Heaven Observed: Glimpses of Transcendence in Everyday Life

Rating:
Summary: A New Perspective on Life
Review: "Heaven Observed" provides insights into everyday life that reflect on man's eternal purpose. The challenge is to peer more intently into the events of life to see their implications and reflections of a life that was meant to be. Even more telling are our responses to those situations and circumstances. This book is so practical that it is hard to come away without feeling that much of life goes by without being truly understood. It is great to have my eyes opened to catch a glimpse of my world through the authors eyes.

While the author is a student of C. S. Lewis, he has done an excellent job of researching a wide range of resources in developing his topic.

I highly recommend Heaven Observed.

Rating:
Summary: A different question, a different answer
Review: A sign of the times: books about heaven and angels and the like used to always start with the question: Does such a thing exist? Barry Morrow, in Heaven Observed, begins with the implied question, "Does it really matter if there is a heaven?" and goes on to explain, with ample input from all sides, that, well... yes, it does! Why else would we try to attain it here? Morrow gently shows us that heaven is not just a reward for living well or making certain choices. Instead it is a fulfillment of longings and incompleteness that were never meant to be-and cannot be-fulfilled here on earth. Even the best things leave us unsatisfied, and point us to a place and time of ultimate satisfaction. David Jenkins once said, "As I get older, I seem to believe less and less, and yet to believe what I do believe more and more." Barry Morrow has done an excellent job of reminding me-in my cynical middle-age years-why I believe in heaven, and why that gives me hope-today.

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Summary: A joyful journey, brimming with pleasures and delights
Review: Does God give us clues about what Heaven will be like? In Heaven Observed, Barry Morrow explains how common everyday events and activites illustrate or foreshadow what we can anticipate in Heaven. He addresses our work and play, pleasures and joys, pain and suffering, film and literature, the daily grind, our sense of alienation, and our universal unhappiness.

"The main emotion of the adult American who has had all the advantages of wealth, education, and culture is disappointment."

"Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship."

Throughout the Scriptures, a number of metaphors and other figures of speech are employed to describe Heaven. While much remains a mystery, beyond our comprehension, we still have a number of longings that Heaven will surely satisfy. A few of these are peace and tranquility, rest and comfort, protection and security.

A well reasoned, scholarly, yet readable account about clues in this mortal life that point to Heaven, Morrow has done a masterful job of inviting the reader to see the "glimpses" that he sees. A must read if you plan to go there and stay for a while.

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Summary: This is good news!
Review: Finally, a book that explores the concept and reality of heaven in a fascinating and intellectually stimulating way.

I've never been particularly interested in the usual pie in the sky, floating on clouds view of heaven. This book kept me glued to a new way of looking at it.

Thanks, Barry Morrow, wherever you are... I hope not in heaven, yet! I'd like to see some more books from you.

Rating:
Summary: Heaven Observed: Glimpses of Transcendence in Everyday Life
Review: Get ready to challenge your ideas about Heaven. This book will test everything you haven't really thought about regarding the promise we have for Heaven. How can we sit back and proclaim a undying love for a Living God and concurrently deny that there are "Glimpses of Transcendence in Everyday Life". This book has helped me to be more certain that there is indeed a Heaven and find Intimations of Heaven in everyday life. I would highly recommend the book for small group discussions or as a personal tonic for all the uncertainty we see in the world as a result of the Attacks on America.

Rating:
Summary: A Broader Perspective on Life
Review: Heaven Observed provides a perspective on everyday life that is drawn from the eternal nature of man. The practical insights on the events of this world and creativity heart of man have challenged me to peer more intently into the interactions and events of my life. We are indeed strangers and aliens in this world and our responses to our environment reflect the soul of a man who was designed with an eternal purpose for being in relationship with the God of the universe.

The author is a student of C. S. Lewis and references his writings frequently. The material presented, however, is broadly researched and very well presented.

This thoughtful presentation will challenge even the skeptic to reflect on a deeper meaning of life.

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Summary: Heaven Never Looked So Good
Review: Never has Heaven looked so appealing as when the author portrays the fallacies of life (a-la-Ecclesiastes) as glamorous examples of God's presence. Most refreshing, is to see our own daily experiences being woven into a theme of "Glimpsing Transcendence" as God pulls us to Him. This in turn, elevates our yearn for Heaven to a new level not unlike a skyrocket!
Being entertained is one thing, but equally impressive is the broad range of references utilized. It is inconceivable how the author puts forth such a variety of information quoting the intellectual reasoning power of such greats as C.S. Lewis, Pascal, and many others. He then emphasizes again his point quoting such as Mark Twain, Woody Allen, Steve Martin, etc. etc....... Can you believe that?
Theological and philosophical concepts abound to reinforce the message of "Heaven Observed." This approach should appeal to a wide assortment of intellectual levels as the focus is maintained with such a variety of examples. One does not feel forced, but finds this concept easily acceptable to widen his personal views. I guarantee one's yearning for Heaven as a better place than planet Earth will never be the same!

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating glimpse of the "great beyond"
Review: With keen insight into both history and contemporary culture, with a firm grasp of both theology and the human condition, and with an engaging style that is alternately thought-provoking and amusing, Barry Morrow has taken a sprawling, ethereal subject and written a wise and--most importantly--down-to-earth book.

Far too many books like this are preachy and predictable. Not so with Heaven Observed. It is accessible to both skeptics and seekers. But whether you are a "believer" or "unbeliever," be forewarned that Morrow's book is not for the squeamish. It is an arresting, jarring, but ultimately reassuring piece of writing. When you're done, you won't soon forget this powerful study of the human longing IN this life for purpose and meaning BEYOND this life.