Heaven is in the headlines lately–thanks to the faith of a child.
If you’ve seen the film adaptation of the blockbuster bestseller Heaven is for Real. The book and film tell the story of a boy who died during surgery, visited heaven, and returned to share what he experienced. Some reviewers have objected to the message as being extra-biblical. Others, notably Randy Alcorn, are a bit more generous.
Grief is tough for everyone, and the film raises some tough questions for all of us– some which may one day press in and require us to answer for the sake of our kids.
As we face painful and confusing emotions after the death of someone we love, we struggle with the deepest questions of our faith. And if we share our grief with children it becomes even more important that we face these questions head on.
- Why do people have to die?
- Is God punishing us or punishing the one who died?
- Will I ever see the one who died?
- What is the real truth about heaven?
Answering these questions in a way that makes sense to children can seem difficult at best. Even beyond helping children with their grief, teaching about heaven as their heritage is something each of us can do as parents or caring adults in the lives of children.
