The Evidence for Heaven

The majority of people believe in a life hereafter. A recent Gallop Poll indicates that 70% believe in Heaven. I know that survey tidbit probably does not surprise you. You must realize that a survey is only a process evaluation. A process evaluation sets a certain criteria, asks for an opinion and then tabulates results. Do you think that people ever lie on surveys? The truth is that real belief impacts behavior. That is why Jesus said that “many will say Lord, Lord.but I will say depart from me. I never knew you” Matthew 7:22.

“The Evidence for Heaven” is an exciting and compelling documentary. It will certainly make you think about where you might spend eternity.

Jerry Rose hosts it. He has an impressive resume of educational experience, awards and published works. Mr. Rose is the founder and president of Christian Communications of Chicagoland, Inc. He has a 24-hour television network called Total Living Network (TLN) and hosts the popular programs “Among Friends” and “Total Living with Jerry Rose”. He has just completed his third term as president of National Religious Broadcasters Association. Mr. Rose also serves on the board of governors for the National Academy of Arts and Science and is actively involved in an alcohol/drug center for teens in Chicago. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

I mention this information because although there are plenty of documentaries available to Christians, many are lacking in substance and created as organizational fundraisers. This film is NOT one of those releases. It is well researched by 21 medical doctors, Biblical scholars and scientists.

The film includes several leading evangelicals: J. P. Moreland, J. I. Packer, Ron Rhodes, R. C. Sproul, Hank Hanegraaff and Elmer Towns. Also featured is commentary from 21 other experts (medical doctors, physicists, biblical scholars, authors and scientists), including cardiologist Michael Sabom, M.D., pediatric neuroscientist Melvin Morse, M.D., Raymond Moody, M.D., Ph.D., quantum physicist Dr. Fred Alan Wolf, psychology professor Emeritus Kenneth Ring, and T. Lee Baumann, M.D., Dr. Timothy Sheets, Ralph Muncaster, and Keith Harris.

We truly live in a new era. The science and skill of medical resuscitation has resulted in more people being brought back from the edge of death. In fact, 8 million Americans have been brought back to life. We are living in a new era of scientific information. This evidence points to the reality that the body and the spirit can exist separately. Plato wrote about this experience. We know that Stephen in the book of Acts, chapter 7 described a pre-death vision of Christ. Paul in II Corinthians 12:3,4 states brief information about an out of body vision. We do know that in Acts 14:19-20 that Paul was stoned and left for dead. His testimony was definitely of one who had been touched by God.

Jesus clearly taught that there is a Heaven and a Hell. Most are surprised when I tell them that the majority of His teaching was about Hell, not Heaven.

I was thankful for the careful scholarship that went into this presentation. This documentary focuses on facts, Biblical findings and compelling testimonies. I don’t want to spoil it for you and share the stories, but I do want to encourage you to make a faith-building discovery.

My only criticism is in the title. I wish it had been “Evidence for Eternity,” because it is really more about evidence for an afterlife than it is about Heaven. And, Scripture teaches that there is a future, holy judicial process called the Judgment (for all mankind). There is no fast track to Heaven or Hell.

I do not find fault with the majority of content and applaud Grizzly Adams Productions for a quality product. There are some GREAT bonus features on the DVD: Additional expert interviews, near death experience accounts, recommended reading list and a three-part Bible study on Heaven for pre-teen through high school and adults.

Violence: None / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.