Heaven Is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God

Michael Wittmer's book on Heaven is a book about the meaning in life as opposed to the meaning of life. Well, it ends up combining the two but starts out developing the first and then integrates the second. Wittmer seeks to help shape a proper Christian worldview about the world on which we live, otherwise known as Earth. Whereas the significant majority of Christian books discuss the meaning of life, Wittmer seeks to take it beyond all that and talk about what it means to be human and why we live on Earth. Those Christian books that discuss the meaning of life all address key aspects of the Christian life such as reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, sharing your faith with others and going to church (to name a few). These are all good things and are important but it seems it may be that God intends more for us in this life than just the practice of the spiritual disciplines. He writes in he preface: "Instead, I want to examine what these "meaning of life" books typically overlook. They are right to tell us that we were created for worship, ministry evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship, but they are wrong to stop there. Look at that list again. While it more or less covers our responsibilities as Christians, it says little about what it means to be human. Does our purpose for life consist entirely in these spiritual activities, or is there also some value in showing up for work, waxing our car, playing with our children, or taking a trip to the beach - just a few of the many things we do, not because we are Christian, but primairly because we are human? It is these distinctly human activities that this book seeks to address. Rather than encourage you to stretch forward to further pietistic pursuits (an important topic that has its place), I am more concerned here to renew our appreciation for the ordinary things we are already doing. In the process we will inevitably touch upon the meaning of life - that is, the purpose for our existence - but all the while our focus will be on the meaning in life - that is, the value within the normal, everyday activities that mark our human experience" (pg 12). So, the two main goals Wittmer has in writing this book are to help the reader realize: It is okay to enjoy life here on Earth and love God too. Everything you do in life (work, family, church, etc) matters to God and should honor God. For me personally, I need this. I need to realize it is okay to enjoy life (especially given I have a melacholy personality) and that it is just as important to take care of things and take care of the Earth God put us on as it is to pursue pietitistic activities - both are equally important. Why? Because Earth is our home. The all too common Christian view is that the Earth is a evil and fallen place and nothing about it really matters since after all, it's all gonna burn, right? All we need to do is ask Jesus into our hearts, evangelize as many people as we can, and wait for the

In a culture which produces thousands of books on the subject of worldview this one stands alone. This book should be taught in churches all around America.

Dr. Wittmer's book was a wonderful read. Not only was he witty (I found myself chuckling and reading out loud to my wife), but he delves into some deep philosophical and theological waters without confusing the reader. Dr. Wittmer understands these complex issues so well he is able to bring these down to a very understandable level for the average person. I have taught Worldview classes to both college and high school students and have struggled to find a text that introduces these complex topics in a creative and clear way. In Heaven is a Place on Earth, I have now found the best text I have seen for introducing people to the relevant topics of Christian Worldview. Dr. Wittmer discusses why humans exist, where we are going to end up, and how we get there following the Creation, Fall, Redemption model of Scripture. He steers the reader away from the current gnostic cult in our contemporary culture which implies that anything physical is bad (and so we must baptize articles with Christian symbols) and that a Christian's goal is to leave this earth (see Revelation 21). Instead, he remains faithful to the biblical texts and demonstrates how God truly is Immanuel (God with us). All in all, I believe this book is a necessity for anyone wanting to form a balanced and informed Christian Worldview.

Dr. Wittmer does modern Christians a great service in Heaven is a Place on Earth. Too long our view of how we should engage in the world has been skewed by non-biblical concepts and paradigms. His balanced approach to living in the world (and enjoying it!) is a welcome relief from years of confusion caused by well-meaning but misguided pastors and authors. His wit and voice make this book a joy to read and the notes, discussion questions, and case studies in the back make it a perfect text for small groups, Sunday school, and personal enrichment. Many thanks to Dr. Wittmer who encourages all of us to enjoy life, creation, and other people in the way that God intends for them to be enjoyed. (I always suspected that God might want us to be happy.) A liberating and positive text that deserved heavier cover stock from the publisher. Highly recommended!