Rating:  Summary: Was he There? Review: It amazes me how hype can affect rational thought. A typical "sell the sizzle, not the steak" type book. Tell 'em what they want to hear- especially when they're down and out.Typical "Fundie" nonsense. Reminds me of Whoopi Goldberg playing the psychic in Ghost - "who's Sam?"
Rating:  Summary: Clearly explained with no theological jargon Review: Mr. Lutzer really hit the mark with this book. The biblical references lend credibility to his writing and the writing is masterful. It is made very clear what happens when you die. Mr. Lutzer goes on to explain in plain English the differences between Heaven and Hell and gives examples that really make sense.I would not view this book as another incident of seeing the bright white light and near death experience. It is more of a story, that, if you believe what is written in biblical scripture, you feel compelled to believe in the writings of this masterfully written book.
Rating:  Summary: Clearly explained with no theological jargon Review: Mr. Lutzer really hit the mark with this book. The biblical references lend credibility to his writing and the writing is masterful. It is made very clear what happens when you die. Mr. Lutzer goes on to explain in plain English the differences between Heaven and Hell and gives examples that really make sense. I would not view this book as another incident of seeing the bright white light and near death experience. It is more of a story, that, if you believe what is written in biblical scripture, you feel compelled to believe in the writings of this masterfully written book.
Rating:  Summary: comforting Review: My father just died two months ago and this book caught my eye in the bookstore. I could not put it down, and read it in one night. It was so comforting, and let me know that as Christians, we really can face death with hope. It also let me know that death is a passage way to eternity with the Father...and comforted me tremendously.
Rating:  Summary: full of dogmatic nonsense, arrogantly presumptuous Review: The author reminds of this guy who likes to talk about the islands of Tahiti. He does not even know the location of Tahiti in the world atlas. He does not even know where the Pacific Ocean is. Well, we have something in common, I do not speak French and so was he. I guess as long as there is a market for this kind of garbage, there will be spinners of this kind of writing.
Rating:  Summary: A narrow mind and prejudiced heart would enjoy this book Review: The trouble with this book is that it assumes things about other beliefs that are not true. It also is based on the Bible and takes as literal truth even the book of Job, which was merely a story...even the author of Job is unknown. He also claims that demons are responsible for everything that does not fit in his belief system. It must be hard to live a life of such arrogance, prejudice, and fear.
Rating:  Summary: This book has ended my anxiety about death. Review: This book answered many of my questions about when and where you go after death. It helped me become a better Christian. After reading this book I wanted all my friends and family to read it and get as excited about Christianity as I have. I can't understand anyone rejecting Christ's offer of eternal salvation after reading it.
Rating:  Summary: Answers Many Questions Review: This book answers many questions about what happens when you die, with emphasis from a Christian perspective. It was illuminating and had good scripture references. It was especially interesting to be listening to RC Sproul's (Reformed) tape-of-the-month tapes on this subject at the same time. It was like they were both reading from the same script. Come to think of it, they were! The reading is simple and broken down into easily manageable chapters, which makes good reading for those times when you only have ten minutes or so at a time. The level is good for both new Christians and more mature ones and even for non-Christians (an invitation is given). Definitely worth reading and something you might want to leave laying out so visitors can see it (they might want to borrow it).
Rating:  Summary: Keep Searching Review: This book didn't comfort me. It sent me into a deep depression. The fate of unbelievers, according to Lutzer, is so horrible that it can scarcely be credited to a loving God. He gives what seems like sound scriptural evidence to back it up, but there is a lot that he leaves out. First of all, there are hundreds of scriptures that attest to the eventual salvation of all mankind. Here's a sampling: God is saviour of all mankind, especially believers (ITim 4:10), God wills salvation for all (ITim 2:10), Jesus will draw all men to Himself (Jn 12:32), every knee will bow in worship before Jesus (Phil 3:21), Jesus is saviour of the entire world (John 4:42, IJn2:2, IJn4:14, 2Cor5:15, many others), God binds all into stubbornness that he might have mercy on all (Rom 11:32), there will be a restitution of all things (Acts 3:21) and a reconciliation of all things (Col 1:20, Eph 1:10). Lutzer explains these verses away by arguing that the word "all" doesn't apply to all mankind. That's a pretty weak argument. Consider this verse: "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all shall be made alive" (ICor 15:22). The "all" must apply to all mankind, since we know that all mankind dies. Rom 5:18 is similar, and explains that Jesus' act of obedience (his death) is far more powerful than Adam's act of disobedience. Where Adam's act brought death to all, Christ's act brought life and justification to all. He fails to point out that the Greek word aion that is translated eternity in most bibles really means an age or an eon. An English-Greek concordance will verify that fact. Mat 25:46 reveals an age lasting corrective judgment, not eternal punishment. He repeatedly stresses the hopelessness of those consigned to hell, but leaves out verses that suggest otherwise: "The Lord kills and makes alive, He brings down to sheol and raises up" (ISam2:6). The only evidence he gives for a person's fate being sealed upon death is the uncrossable chasm in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. But this was spoken before Calvary, and Jesus' cross bridges the chasm. I always had a strong interest in the fate of the lost. This was the first book I turned to for answers. God kept me searching though, and revealed to me His love for all his creation. Once eternal damnation is out of your thinking, the bible is an even more wonderful book. For all who believe Lutzer's endless hellfire preaching, I say, keep searching. Be like the Bereans, who diligently searched the scriptures to see if these things were so (Acts 17:11). You'll find God to be much better, much greater, much more powerful, and much more loving than you ever thought.
Rating:  Summary: It Will Open Your Eyes Review: This book really opened my eyes. It is not a feel good book. It drove home the fact that I will have to account for my life someday. The discussions on hell and hades were for me very scary. It was what I needed to hear. It has made me much more concious of how I live my life. I believe this book will help many take their christian life much more seriously. I would highly recommend it.
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