Colton Burpo: Even Though That Other Kid Lied About Going to Heaven, "I Stand by My Story"

Teresa Neumann : Jan 20, 2015
Carey Lodge – Christian Today

Last week, Alex Malarkey made headlines after confessing he made up his story of going to Heaven, as penned in his book, "The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven.” In response, Tyndale House immediately took all of the books out of print. Now, "Heaven is for Real" author Colton Burpo is reassuring the public that his experience was absolutely true.

Last week, Alex Malarkey confessed that The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven, the book he co-wrote with this father Kevin, detailing a supposed near-death experience following a car accident in 2004 which left him a quadriplegic, was made up. (Photo via US Magazine)

"I did not die. I did not go to Heaven," Malarkey wrote in an open letter. "I said I went to Heaven because I thought it would get me attention. When I made the claims that I did, I had never read the Bible. People have profited from lies, and continue to. They should read the Bible, which is enough. The Bible is the only source of truth. Anything written by man cannot be infallible."

According to a report in Charisma News, the admission set off a firestorm of bad press in secular media over Heaven books, including a piece from USA Today asking, "Are best-selling Heaven books for real?"

Now, Colton Burpo, the subject of the best-selling book, Heaven is for Real is stepping out to assure readers that his story is 100% authentic.

On his website, Burpo wrote, "Dear friends, I know there has been a lot of talk about the truth of other Heaven stories in the past few days. I just wanted to take a second and let everyone know that I stand by my story found in my book Heaven is for Real. (Photo via Charisma News)

"I still remember my experience in Heaven. I want to keep telling people about my experience because it has given hope to so many people.

"People may have their doubts about my story, but the thing is, I wasn't coaxed into doing this. I wanted to tell people about my experience," he added. "In fact, I started sharing my story with my friends and people in our town way before there was a book called Heaven Is For Real.

"I hope that my story continues to point people to Jesus. He really, really loves you."