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Heaven and the Afterlife
This book taps into popular culture's insatiable appetite for the supernatural. Written in a popular style, Heaven and the Afterlife touches on many topics related to life after death, including amazing near-death experiences, accounts from the Bible, testimonies, theories, and what some of the world's religions believe. It will demystify the afterlife with information about heaven, hell, ghosts, angels, near-death experiences, and much more, helping readers gain a solid understanding of the often-confusing subject of life after death. The book culminates by presenting Jesus as the answer to eternal peace and how readers can spend eternity with him. Garlow and Wall write not only for believers, but also for seekers or anyone looking for straight, simple answers to the fascinating subject of the world beyond this life.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
103 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
James L. Garlow
38 books14 followersJim Garlow is an American evangelical leader, author, and former Senior Pastor of Skyline Church in La Mesa, California. Known for his outspoken political activism and theological conservatism, Garlow has played a prominent role in efforts to influence public policy from the pulpit, particularly through his leadership in the "pulpit freedom" movement. He was instrumental in mobilizing religious support for California’s Proposition 8 and later served as chairman of Renewing American Leadership, a nonprofit founded by Newt Gingrich.
A frequent commentator on social and political issues, Garlow advocates for a return to what he calls “authentically biblical” Christianity and has urged evangelicals to abandon the term “evangelical” altogether. He has controversially equated political disengagement among Christians with moral failures of the past and maintains that biblical values must guide political decisions. He has publicly supported Donald Trump and collaborated with figures like Glenn Beck, despite criticism over interfaith alliances.
In addition to his activism, Garlow has authored numerous books, including the New York Times best-seller Cracking DaVinci’s Code. He holds advanced degrees from Drew University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Asbury Theological Seminary, and has served as a professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
Following the death of his first wife, Carol, in 2013, Garlow married Rosemary Schindler in 2014. Together, they have a blended family of eight children and nine grandchildren.
A frequent commentator on social and political issues, Garlow advocates for a return to what he calls “authentically biblical” Christianity and has urged evangelicals to abandon the term “evangelical” altogether. He has controversially equated political disengagement among Christians with moral failures of the past and maintains that biblical values must guide political decisions. He has publicly supported Donald Trump and collaborated with figures like Glenn Beck, despite criticism over interfaith alliances.
In addition to his activism, Garlow has authored numerous books, including the New York Times best-seller Cracking DaVinci’s Code. He holds advanced degrees from Drew University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Asbury Theological Seminary, and has served as a professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
Following the death of his first wife, Carol, in 2013, Garlow married Rosemary Schindler in 2014. Together, they have a blended family of eight children and nine grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 22, 2012
I’m just about finishing James Garlow and Keith Wall’s Heaven and the Afterlife, which turned out to be a lot more informative than I was expecting especially when compared to their other book I’d read earlier called Encountering Heaven and the Afterlife which was essentially a compilation of testimonies of those who had personal NDE and other supernatural experiences.
What I particularly liked about this volume was the authors’ interspersing of Biblical and Scriptural perspectives in their discussion of various aspects of the afterlife, like Purgatory and Reincarnation etc. The writing style is very helpfully matter-of-fact and clear on discussion points, with the effect of entering into conversational Q&A with readers. Suffice to say that I’m impressed with their approach that engages reasoning and rationality based on extensive Scriptural references for support or rebuttal. I’ve always had questions on these matters at the back of my mind but assumed I’d have to find the answers for myself the hard way, but this book successfully addressed many of my doubts and helped to clarify quite a few perspectives.
What I particularly liked about this volume was the authors’ interspersing of Biblical and Scriptural perspectives in their discussion of various aspects of the afterlife, like Purgatory and Reincarnation etc. The writing style is very helpfully matter-of-fact and clear on discussion points, with the effect of entering into conversational Q&A with readers. Suffice to say that I’m impressed with their approach that engages reasoning and rationality based on extensive Scriptural references for support or rebuttal. I’ve always had questions on these matters at the back of my mind but assumed I’d have to find the answers for myself the hard way, but this book successfully addressed many of my doubts and helped to clarify quite a few perspectives.
July 19, 2025
James Garlow is the kind of guy who says the hike has little elevation and is only a 45-minute trek at max, then takes you on the 6-hour course up Mount Kilimanjaro.
At first glance, this book's ambiguous stance on life after death can be attractive to the unlearned theist, or even the skeptical nonbeliever. The first series of chapters deal with near-death experiences and frequently cite anecdotes collected by psychologists over the last several decades. I found myself hooked on hearing more about the range of things people claim to see or hear on their deathbed, and how they align scripturally. Garlow systemically organizes the stories and tales by their similarities in an attempt to create his case that there must be something after death.
That is, until he pivots harder than the Le Mans track and begins to tell you about Jesus.
Garlow's portrayal of the Gospel is succinct and clear, and he demonstrates to the reader the insufficiency of his works to merit eternal grace. He speaks of the glory of heaven, the reality of hell, and how there is nothing in between.
However, his book falls apart when it addresses other theologies.
Foremost, his book is incessantly restorationalist; it is constructed on the rejection of universalism and the integrity of Arminianism. If I had a nickel for each time he said the words "free will" I'd have enough money to buy another copy of the book. Consistently, he is concerned with humanity's inclination to receive God and the steps by which they choose to do so. Further, he misrepresents the Roman Catholic position of purgatory, claiming that it is an alternative destination for the afterlife. This is blatant misinformation; the Church in Rome firmly believes that purgatory is a necessary cleansing before arrival in heaven, not a destination in and of itself.
For the average uncatechized Christian, this is a fun read.
For the unbeliever, perhaps even more so.
At first glance, this book's ambiguous stance on life after death can be attractive to the unlearned theist, or even the skeptical nonbeliever. The first series of chapters deal with near-death experiences and frequently cite anecdotes collected by psychologists over the last several decades. I found myself hooked on hearing more about the range of things people claim to see or hear on their deathbed, and how they align scripturally. Garlow systemically organizes the stories and tales by their similarities in an attempt to create his case that there must be something after death.
That is, until he pivots harder than the Le Mans track and begins to tell you about Jesus.
Garlow's portrayal of the Gospel is succinct and clear, and he demonstrates to the reader the insufficiency of his works to merit eternal grace. He speaks of the glory of heaven, the reality of hell, and how there is nothing in between.
However, his book falls apart when it addresses other theologies.
Foremost, his book is incessantly restorationalist; it is constructed on the rejection of universalism and the integrity of Arminianism. If I had a nickel for each time he said the words "free will" I'd have enough money to buy another copy of the book. Consistently, he is concerned with humanity's inclination to receive God and the steps by which they choose to do so. Further, he misrepresents the Roman Catholic position of purgatory, claiming that it is an alternative destination for the afterlife. This is blatant misinformation; the Church in Rome firmly believes that purgatory is a necessary cleansing before arrival in heaven, not a destination in and of itself.
For the average uncatechized Christian, this is a fun read.
For the unbeliever, perhaps even more so.
May 24, 2018
Jam packed FULL of wide variety of ideas and thoughts to ponder from many worldviews, written from christian perspective. Great tool in helping to understand the underlying beliefs behind some ideas, and why they are not inline with Scriptures. Some ideas are left more open ended then others and allow reader to come to their own conclusions after presenting brief descriptions. I felt like the author was more "to the point christian view" later in the book...but that may be just because I read this over a period of time. It also could be intended to draw unbelievers, skeptics or new believers in with more of "here are the beliefs out there...you decide"..with a lighter slant towards christianity at first. I can't say that I agree with everything presented here (which never happens anyhow! lol!), but I did appreciate the simplistically written detail...because the ideas themselves are much to absorb. I would have liked to have seen at least some Scriptures written in text, as opposed to only referenced...but it would have made for a book twice as long I suppose. Many of these topics presented can be studied at a much deeper level even, but this is definitely a good broad introduction to some of the most relevant and prevalent ideas about life...here and after. I learned alot, thought about alot of things I typically would not have, questioned some ideas and feel ultimately encouraged in my faith and abit better equipped to encourage others too.
October 9, 2012
Believe in God? Heaven? Hell? Well this book covers several stories of people who have clinically died and encountered an unearthly presence. Some share stories of their Heavenly experience surrounded by the Light & love of Christ and offer their testimonies of these amazing, indescribable experiences. Some however, non-believers shared stories of having died & encountering hell itself. They told of the torment and torture they felt while there.
There are many good testimonies of people whose lives were forever changd due to their afterlife and/or NDE experience. Personal Testimonies & scripts from the Bible make up a large part of this book. I found it very interesting. The afterlife is something that interests almost everyone.
There are many good testimonies of people whose lives were forever changd due to their afterlife and/or NDE experience. Personal Testimonies & scripts from the Bible make up a large part of this book. I found it very interesting. The afterlife is something that interests almost everyone.
October 6, 2017
Some tricky questions and lots to ponder
This is one powerful book, wether you agree with James or not and I have to say I do you will have lots of questions. Are all your questions going to be answered? When have they ever but this book has helped me see what the questions are and that is the first step I guess to finding what im looking for. Some subjects are just so big I believe in the afterlife as the Bible teaches but there is more so much more to it than that and in this book James takes the time to look at many if not all the angles (which is probably impossible) and gives you a good overview so you can look and investigate or question the subject more informed. He doesn't tell you what to believe but what the various options are and adds scriptures where it helps. I really do recommend this book to anyone who has questions of the afterlife and about Heaven and Hell. It's out theatre somewhere to rob a quote.
This is one powerful book, wether you agree with James or not and I have to say I do you will have lots of questions. Are all your questions going to be answered? When have they ever but this book has helped me see what the questions are and that is the first step I guess to finding what im looking for. Some subjects are just so big I believe in the afterlife as the Bible teaches but there is more so much more to it than that and in this book James takes the time to look at many if not all the angles (which is probably impossible) and gives you a good overview so you can look and investigate or question the subject more informed. He doesn't tell you what to believe but what the various options are and adds scriptures where it helps. I really do recommend this book to anyone who has questions of the afterlife and about Heaven and Hell. It's out theatre somewhere to rob a quote.
January 31, 2018
I found the book rather interesting because it attempts to deal with the subject of post-death reality from a Biblical perspective. It covers not only the Judeo-Christian worldview of the afterlife, but also examines other worldviews. Topics also include concepts of hell and eternal punsihment, although there are other texts that delve deeper into this area. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking answers to questions regarding life beyond the grave.
October 11, 2025
It has a lot of fascinating points, but also a lot of loopholes where it seems like he’s brushing off things he mentioned previously. I also checked some facts he mentioned, and I found out that he’s skipping some important points that his sources mentioned. With the value of information I got and the skepticism that I have, I’ll give this book 2.5⭐️
October 7, 2018
Well worth reading
This book is a thoughtful look at Near Death Experiences, Heaven, and Hell. Brilliantly written and thought provoking. If you ever wondered what Heaven and He'll might look like read this BUT this is his opinion. You must look and decide for yourself, too
This book is a thoughtful look at Near Death Experiences, Heaven, and Hell. Brilliantly written and thought provoking. If you ever wondered what Heaven and He'll might look like read this BUT this is his opinion. You must look and decide for yourself, too
June 23, 2021
Very interesting book on the many experiences people have had which help to support the idea of an afterlife. Also good biblical support for an afterlife.
June 10, 2009
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book called Heaven and the Afterlife by James L.Garlow and Keith Wall (the real title is a whole long sentence...silly) from LibraryThing. My opinion about the book changed as I read it. I feel like the book is suffering from multiple personality disorder. If I just picked it up off a shelf somewhere, I would have left it alone after the first couple of chapters -- there's reasonable theology in the middle (that is, I agree with much of what he says at a few points) but the beginning sounds all pop culture cliche and stereotyped about heaven and ghosts and hell, and the end about hell, sounds ... somewhere in between theological and pop culture. The reincarnation stuff, too, comes across as a footnote -- "oh, by the way, there's no such thing as reincarnation." It's as if the author is trying to reach the average person while looking academic with footnotes and name-dropping. To me, it is too "smart" sounding for a layperson, too pop culture for an academic (if you're going to buy the good stuff, you're not likely a believer in the bad stuff).
I can't complain about the quality of the writing -- it's sound enough: flows well, concise yet descriptive, sufficiently articulate. I appreciate that it's academic in its style yet fully accessible.
A few other judgemental comments:
--The first few chapters have drop-in Scripture quotes and God/Jesus references to create the appearance of a Christian perspective, yet nothing is based out of solid theology. Instead he references people who have studied Near Death Experiences (NDE) and anecdotes from people who have had NDE as evidence. Chapters on Angels and Satan are more biblically based, but without the support of other biblical scholars -- he throws in Scripture, but does not discuss it or its context. (Eg, some scholars believe the Is14 passage is about an earthly king, not Satan.)
--gives the illusion of credibility by referencing famous scholars or writers (eg CS Lewis, Shakespeare, Descartes). Yes, the author is educated, but this does not automatically give his thesis credibility.
The "experts" he does cite are often not attributed with recognzied creditentials beyond the books they've written -- why should I trust their judgement? And he references wikipedia! This guy has a PhD? (ie, doesn't a PhD know wikipedia is not a good source in this situation?)
--based on the stereotypes of heaven and hell: heaven is light, with pearly gates and gold-paved streets, a peaceful place; hell is fire and brimstone with tormented souls waiting to eat you. It's pop culture aimed at non-critical thinkers. He never explores what the Bible actually means by "heaven"
--much better book on "Heaven" is Nathan Bierma's [title:Bringing Heaven Down to Earth]
--the last chapter's personal anecdotes are the author's attempt to personalize the text, but it gets altar-calling preachy. A reflection of the fact that he workshopped the book as a series of sermons, I suppose.
I can't complain about the quality of the writing -- it's sound enough: flows well, concise yet descriptive, sufficiently articulate. I appreciate that it's academic in its style yet fully accessible.
A few other judgemental comments:
--The first few chapters have drop-in Scripture quotes and God/Jesus references to create the appearance of a Christian perspective, yet nothing is based out of solid theology. Instead he references people who have studied Near Death Experiences (NDE) and anecdotes from people who have had NDE as evidence. Chapters on Angels and Satan are more biblically based, but without the support of other biblical scholars -- he throws in Scripture, but does not discuss it or its context. (Eg, some scholars believe the Is14 passage is about an earthly king, not Satan.)
--gives the illusion of credibility by referencing famous scholars or writers (eg CS Lewis, Shakespeare, Descartes). Yes, the author is educated, but this does not automatically give his thesis credibility.
The "experts" he does cite are often not attributed with recognzied creditentials beyond the books they've written -- why should I trust their judgement? And he references wikipedia! This guy has a PhD? (ie, doesn't a PhD know wikipedia is not a good source in this situation?)
--based on the stereotypes of heaven and hell: heaven is light, with pearly gates and gold-paved streets, a peaceful place; hell is fire and brimstone with tormented souls waiting to eat you. It's pop culture aimed at non-critical thinkers. He never explores what the Bible actually means by "heaven"
--much better book on "Heaven" is Nathan Bierma's [title:Bringing Heaven Down to Earth]
--the last chapter's personal anecdotes are the author's attempt to personalize the text, but it gets altar-calling preachy. A reflection of the fact that he workshopped the book as a series of sermons, I suppose.
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September 9, 2009Heaven and the Afterlife by James M. Garlow with Keith Wall is an indepth look at what the Bible really has to say about what happens to us after death, along with several accounts of near death experiences. Garlow tackles one of the most asked questions in the world, no matter what culture: what happens to us after we die? The book begins with several near death experiences, both heavenly and hellish, and Garlow uses Scripture to put these stories into perspective. The real meat of the book are the chapters about the nature of Heaven and Hell. Oddly enough, Heaven has gotten a bad rap as a boring place filled with clouds, harps, and white robes. Garlow shatters that myth and makes eternity sound like an exciting place full of life, laughter, and love. My favorite quote in the book was: A great frustration for me here on earth is being kept from so many books I want to read. I plan to spend part of my eternity reading every book worthy of my attention. While Heaven is a place of rest, it's also a place of learning, teaching, eating, and enjoying all of the good things of this life. He answered all of my questions thoroughly. Many people today are leaning away from believing in Hell as a real place, but Garlow demonstrates with Scripture after Scripture how it is real, and some people will most definitely go there. Each chapter is easily read in a single night, and its written in a very conversational tone, making it an enjoyable read as well as an educational one.
August 10, 2009
I have only been a Christian for a little over five years, so I still have a lot of questions that I seek wise biblical answers to. I love to read books that help answer the questions that Christians have. Heaven and the Afterlife is one of the best books I have read on this subject. The world tries to answer questions dealing with what happens when we die, but I have found those “answers” to just cause more confusion. James L. Garlow and Keith Wall have taken all those questions about Heaven and the afterlife and answered them using biblical principles to support their answers.
Heaven and the Afterlife tackles topics ranging from what happens when we die to whether or not ghosts and demons really exist. This book is very practical and informative. The format and writing is readable and suitable for “young” Christians such as myself, but even people who have been Christians for a long time will benefit from this book.
I am so thankful I found this book. It was very difficult to put down because as I kept reading, I had other questions come to mind that I wanted to read more about. I will keep this book handy on my bookshelf to look at again and again. I highly recommend this book, but not just to Christians. I feel that this book can help non-believers understand that heaven and hell are real and it will guide readers to their Savior and to heaven.
Heaven and the Afterlife tackles topics ranging from what happens when we die to whether or not ghosts and demons really exist. This book is very practical and informative. The format and writing is readable and suitable for “young” Christians such as myself, but even people who have been Christians for a long time will benefit from this book.
I am so thankful I found this book. It was very difficult to put down because as I kept reading, I had other questions come to mind that I wanted to read more about. I will keep this book handy on my bookshelf to look at again and again. I highly recommend this book, but not just to Christians. I feel that this book can help non-believers understand that heaven and hell are real and it will guide readers to their Savior and to heaven.
October 5, 2016
I've been reading a dozen or so books on Heaven and the Hereafter, some better than others. Some stick close to the Bible; others paint from other sources altogether. This one wasn't either one.
This book says it will have "one eye on the Scriptures, the other on credible accounts and research cues" (ch 1). That isn't true. A better description would be "eyes focused on people's experiences with an unexamined blink toward the Scriptures occasionally." (It just takes a flip to the endnotes to see where the weight of the sources is actually placed.) The promotional blurb on the back describes Garlow's work as "based on years of biblical study." Perhaps that's case. But if so, where was it?
Don't get me wrong. I'm not opposed to curious stories of science and experience. But this book didn't even do that well. (Mary Roach, on the other hand, is a master of this sort with her books Stiff and Spook.)
So if this book doesn't have more than a spot of Bible here and there and a smattering of stories that aren't particularly engaging or informative, what did it have? I'm wondering the same thing. I spent 50 cents for this book at a secondhand store. I think I paid too much.
Go for something else.
This book says it will have "one eye on the Scriptures, the other on credible accounts and research cues" (ch 1). That isn't true. A better description would be "eyes focused on people's experiences with an unexamined blink toward the Scriptures occasionally." (It just takes a flip to the endnotes to see where the weight of the sources is actually placed.) The promotional blurb on the back describes Garlow's work as "based on years of biblical study." Perhaps that's case. But if so, where was it?
Don't get me wrong. I'm not opposed to curious stories of science and experience. But this book didn't even do that well. (Mary Roach, on the other hand, is a master of this sort with her books Stiff and Spook.)
So if this book doesn't have more than a spot of Bible here and there and a smattering of stories that aren't particularly engaging or informative, what did it have? I'm wondering the same thing. I spent 50 cents for this book at a secondhand store. I think I paid too much.
Go for something else.
September 2, 2016
I wouldn't exactly call this a totally religious book. It was full of lots of history concerning religions and the bible and it's contents.
I went into it thinking I wouldn't like it but was surprised I did. I reserve 5 stars for books I can't put down. With this one, it was helpful to read some and then kind of "let it settle" and think about what was written.
I thought it was very unbiased. He talks about all religions and their beliefs but doesn't judge as to what is right or wrong. He lets the reader form his/her own opinions.
This would be interesting for all kinds of readers, even atheists.
I went into it thinking I wouldn't like it but was surprised I did. I reserve 5 stars for books I can't put down. With this one, it was helpful to read some and then kind of "let it settle" and think about what was written.
I thought it was very unbiased. He talks about all religions and their beliefs but doesn't judge as to what is right or wrong. He lets the reader form his/her own opinions.
This would be interesting for all kinds of readers, even atheists.
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April 13, 2016Explains Heaven/Afterlife in a Remarkable Fashion
I enjoyed reading this book for many reasons. The authors captured the essence of the concepts so difficult to comprehend when reading the original text. The book made clear, in this readers mind, the complexities of the scriptures and the interpretation, relevance, and teaching that was intended to explain the often confusing and misconceptions of the books topic. I would recommend this book to anyone desiring a better understanding of Heaven and the Afterlife.
I enjoyed reading this book for many reasons. The authors captured the essence of the concepts so difficult to comprehend when reading the original text. The book made clear, in this readers mind, the complexities of the scriptures and the interpretation, relevance, and teaching that was intended to explain the often confusing and misconceptions of the books topic. I would recommend this book to anyone desiring a better understanding of Heaven and the Afterlife.
February 28, 2013
Starts off pretty fast with examples and discussion about NDEs (near death experiences). Then gets a little clunky with discussion of popular beliefs about heaven and hell, competing "theories" from various religions, and biblical arguments for and against. That all said, was well worth reading and provides much additional perspective on the ultimate questions we all have.
February 13, 2016
This is a thoroughly researched and well written book. One to be read with an open mind. No attempts to persuade you to convert to another Faith Everything said is backed up by scripture.
If anything, reading this book confirmed my beliefs about heaven and eternity. If you are looking for answers about this I highly recommend reading this book.
If anything, reading this book confirmed my beliefs about heaven and eternity. If you are looking for answers about this I highly recommend reading this book.
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February 13, 2016This book will make you think
This is an important book because it defines the beliefs of many different religions, and makes it very clear which ones are true and believable. Even if you are not currently a Bible believing Christian, I believe you will enjoy reading this book, and it may answer any doubts or questions you have about what you do believe versus the actual truth.
This is an important book because it defines the beliefs of many different religions, and makes it very clear which ones are true and believable. Even if you are not currently a Bible believing Christian, I believe you will enjoy reading this book, and it may answer any doubts or questions you have about what you do believe versus the actual truth.
August 4, 2011
WOW! I am SO loving this book. It incorporates my personal beliefs of my faith in God and how I hope and feel the afterlife is like, and assures me that I am NOT crazy, Biblically or otherwise for what I believe.
November 26, 2012
Are you a skeptic regarding this topic? Stories in this book might make you change your mind if you're not sure about the "afterlife".....or perhaps your skepticism will be enhanced. Hows that for a review? :)
February 1, 2013
Although I will admit that there were parts of the book that were pretty deep and hard for me to get into, for the most part it was very interesting and enlightening. I came away from it feeling that what I have believed all along is sound thinking, and now understanding WHY it is.
July 31, 2011
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Highly recommended for knowledge and peace of mind.
March 5, 2013
This book was less a discussion about the Afterlife and more of a "Christian feel good about dying" book.
October 10, 2013
the first three or so chapters were really interesting... I quickly lost interest from there, though, and ended up skimming the last 3/4 of the book.
October 24, 2013
This book should be read with Heaven by Randy Alcorn. We read this as a bible study and we did not find it to have strong points.
August 8, 2015
An examination of near death experiences and what the Bible says about what happens after we die from an orthodox, evangelical view point.
August 30, 2015
Clarity
I found this book easy to read and it helped me to understand where we stand with God and His great LOVE for us.
I found this book easy to read and it helped me to understand where we stand with God and His great LOVE for us.
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April 13, 2016Very thought provoking.
October 5, 2016
INteresting ideas on Heaven.
There was a problem with the Kindle version as quite a few pages were blank and didn't connect to the next.
There was a problem with the Kindle version as quite a few pages were blank and didn't connect to the next.
November 18, 2016
Thought provoking
Good read difficult at times,
Makes you think and ponder the possibilities
Worth reading and exploring
Enjoyed most of the book
Good read difficult at times,
Makes you think and ponder the possibilities
Worth reading and exploring
Enjoyed most of the book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews