This is my sort of book, not a theological or academic thesis, littered with footnotes or Bible references (though there are appendices), but undemanding, a book to be read rather than studied. Assuming some Christian knowledge, it is clearly developed, Bible based, and thought provoking.

How many of us can say we welcome death? As Christians we believe that in heaven there will be no more pain or suffering or tears, and we will be constantly in the presence of God. But there remains uneasiness, perhaps to do with fears of how we die and of bereavement, as well as with change and the unknown. Read this book. There is more evidence than you might have realised, and the prospect of heaven gets quite exciting!

Why do we exist? Is death the end? What is the soul? What about the resurrection of the body? There are the inevitable analogies with computer technology - hardware wearing out or becoming outdated, yet software going on forever - but helpfully blended with biblical truth and real life experiences. Scientific evidence may be lacking, but experience cannot be ignored. Bravely, Spiritualist experiences are mentioned (though seeking them is not encouraged), as are 'near-death' phenomena. A whole chapter is then devoted to the evidence for Christ's resurrection.

Who will get to heaven? Most religions believe the answer depends on divine choice and moral behaviour. For the Christian the key is our forgiveness through Christ's death on the cross. Only here did I find the author a little lenient, or maybe not…

What kind of body do we receive for our next existence? What is heaven like? No one knows, but 'the resurrection life has everything good from this earthly life, but without the things that make it earthbound, limited, and frustrating'. See you there!

Reviewed by
Jean Maxwell
(Consultant in Palliative Medicine, St Francis Hospice, Romford)