Heaven

August 30, 2004
According to Alcorn (The Treasure Principle
; Deadline
; Safely Home
), the subject of heaven rates as one of the least accurately discussed subjects in the whole of Christendom. Even seminarians fail to give appropriate time and attention to heaven as described throughout the Bible because other themes take pre-eminence both chronologically and preferentially. Alcorn is likewise astounded that the majority of Christians who do take time to consider heaven often possess faulty, nonbiblical assumptions, one of the most common being the misconception of heaven as a place of unending church services. The author, who is also the founder of the nonprofit organization Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), has spent years studying what the Bible says about heaven, and in this compelling and comprehensive resource, he offers every conceivable question about heaven, or the "New Earth," as a Christian believer's ultimate destination. Alcorn answers the expected queries on heavenly life as well as quirkier ones: will Christians drink coffee in heaven? Will there be homeownership, and what about sex? Will our pets be in heaven? Evangelical scholars and laypersons alike will appreciate Alcorn's expansive—though perhaps long-winded—musings on this neglected subject, a real boon in a time when many people are eager to understand what happens after death. (Oct.)

Forecast:
Tyndale is committing $80,000 to promote this title, which will certainly be a CBA bestseller and perhaps a crossover hit.

November 1, 2004
The last decade saw a growing number of "life after life"-themed books entering the marketplace, each trying to provide a glimpse into the next world. This one is destined to hold a unique place among those titles. Drawing on sound biblical and historical fact, noted Christian writer and speaker Alcorn tries to correct some of the popular myths generated by the mass media. Part 1 is certainly the more substantive section, for here the author skillfully establishes complex theological foundations in accessible language with wonderfully illustrative stories. Part 2 may be more interesting as it addresses such popular questions as what the resurrected Earth will be like, what our bodies will look like, what will happen to our pets, and what will occupy our time in heaven. However, the book is most effective when read consecutively, for the theological background in Part 1 is essential to understanding Alcorn's conclusions in Part 2. Although Alcorn is writing for popular consumption, the detailed notes and select bibliography will satisfy more scholarly interests. Recommended for larger public libraries.-John-Leonard Berg, Univ. of Wisconsin Lib., Platteville

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