Approaching Easter, the Holy Week in which Christ died for our sins and rose on the third day, it is very meaningful to see a movie that is based on the simple fact that sometimes seeing isn't just believing.
Heaven is for Real is a movie based on true events that unfolded in the summer of 2003 when a young boy named Colton went to heaven. Colton was four years old at the time and was suffering from a ruptured appendix. During the time the surgery was being performed, Colton lifted out of his body and saw things - incredible things. When he awoke from surgery, Colton did not share his experiences right away, but with time began to open up to his father.
Greg Kinnear leads a stellar cast in the story, bringing Todd Burpo to life on film. Todd is a pastor and has been most of his life, leading a small church in Nebraska. His wife Sonja Burpo, played by Kelly Riley, leads her women's choir group and is the ever faithful church wife. Along with Thomas Haden Church, Margo Martindale, and Conor Corum (Colton) rounding out the cast. When events put their son into the hospital they are forced to make a choice: believe that God can bring their son back or fall into despair. As Todd struggles with this question in the chapel he gets angry with God while his wife Sonja calls the church family for prayer - an image that Colton sees as he walks with Jesus.
Many other stories unfold about Colton's visit to heaven. He sees images of family members that have passed away, visions of what heaven looks like, and even Jesus' appearance which is not like the pictures he has seen in Sunday School books. Many people in the small town do not want to believe this, finding it too scary to believe or struggling with the fact that maybe there truly is a heaven. One fact remains - a young boy visited heaven and he believes it. Scripture says that we must come to Jesus as children and Colton certainly did that.
There has been much criticism about the book and now the movie, debating theological doctrine, actual medical reports that Colton did not really die at any point, and that there are holes around the story biblically. However, the idea remains: it's an imperfect story for an imperfect world. Jesus came to a little boy and revealed Himself in a way that Colton would understand. The truth is, Jesus does that for us each and every day. We are all imperfect and undeserving of His love, and yet He gives it freely. So I ask, what is so wrong with believing that He could hold the hand of a four year old and take him on a walk? He desires to do that with each one of us, if only we would believe and let Him.
My Rating:
Rated: PG, for some adult content including medical sences.