Right up front it must be understood that The Five People You Meet in Heaven is not a Christian book—it is fiction. And viewed as a novel it is excellent. Albom is an exceptional writer and I found this novel hard to put down. It is a story that will make you think, cry and examine your own life. You could not ask much more from a piece of secular fiction.

However, viewed as theology, The Five People You Meet in Heaven is certainly out of sync with Scripture. As with Albom’s other bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie, this book is moralistic and thought provoking, but it is not the wisdom of Scripture. Albom’s portrait of God, life and heaven are all as fictional as his story. Don’t come to The Five People You Meet in Heaven looking for insight into Christian living or the afterlife—turn to the Word for these things. The Five People You Meet in Heaven will entertain you, and may even challenge you, but it will not draw you closer to the living God. Read Albom’s delightful little book for pleasure, but turn to God’s Book for life and truth.

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