which reviews all the NDE testimonies and gives a disinterested assessment of where they align with Christian dogma would be interesting. So would some apologetics explaining any divergence. But a book which is so openly biased and cherry-picking is not very interesting on the topic of NDEs.
Burke claims that no NDErs ever mentioned reincarnation, which I know can't be true because I've just finished an entire book about a Jewish woman who died and came back convinced of reincarnation: Changed in a Flash: One Woman's Near-Death Experience and Why a Scholar Thinks It Empowers Us All. Knowing that, I don't put much store in his claims that nobody ever encounters a non-Christian deity in the afterlife, or that people who have never heard of Jesus meet him in heaven.
Despite the unreliability of the book, I did enjoy it. It's impossible not to be pulled in by the uplifting and joyful tone and Burke's overwhelming excitement about just how great heaven is going to be. It's so very wholesome I'd be happy to include it in my category of 'comfort reads for rainy days' but, like most other books in that pile, it's probably fiction.
John says "his eyes were like blazing fire" (Revelation 1:14) Yet not like fire as we know it - imagine eyes so magical, you can't stop staring.
Imagining and living for Heaven is not optional to God - it's the hope God wants us to hold in our mind's eye.
Just imagine, that point of life you feared most - the death of your earthly body - suddenly frees you in a way you never anticipated. [...] Imagine no more aches and pains, those ailments and impairments are gone, and the limitations of movement in your earthbound body do not seem to apply to this new, upgraded spiritual body [...] Recall the strength and stamina of those teen years? Imagine a new body that feels even better than that! [...] Imagine - to live again, forever young, but with wisdom too!
Imagine sharing in God's glory!
We don't feel fully known, understood, or valued by others or even ourselves [...] Imagine how in Heaven, all this gets replaced with an unbelievable clarity of who God created you to be - fully yourself, fully unique, for a unique relationship with your Creator. [...] Just imagine what God wants for you.
Imagine Heaven - the greatest reunion ever - with friends, family, even distant relatives you never know. [...] Imagine all the family hurts and pains, finally redeemed by the love of God. [...] Imagine this new Family of familes God has in store for all who love him. Imagine meeting relatives from hundreds of years past, joined as this family you never knew.
This isn't so bad; there's nothing wrong with an explicitly Christian book about NDEs evangelising for Christianity. And Burke's Christianity is that particularly American sort: open-hearted, naive, friendly, happy-clappy, desperate to share the source of all joy. It's sweet and it's endearing.
However, it does get annoying when the actual NDE stories are given second place. There are too many instances of Burke quoting little snippets of NDE testimony, and then going into depth about how that fits with scripture or what we ought to deduce about heaven, without ever finishing the story. I wanted a lot more of the first-hand testimony. At the very least it would've been nice for each story to begin at the beginning and get to the end before the interpretation began.
However, it's even worse than that. Burke says in the beginning:
I cannot vouch for each individual's authenticity or credibility. Some NDErs I will quote because their reported experience correlates with other experiences and Scripture, yet I do not agree with their interpretations or conclusions. And even if some turn out to be fraudulent (like the boy who made up a near-death story for attention), this does not concern me, because the stories I've chosen could be replaced with many others describing much of the same things.
Uh-oh, it's not a good start when an author makes no effort to verify his facts. But it gets worse:
But some Christians adamantly say all NDEs are satanic deceptions. If so, it seems Satan is doing a poor job of misrepresenting God. Plus, God is allowing little children and Christ-followers (including his pastors) to be deceived. Of course, all of us can be deceived, so it's wise to check all claims against Scripture, and as Jesus said, look at the fruit it produces in a life (Matthew 7:16).
So Burke is not checking his sources for truthfulness, but he is checking for scriptural conformity.
With this in mind, it's impossible not to be disappointed by the book. A book which reviews all the NDE testimonies and gives a disinterested assessment of where they align with Christian dogma would be interesting. So would some apologetics explaining any divergence. But a book which is so openly biased and cherry-picking is not very interesting on the topic of NDEs.
Burke claims that no NDErs ever mentioned reincarnation, which I know can't be true because I've just finished an entire book about a Jewish woman who died and came back convinced of reincarnation: Changed in a Flash: One Woman's Near-Death Experience and Why a Scholar Thinks It Empowers Us All. Knowing that, I don't put much store in his claims that nobody ever encounters a non-Christian deity in the afterlife, or that people who have never heard of Jesus meet him in heaven.
Despite the unreliability of the book, I did enjoy it. It's impossible not to be pulled in by the uplifting and joyful tone and Burke's overwhelming excitement about just how great heaven is going to be. It's so very wholesome I'd be happy to include it in my category of 'comfort reads for rainy days' but, like most other books in that pile, it's probably fiction.
May 16, 2019
I'm changing the review I originally had on here (2 stars down from 5), because I've had a lot of time to ponder the book ever since I put it down, and I realize two things that are extremely crucial to this book's credibility:
1. This book is based on emotional pleas, not fact-based evidence. What I mean by that is that this book starts from the assumption (I say this in the most generous of terms) that the Bible is 100% accurate in everything that it says. Once you go off of this assumption, then it's easy to say that what people see in near-death experiences (NDEs) can be linked to the Bible. Religion triggers the same areas of the brain as fear, and therefore alerts similar mental reflexes. Religious people are more afraid of death than non-religious people are, thus causing them to see all of this religious imagery when they have NDEs. But if you don't even take that obvious piece of information into account, the argument is still faulty. Many of the NDEs observed in Burke's own book contradict each other, with different observations of heaven and different accounts on what happens in heaven. All of it is based on psychological, emotional reflexes the brain brings back to the forefront when people are on the verge of death, even for non-religious people who "see" Jesus.
2. There is no proof of God's existence or of Heaven's existence presented in this book. The author goes with the assumption that because these people saw something, therefore it must be believed. As I stated previously, many of the people interviewed for this book give conflicting accounts, and I assume there would only be one heaven if it was real, so not all of these accounts can be accurate. But the one thing tying all of them together is that they have a strong emotional affect on the person who experienced it, and it usually led to them changing their life in some way.
In that case, that presents the effects of religions. It implants itself like a seed from the earliest days of childhood, the first time a parent forces a child to go to church, or to Sunday school, and is forcibly taught something as if it's accurate information and is expected not to question it. Then if/when they have a NDE, these vivid religious images implanted since youth will come to the forefront. (I've already stated many non-religious people - many of whom were previously religious - already know of religious imagery in some way, shape, or form.) These images will scare these people into shaping their lives. Whether or not it actually gets them into "Heaven" remains to be seen.
For now, I remain a skeptic of any religious book having 100% of the answers. I give it two stars because it was an interesting read, and I would recommend it to anyone who's interested in the subject. But I would warn them not to be fooled by any emotional persuasions, like I had after my initial reading.
1. This book is based on emotional pleas, not fact-based evidence. What I mean by that is that this book starts from the assumption (I say this in the most generous of terms) that the Bible is 100% accurate in everything that it says. Once you go off of this assumption, then it's easy to say that what people see in near-death experiences (NDEs) can be linked to the Bible. Religion triggers the same areas of the brain as fear, and therefore alerts similar mental reflexes. Religious people are more afraid of death than non-religious people are, thus causing them to see all of this religious imagery when they have NDEs. But if you don't even take that obvious piece of information into account, the argument is still faulty. Many of the NDEs observed in Burke's own book contradict each other, with different observations of heaven and different accounts on what happens in heaven. All of it is based on psychological, emotional reflexes the brain brings back to the forefront when people are on the verge of death, even for non-religious people who "see" Jesus.
2. There is no proof of God's existence or of Heaven's existence presented in this book. The author goes with the assumption that because these people saw something, therefore it must be believed. As I stated previously, many of the people interviewed for this book give conflicting accounts, and I assume there would only be one heaven if it was real, so not all of these accounts can be accurate. But the one thing tying all of them together is that they have a strong emotional affect on the person who experienced it, and it usually led to them changing their life in some way.
In that case, that presents the effects of religions. It implants itself like a seed from the earliest days of childhood, the first time a parent forces a child to go to church, or to Sunday school, and is forcibly taught something as if it's accurate information and is expected not to question it. Then if/when they have a NDE, these vivid religious images implanted since youth will come to the forefront. (I've already stated many non-religious people - many of whom were previously religious - already know of religious imagery in some way, shape, or form.) These images will scare these people into shaping their lives. Whether or not it actually gets them into "Heaven" remains to be seen.
For now, I remain a skeptic of any religious book having 100% of the answers. I give it two stars because it was an interesting read, and I would recommend it to anyone who's interested in the subject. But I would warn them not to be fooled by any emotional persuasions, like I had after my initial reading.
July 21, 2016
The timing of this book is perfect
When I first got started on learning more about Heaven, it was because of a book I'd heard of called "90 Minutes In Heaven". Upon reading this I wanted to learn more about these NDEs. This was the first book I purchased. I was loving all the descriptions of the NDErs' experiences. Months after I bought the book, my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It wasn't a long illness and she was fortunate to experience no pain. We live far apart (about 700 miles) and I am disabled and unable to travel that distance without a lot of pain. Needless to say, I didn't get to visit very often.
Shortly after I got the news about my mom, my sister let me and my brother (who lives 4 hours away from them) know that mom's wish was to see us before she died. The timing was perfect. My husband was taking a half day off from work for a dental appointment on the 4th of July weekend which was cancelled due to a suspicion of a possible abscess and needed antibiotics before getting the tooth worked on. This gave us a 4 day weekend - 2 days to drive down and 2 days to drive back home with an afternoon visit on Saturday and a bit more than a half day on Sunday.
My brother was also able to get there a couple of hours before we had to go. While I sat with my mom on Saturday, she was extremely weak. Eyes mostly closed and when she did open them it was only half lidded. I knew it would be a surprise if she made it through the summer and I instantly thought of this book. We are Born Again Christians, my dad was a pastor for many decades before he had a stroke and couldn't preach any more so we believe in Heaven and Hell.
As I sat talking to her, I mentioned that I had read a book about people who had died and had Near Death Experiences and I'd gotten an idea of what she was going to see. I started telling her the various stories and her eyes were wide open, staring at me very intently which she hadn't done any of the other times I had sat with her. When I was done, her eyes went back to her normal half lidded seeing.
After we got back home, the following Tuesday I got the call that mom had died. I thought how God works things out. Any other time it would have been my father-in-law who would have taken me at a time when I needed my husband with me but he wouldn't have been able to get the days off. The timing was perfect. And the fact that I had gotten this book before my mom got cancer and was able to share with her some of the stories I'd read was awesome. It wasn't my normal reading forte, yet I had bought it and read it. I feel that it might have made her passing a lot less scary and to know that it was this book that made it possible for me to tell her the things I'd read...well there's just no words to describe the feeling. I read this again and, while it made me cry, I could picture her reuniting with her parents who had died at the ages of 50 and 51, along with all the rest of family and friends who had died before her. I could see her in perfect health, with all the music which she loved so much and envisioning what she was probably seeing and doing, gave me a peace about her death that I don't think I would have had if I hadn't read this book.
I know this is not a normal review but I hope I have created enough interest through my own experience that maybe someone will need the same kind of comfort that it has given me and will get it with the reading of this book.
When I first got started on learning more about Heaven, it was because of a book I'd heard of called "90 Minutes In Heaven". Upon reading this I wanted to learn more about these NDEs. This was the first book I purchased. I was loving all the descriptions of the NDErs' experiences. Months after I bought the book, my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It wasn't a long illness and she was fortunate to experience no pain. We live far apart (about 700 miles) and I am disabled and unable to travel that distance without a lot of pain. Needless to say, I didn't get to visit very often.
Shortly after I got the news about my mom, my sister let me and my brother (who lives 4 hours away from them) know that mom's wish was to see us before she died. The timing was perfect. My husband was taking a half day off from work for a dental appointment on the 4th of July weekend which was cancelled due to a suspicion of a possible abscess and needed antibiotics before getting the tooth worked on. This gave us a 4 day weekend - 2 days to drive down and 2 days to drive back home with an afternoon visit on Saturday and a bit more than a half day on Sunday.
My brother was also able to get there a couple of hours before we had to go. While I sat with my mom on Saturday, she was extremely weak. Eyes mostly closed and when she did open them it was only half lidded. I knew it would be a surprise if she made it through the summer and I instantly thought of this book. We are Born Again Christians, my dad was a pastor for many decades before he had a stroke and couldn't preach any more so we believe in Heaven and Hell.
As I sat talking to her, I mentioned that I had read a book about people who had died and had Near Death Experiences and I'd gotten an idea of what she was going to see. I started telling her the various stories and her eyes were wide open, staring at me very intently which she hadn't done any of the other times I had sat with her. When I was done, her eyes went back to her normal half lidded seeing.
After we got back home, the following Tuesday I got the call that mom had died. I thought how God works things out. Any other time it would have been my father-in-law who would have taken me at a time when I needed my husband with me but he wouldn't have been able to get the days off. The timing was perfect. And the fact that I had gotten this book before my mom got cancer and was able to share with her some of the stories I'd read was awesome. It wasn't my normal reading forte, yet I had bought it and read it. I feel that it might have made her passing a lot less scary and to know that it was this book that made it possible for me to tell her the things I'd read...well there's just no words to describe the feeling. I read this again and, while it made me cry, I could picture her reuniting with her parents who had died at the ages of 50 and 51, along with all the rest of family and friends who had died before her. I could see her in perfect health, with all the music which she loved so much and envisioning what she was probably seeing and doing, gave me a peace about her death that I don't think I would have had if I hadn't read this book.
I know this is not a normal review but I hope I have created enough interest through my own experience that maybe someone will need the same kind of comfort that it has given me and will get it with the reading of this book.
April 13, 2020
Honestly, I feel guilty giving this book 1 star!
To begin with, it is quite true that heaven is a place of perfect bliss—devoid of all sorrow and sin, full of exultation and enjoyment—a place where grace and peace reign totally unchallenged. Heaven is where every true treasure and every eternal reward is laid up for the redeemed. Anyone whose destiny is heaven will certainly experience more joy and honor there than the fallen mind is capable of comprehending—infinitely more than any fallen creature deserves. But if you actually saw heaven and lived to tell about it, those things are not what would capture your heart and imagination.
Now, my question is, it the biblical Heaven recounted in this book, or not? The short answer is a big NO! The Stories presented in this book are dangerous as they are seductive. Readers not only get a twisted, unbiblical picture of heaven; they also imbibe a subjective, superstitious, shallow brand of spirituality. Studying mystical accounts of supposed journeys into the afterlife yields nothing but confusion, contradiction, false hope, bad doctrine, and a host of similar evils. They sound as if they viewed paradise in a mirror, keeping themselves in the foreground. They say comparatively little about God or His glory. But the glory of God is what the Bible says fills, illuminates, and defines heaven. Instead, the authors of these stories seem obsessed with details like how good they felt—how peaceful, how happy, how comforted they were; how they received privileges and accolades; how fun and enlightening their experience was; and how many things they think they now understand perfectly that could never be gleaned from Scripture alone. In short, they glorify self while barely noticing God’s glory. They highlight everything but what’s truly important about heaven.
There is simply no reason to believe anyone who claims to have gone to heaven and returned. John 3:13 says, “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” And John 1:18 says, “No one has seen God at any time.” Not one biblical person ever gave any recorded account of his or her postmortem experience in the realm of departed souls.
It is, however, right and beneficial for Christians to fix their hearts on heaven. Scripture commands us to cultivate that perspective: (Colossians 3:1–2; 2 Corinthians 4:18); Philippians 3:20). Such a perspective is the very essence of true faith, according to Hebrews 11. It will be the eternal abode of the redeemed. No wonder Christians are intrigued with the subject.
But no matter how much they might obsess over what heaven is like, people who fill their heads with a lot of fantastic or delusional ideas from others’ near-death experiences have not truly set their minds on things above. If the inerrant biblical truth God has given us is the only reliable knowledge about heaven we have access to (and it is), then that is what should grip our hearts and minds, not the dreams and speculations of human minds.
P.S. Additional quotations from some sermons by Pastor John MacArthur on Heaven.
To begin with, it is quite true that heaven is a place of perfect bliss—devoid of all sorrow and sin, full of exultation and enjoyment—a place where grace and peace reign totally unchallenged. Heaven is where every true treasure and every eternal reward is laid up for the redeemed. Anyone whose destiny is heaven will certainly experience more joy and honor there than the fallen mind is capable of comprehending—infinitely more than any fallen creature deserves. But if you actually saw heaven and lived to tell about it, those things are not what would capture your heart and imagination.
Now, my question is, it the biblical Heaven recounted in this book, or not? The short answer is a big NO! The Stories presented in this book are dangerous as they are seductive. Readers not only get a twisted, unbiblical picture of heaven; they also imbibe a subjective, superstitious, shallow brand of spirituality. Studying mystical accounts of supposed journeys into the afterlife yields nothing but confusion, contradiction, false hope, bad doctrine, and a host of similar evils. They sound as if they viewed paradise in a mirror, keeping themselves in the foreground. They say comparatively little about God or His glory. But the glory of God is what the Bible says fills, illuminates, and defines heaven. Instead, the authors of these stories seem obsessed with details like how good they felt—how peaceful, how happy, how comforted they were; how they received privileges and accolades; how fun and enlightening their experience was; and how many things they think they now understand perfectly that could never be gleaned from Scripture alone. In short, they glorify self while barely noticing God’s glory. They highlight everything but what’s truly important about heaven.
There is simply no reason to believe anyone who claims to have gone to heaven and returned. John 3:13 says, “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” And John 1:18 says, “No one has seen God at any time.” Not one biblical person ever gave any recorded account of his or her postmortem experience in the realm of departed souls.
It is, however, right and beneficial for Christians to fix their hearts on heaven. Scripture commands us to cultivate that perspective: (Colossians 3:1–2; 2 Corinthians 4:18); Philippians 3:20). Such a perspective is the very essence of true faith, according to Hebrews 11. It will be the eternal abode of the redeemed. No wonder Christians are intrigued with the subject.
But no matter how much they might obsess over what heaven is like, people who fill their heads with a lot of fantastic or delusional ideas from others’ near-death experiences have not truly set their minds on things above. If the inerrant biblical truth God has given us is the only reliable knowledge about heaven we have access to (and it is), then that is what should grip our hearts and minds, not the dreams and speculations of human minds.
P.S. Additional quotations from some sermons by Pastor John MacArthur on Heaven.
December 9, 2015
This is an unusual book in many ways. The author takes up many of the NDE (Near Death Experiences) and compares them to what the Bible teaches about Heaven. There is great variety and if you have not read about NDE's, this would be a great book to get a comprehensive view of them. NDE's are somewhat controversial. Regardless of how you may feel about them, there are many thrilling insights given in the book about Heaven. The author believes that many of the NDE's substantiate what the Bible teaches concerning Heaven.
June 23, 2018
I read this book on the recommendation of a friend, the husband of a dear friend who died a few months ago. Although his wife wanted him to go to church with her, he never would. He had attended only one church service since adolescence, and he's now in his late seventies. This book changed his life. He is a believer now, regularly attending church. Praise God!
Since I had read several books about near-death experiences (NDEs), I didn't expect to find much new in this book. However, this book is different in that it includes NDEs of people around the world, with different beliefs and faith practices. The other books I've read were usually written by the person who had the NDE and focused on that individual's experience. This book focused on the commonalities among NDEs of diverse people.
Believing as I do that Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life," I was curious about what people who believed in other gods saw in Heaven. Although they may have used the name of their god (probably because that was the only name they knew for God), their descriptions describe Jesus as He is described in the Bible. It's not surprising that many people who weren't believers before an NDE became believers after the experience.
Although I have never had an NDE, I was blessed to have a dream or a vision of my husband shortly after his death. He just appeared to me, without saying a word or doing anything. He was almost eighty and very sick when he died, but in my vision he looked young (about thirty) and healthy. The most noticeable feature was the pure joy that radiated from him. Throughout his life, he was happy and smiling more often than not, but his earthly smile was weak and pale compared to the beautiful heavenly smile he gave me in that vision. So I wasn't surprised to read in this book of how joyous people are in Heaven.
One thing that surprised me a little was the assertion that we are active in Heaven. I've never really thought about what people in Heaven do beyond the popular concept that they are sitting on clouds, playing the harp or ringing bells. But John Burke tells us that people in Heaven have work to do and projects to complete. The work is not the hard toil of earth, but it is productive. That was a new concept to me, and I like that idea.
The descriptions of Heaven made me eager to see it in person, and the NDE stories strengthened the impression I received from my husband's "visit" that Heaven is a place of incredible joy.
Since I had read several books about near-death experiences (NDEs), I didn't expect to find much new in this book. However, this book is different in that it includes NDEs of people around the world, with different beliefs and faith practices. The other books I've read were usually written by the person who had the NDE and focused on that individual's experience. This book focused on the commonalities among NDEs of diverse people.
Believing as I do that Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life," I was curious about what people who believed in other gods saw in Heaven. Although they may have used the name of their god (probably because that was the only name they knew for God), their descriptions describe Jesus as He is described in the Bible. It's not surprising that many people who weren't believers before an NDE became believers after the experience.
Although I have never had an NDE, I was blessed to have a dream or a vision of my husband shortly after his death. He just appeared to me, without saying a word or doing anything. He was almost eighty and very sick when he died, but in my vision he looked young (about thirty) and healthy. The most noticeable feature was the pure joy that radiated from him. Throughout his life, he was happy and smiling more often than not, but his earthly smile was weak and pale compared to the beautiful heavenly smile he gave me in that vision. So I wasn't surprised to read in this book of how joyous people are in Heaven.
One thing that surprised me a little was the assertion that we are active in Heaven. I've never really thought about what people in Heaven do beyond the popular concept that they are sitting on clouds, playing the harp or ringing bells. But John Burke tells us that people in Heaven have work to do and projects to complete. The work is not the hard toil of earth, but it is productive. That was a new concept to me, and I like that idea.
The descriptions of Heaven made me eager to see it in person, and the NDE stories strengthened the impression I received from my husband's "visit" that Heaven is a place of incredible joy.
July 4, 2016
Burke provides interesting biblical support for near death experiences. He suggests that those who have "died" have been given glimpses or tastes of heaven and sometimes hell. It was repetitive and I found myself skimming parts, but it still enhanced my hope of heaven.
March 25, 2022
4.5
This was such a good book.
I’ve been well-churched, and I have a grasp of the glories awaiting believers in heaven. But John Burke approached the writing of this book in a way such that my yearning to be there increased all the more. He pairs many compelling NDE accounts with the soundness of scripture, and then leaves the reader with a thoughtful call to action.
I wish we talked about heaven (and hell) more today. It’s easy to “judge not” the hearts of those around us, while forgetting (or not even knowing) the gravity of the unending misery that awaits those who refuse to accept the free gift of salvation. Not all of the NDE’s in this book are stories of people who had a glorious peek into heaven. There are also many accounts of others who tried to forget what they experienced at the doors of hell. What I read in this book is causing me to think differently and pray harder, lest anyone I love might spend eternity in a place like what they described!
One message was so clear from both sides of studying the NDE coin: “The Lord is definitely NOT slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but IS longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (emphasis mine)
Who should read this book?
Those who don’t know much about heaven, and those who do. Anyone who grieves the loss of a loved one, and everyone who eventually will. Mothers who are bringing up children, and dads who have such a heavy influence. Friends who love and family who care.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
This was such a good book.
I’ve been well-churched, and I have a grasp of the glories awaiting believers in heaven. But John Burke approached the writing of this book in a way such that my yearning to be there increased all the more. He pairs many compelling NDE accounts with the soundness of scripture, and then leaves the reader with a thoughtful call to action.
I wish we talked about heaven (and hell) more today. It’s easy to “judge not” the hearts of those around us, while forgetting (or not even knowing) the gravity of the unending misery that awaits those who refuse to accept the free gift of salvation. Not all of the NDE’s in this book are stories of people who had a glorious peek into heaven. There are also many accounts of others who tried to forget what they experienced at the doors of hell. What I read in this book is causing me to think differently and pray harder, lest anyone I love might spend eternity in a place like what they described!
One message was so clear from both sides of studying the NDE coin: “The Lord is definitely NOT slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but IS longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (emphasis mine)
Who should read this book?
Those who don’t know much about heaven, and those who do. Anyone who grieves the loss of a loved one, and everyone who eventually will. Mothers who are bringing up children, and dads who have such a heavy influence. Friends who love and family who care.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
December 11, 2024
Read this book to help me through the sudden loss of my cousin. I needed some comfort to know that he is really in a better place, because at one point I just believed he's gone and that was that, and that made his loss even harder. But this book took me to where people with near-death experiences have said to be the most beautiful place ever, and that all that was felt was peace and happiness, where everything is about light, the skies have colors that we have never seen before, and so much more. By the end of it, I realized that if we really believe that this is the heaven that exist then we should be happy our loved ones have reached a destination that is basically paradise. That it would be selfish to want to keep them here knowing they are somewhere so much better.
This book provides spectacular interviews and imageries along with the scriptures from the bible that all tied into one. It just gives your soul a sense of peace and calm that the greatest of all is still yet to come and to love god and all of him because he is the only way. I loved this book and it has changed a lot of my views and for the better. A highly recommended read especially for someone who is on the fence about religion or spirituality
This book provides spectacular interviews and imageries along with the scriptures from the bible that all tied into one. It just gives your soul a sense of peace and calm that the greatest of all is still yet to come and to love god and all of him because he is the only way. I loved this book and it has changed a lot of my views and for the better. A highly recommended read especially for someone who is on the fence about religion or spirituality
August 6, 2024
Ik heb de Nederlandse versie van dit boek gelezen: “Stel je de hemel eens voor”.
Dit was denk ik (na de Bijbel) het meest impactvolle, bijzondere en levensveranderende boek (ja écht) dat ik ooit gelezen heb!!
In dit boek worden op een hele wetenschappelijke (objectieve) manier de Bijna-Dood-Ervaringen beschreven van mensen van over de hele wereld. Dit boek toont aan dat deze ervaringen onderling sterke overeenkomsten hebben én ook enorm overeen komen met wat er in de Bijbel staat. Door dit boek krijg je een groot inkijkje in wat ons in de toekomst te wachten staat in de Hemel (of Hel) en vooral de enorme liefde en genade die God voor ons heeft. Het boek geeft heel veel vreugde en hoop voor onze toekomst en zal je juist niet angstig maken! Verder leer je ook door deze ervaringen wat er écht toe doet in God’s ogen hier op aarde en waar we ons dus naar mogen uitstrekken in ons dagelijks leven.
Ik raad iedereen aan dit boek te lezen! Ik geef het 6 sterren, maar dat kan niet, dus dan maar 5 ⭐️ Mocht je het boek willen lenen, dan moet dat zeker een keer lukken!
Dit was denk ik (na de Bijbel) het meest impactvolle, bijzondere en levensveranderende boek (ja écht) dat ik ooit gelezen heb!!
In dit boek worden op een hele wetenschappelijke (objectieve) manier de Bijna-Dood-Ervaringen beschreven van mensen van over de hele wereld. Dit boek toont aan dat deze ervaringen onderling sterke overeenkomsten hebben én ook enorm overeen komen met wat er in de Bijbel staat. Door dit boek krijg je een groot inkijkje in wat ons in de toekomst te wachten staat in de Hemel (of Hel) en vooral de enorme liefde en genade die God voor ons heeft. Het boek geeft heel veel vreugde en hoop voor onze toekomst en zal je juist niet angstig maken! Verder leer je ook door deze ervaringen wat er écht toe doet in God’s ogen hier op aarde en waar we ons dus naar mogen uitstrekken in ons dagelijks leven.
Ik raad iedereen aan dit boek te lezen! Ik geef het 6 sterren, maar dat kan niet, dus dan maar 5 ⭐️ Mocht je het boek willen lenen, dan moet dat zeker een keer lukken!
February 12, 2018
I read a lot about the topic of NDE's (near-death experiences) and the afterlife. It fascinates me. Not all of the books I read focus on the religious aspect, but many do. I make that point because this one does include references to God, as you can see in the title, and many people who won't read books that do not include God need to know up front that this one most definitely does.
John Burke has been studying NDE's and recording them for many years. In this book, he talks about the similarities in them, including a superior being that many call God or other names, and a place much like what we perceive Heaven to be. He also delves into questions many of us wonder about: are there animals? what about evil people? is Hell real?
This book will answer many of your questions, and it is a very comforting book to read following the loss of a loved one, person or pet alike.
I highly recommend this to people who are grieving, and to anyone who wonders "what happens next"? There are too many similarities in NDE's to discount them to simple oxygen deprivation and the like.
John Burke has been studying NDE's and recording them for many years. In this book, he talks about the similarities in them, including a superior being that many call God or other names, and a place much like what we perceive Heaven to be. He also delves into questions many of us wonder about: are there animals? what about evil people? is Hell real?
This book will answer many of your questions, and it is a very comforting book to read following the loss of a loved one, person or pet alike.
I highly recommend this to people who are grieving, and to anyone who wonders "what happens next"? There are too many similarities in NDE's to discount them to simple oxygen deprivation and the like.
October 22, 2017
Well, The stories of people's death and return to this world were hard to believe. First of all, the stories recorded were all from a Western worldview and perspective. I would have liked to have heard about near-death experiences from people in other countries. I did not read the last chapter completely because it seemed the author was doing a lot of speculating. As a follower of Jesus, yes, this book is comforting but I still find myself being a bit skeptical. I guess the experiences of children were the most intriguing. So I am a bit skeptical about the book although I am glad I read it because others are reading it. I remember that the big issue when someone died, at least in the first part of the book was, had they loved well. All about love and so I have come across people who are focusing on the love issue in regards to eternity and not mentioning Jesus and His sacrifice, his death and resurrection. Although Jesus does show up in the book in most of the experiences, not all of them, sometimes it is angels, I guess. So still a little confused about the book
March 30, 2021
This book is about near death experiences. True stories of people that died and came back to life. They all saw a outstanding bright light of love they never could imagine on earth. They saw Jesus. Some woman named Vicky was blind her entire life and she told people she could see herself first when she died and then she went into a tunnel of brightness and saw her family and friends and Jesus. Another 6 year old girl kept on saying she she saw herself die too and saw Jesus. And Jesus asked the little girl if she wanted to back with her mommy. Some people did not believe her. Most of the doctors found out that they had to be telling truth about seeing themselves dead because they gave every detail about what got in their charts.
January 28, 2023
I loved this book and highly recommend to other Christian’s! It inspired me to do more with the time I have here on earth as well as excite me for what’s in store for us in heaven. It also helped with my fears and anxiety in thinking about death. The only reason I’m giving it a 4 is because I was hoping it would go into more detail on certain subjects such as relationships in heaven, pet’s in heaven, etc. but I felt at times the chapters tended to get repetitive.
February 27, 2025
I needed this book. ❤️🩹
November 27, 2025
I strongly recommend this book to anyone dealing with the anxiety of dying or the death of a loved one. It was a complete accidental discovery, but I truly feel it was meant to be. I got even more out of it by listening to the author's 'Imagine Heaven Podcast,' which features guests from the book—including atheists and blind individuals—sharing their moving stories. I've since purchased copies for friends who have recently experienced a loss.
November 10, 2015
Imagine Heaven is so thoroughly researched that even a skeptic can see that Burke has thought of every angle. He's researched near death experiences (NDEs) from all sorts of people: those who have nothing to gain and a lot of credibility to lose (e.g., doctors), those from other faiths, those with disabilities here who have no disabilities in heaven, and those who had negative experiences after dying.
I had a couple of secret beliefs about heaven that appear to be borne out in these accounts. I wondered if we would be the best version of ourselves (the energy of youth, the wisdom of experience, etc.), and that seems to be what people recount. We are still ourselves, and we still know the people who are important to us here. Another interesting point is that there is a life review -- a sort of highlight reel (or lowlight reel -- this ain't Facebook) of what you've done. You can see the ripple effects of your actions. That's something I've believed would happen, but it came with a surprise: those who had this experience didn't feel judged or condemned by God; on the contrary, any condemnation was self-inflicted.
One of the clearest features of many of these experiences was being asked what one did with one's life... how well you loved others while on earth. It really does come down to the way Jesus simplified it for his followers: Love God and love people. All other laws or rules proceed from this.
Words matter. Actions matter. The point of this life is to love others. Our choice to follow God (or our rejection of Him) has eternal consequences. But the choice is entirely ours; He has given us the free will to choose or to reject Him.
Imagine Heaven has encouraged me to try to see others through God's eyes -- His love, mercy, and grace. Naturally I fail at this daily. But knowing a little about the amazing place that God has prepared for us makes me see this life differently, in the best possible way.
Disclaimers: I finished reading an advance copy of this book a couple of weeks ago. I agreed to write an honest review. John Burke is my pastor of 18 years and a friend. However, if he'd written a dud, I'd be honest about it. Currently this ranks as my favorite of Burke's four books.
I had a couple of secret beliefs about heaven that appear to be borne out in these accounts. I wondered if we would be the best version of ourselves (the energy of youth, the wisdom of experience, etc.), and that seems to be what people recount. We are still ourselves, and we still know the people who are important to us here. Another interesting point is that there is a life review -- a sort of highlight reel (or lowlight reel -- this ain't Facebook) of what you've done. You can see the ripple effects of your actions. That's something I've believed would happen, but it came with a surprise: those who had this experience didn't feel judged or condemned by God; on the contrary, any condemnation was self-inflicted.
One of the clearest features of many of these experiences was being asked what one did with one's life... how well you loved others while on earth. It really does come down to the way Jesus simplified it for his followers: Love God and love people. All other laws or rules proceed from this.
Words matter. Actions matter. The point of this life is to love others. Our choice to follow God (or our rejection of Him) has eternal consequences. But the choice is entirely ours; He has given us the free will to choose or to reject Him.
Imagine Heaven has encouraged me to try to see others through God's eyes -- His love, mercy, and grace. Naturally I fail at this daily. But knowing a little about the amazing place that God has prepared for us makes me see this life differently, in the best possible way.
Disclaimers: I finished reading an advance copy of this book a couple of weeks ago. I agreed to write an honest review. John Burke is my pastor of 18 years and a friend. However, if he'd written a dud, I'd be honest about it. Currently this ranks as my favorite of Burke's four books.
November 1, 2015
Great book, exciting for those who question or fear life after death
I've often thought about seeing Jesus Christ, heaven, those who I love that passed and know Him, as well as those who passed and decided to reject Him. What about life after death experiences from people from other countries and faiths, or no faiths such as atheist proclaim. This book studies all these questions and more, empirically and logically, mixing hope and wonder of what is yet to come. Scriptures are heavily used to reference and guide the reader as to how the person who has experienced life after death matches what the Word of God tells us. I really like most how the author states that these sightings of life after death should not by any means take the place of priority over scriptures while using the descriptions of the after life as more of like adding color or highlights to an existing painting provided by God in the Holy Bible. I can't express or urge enough how important it is for anyone, regardless of your beliefs, nationality or origin to read this book. If you are worried or scared of what to expect after life, this, besides the Bible is a great place to start your research into this topic. I for one , who has read through the entire Bible and continue to study what I believe is God's word, highly recommend this book as an exciting view into the afterlife.
I've often thought about seeing Jesus Christ, heaven, those who I love that passed and know Him, as well as those who passed and decided to reject Him. What about life after death experiences from people from other countries and faiths, or no faiths such as atheist proclaim. This book studies all these questions and more, empirically and logically, mixing hope and wonder of what is yet to come. Scriptures are heavily used to reference and guide the reader as to how the person who has experienced life after death matches what the Word of God tells us. I really like most how the author states that these sightings of life after death should not by any means take the place of priority over scriptures while using the descriptions of the after life as more of like adding color or highlights to an existing painting provided by God in the Holy Bible. I can't express or urge enough how important it is for anyone, regardless of your beliefs, nationality or origin to read this book. If you are worried or scared of what to expect after life, this, besides the Bible is a great place to start your research into this topic. I for one , who has read through the entire Bible and continue to study what I believe is God's word, highly recommend this book as an exciting view into the afterlife.
August 13, 2018
Imagine Heaven made me feel closer to my son. I’ve always held God’s truth in my heart that He prepared a place for us to live with Him after we pass away from earth. I’ve looked forward to the beauty, peace, His presence, new discoveries, no struggles. The stories in this book, the amount of research done, and the reputation of the author and those he referenced, added strength to my faith. I have fewer questions and concerns about where my son is. I get so much comfort from Gods Word, this thoroughly investigated book, and the testimonies of people who have experienced death/loss of a loved one. I recommend this to people of all faiths- it’s not written from a strictly western world perspective.
December 16, 2015
A wonderful compilation of over 120 NDE accounts brought together in one source. Heaven became tangible to me as the author brought these accounts and compared them with biblical scripture. This text brings such vivid picture of Heaven with testimony after testimony from witnesses who've seen it. It also gives several accounts of the horrors that await those who choose to live separated from God eternally -- something I would not wish upon anyone.
This book is a keeper that will remain on my bookshelf forever.
This book is a keeper that will remain on my bookshelf forever.
November 21, 2015
Awesome book. Gives hope that God exists, to any that still might doubt. It highlights many examples of those who've had near death experiences. After reading this, I have no doubt, there is life after death, and it'll be quite amazing.
December 14, 2020
[read for a book club, with a hearty amount of discerning discussion]
read with a Bible beside you, discern well, and remember the Socratic condemnation of exclusively using one's experience and then compounding it with other's experiences to prove a claim. rather rash.
read with a Bible beside you, discern well, and remember the Socratic condemnation of exclusively using one's experience and then compounding it with other's experiences to prove a claim. rather rash.
January 22, 2024
Read this bc I’m interested in NDEs! Was interesting, but pretty repetitive and was heavily Christian based. A little preachy at times.
June 14, 2025
A long look at the many Near Death Experiences (NDE) people have had and their descriptions of the afterlife and heaven. Glorious in all its detail... I can't wait to go *home*.
December 9, 2023
I wish I had annotated in this one. I might do a re-read and do that little by little. Lots of great information, moments that make you think no matter where you might stand in your beliefs.
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May 2, 2023It was a little scientific for me, but I really enjoyed reading what people's experiences were. Kind of makes me excited to see for myself.
June 23, 2020
Another wonderful book detailing the beauty and love that awaits us after death. As I age and witness many of my elders passing (sadly, even some from my generation), it gives me great comfort to know not that they are simply in a "better place", but insight into what that place is like.
I have read many books on this topic and this one is in line. Essentially, the lesson we are to learn during our mortal lives is love. Not just the easier love of family/friends, but of neighbors and everyone. It's a hard lesson to learn, but one day you have to account for it during a life review, specifically as it relates to love of your fellow humans.
How can so many that have experienced life after death recount similar stories? Why not err on the side of caution, living and loving? You will be eternally rewarded with an infinite amount of love in the end.
I have read many books on this topic and this one is in line. Essentially, the lesson we are to learn during our mortal lives is love. Not just the easier love of family/friends, but of neighbors and everyone. It's a hard lesson to learn, but one day you have to account for it during a life review, specifically as it relates to love of your fellow humans.
How can so many that have experienced life after death recount similar stories? Why not err on the side of caution, living and loving? You will be eternally rewarded with an infinite amount of love in the end.
December 10, 2018
Most humans are afraid of dying. We want to know what comes next, but we don't know. Is heaven real? That's the question this book tries to explore. There has been research on thousands of near-death experiences (NDEs) and the author has compiled the stories and examined them for commonalities. Out of these thousands of stories, there are some curious similarities: an overwhelming sense of love and peace, a celestial welcoming committee, a being of bright light. It all certainly suggests heaven is real. And if it is, it sounds like one amazing place.
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