If This Isn't Heaven, I Don't Know What Is

Biblical Reasons Why We Should
And Practical Suggestions on How We Can
Create Heaven on Earth

Dear Pastor,

I would like your endorsement for a book I hope to publish.

Before I tell you why you should endorse this book, here's why you should NOT endorse it.

It's conclusion is more than just "unique" or even "controversial." Many respected writers would say the conclusion is "heretical," or even "dangerous." In one chapter I discuss some Bible-believing scholars who say that anyone who advocates what this book advocates is not even a Christian, and true Christians should not even dialogue with those who advocate what this book advocates.

Here's why you shouldn't listen to such people (and then I'll tell you why you should endorse this book).

First, nothing encourages inquisitive people to investigate a subject more than someone saying "Don't investigate this subject."

Especially if you say "And I won't tell you why or discuss the issues."

Second, the conclusion of this book is not new, nor is it dangerous. A similar conclusion was reached over 100 years ago.* Charles Haddon Spurgeon, one of the greatest preachers of all time, and arguably the greatest Baptist preacher, reviewed this similar book in the October 1878 issue of his periodical The Sword and the Trowel. He said:

Though the author's theory is carried too far, it has so much of truth in it, and throws so much new light upon obscure portions of the Scriptures, and is accompanied with so much critical research and close reasoning, that it can be injurious to none and may be profitable to all.

You'll probably think I've carried things "too far." In fact, I'm up front about it. I'm trying to create a kind of "spiritual exercise" which stretches unused spiritual muscles. "No pain, no gain." But in writing this book I have been motivated to do nothing "injurious," but only that which is "profitable to all."

I'm not into foolish debates, splitting hairs, and majoring on the minors. This book is calculated to exercise essential spiritual muscles which are atrophied in many Christians today. The goal is to build up, not to tear down:

Remind them about these things, solemnly calling on them in the Presence of God not to argue about words, since that is of no use and tears down those who listen. Do your utmost to let God see that you at least are a sound workman, with no need to be ashamed of the way you handle the Word of Truth. Avoid all that profane jargon, for it leads people still further into unGodliness.
2 Timothy 2:14-16

The issues covered in this book are not obscure technical twists on a Greek word found only once in the Bible. These issues are BIG questions, intensely practical issues, and major themes discussed in dozens or even hundreds of verses, and you'll be surprised you've never read these verses in this light before. My goal is to lead the reader to greater Godliness.

You should endorse this book because it has a high view of Scripture, in the tradition of Augustine, John Calvin, B.B. Warfield, J. Gresham Machen, Cornelius Van Til, and R. J. Rushdoony. It will encourage readers to take the Bible more seriously, and implement it in their lives with greater dedication. It encourages a "Berean" spirit.

You should endorse this book because it explains

• why nearly 10,000 people were murdered each and every single day during the 20th century, why this number could easily double during the next century, and how Christians can stop the killing and make these hundreds of millions of would-be victims powerful followers of Christ;
• who kills all these people (boy, will you be surprised. I'm not even talking about abortions. I'm talking about the murder of adults);
• why capitalism has given us the highest standard of living in human history, and how socialism -- a throwback to ancient pagan religions -- threatens our health and well-being;
• why capitalism (and that form of civil government which is most congenial to it) is a uniquely Christian form of social order;
• why the Biblical concept of "the last days" should not discourage Christians from planning and working for a glorious future of evangelism and Christian culture.
• why Christians should not be down-in-the-face, pining away in a life-long wait for heaven, but why they should and can be working to create "heaven on earth."

Perhaps above all, you should endorse this book because it cultivates joy and gratitude.

As I said, it's a series of "spiritual exercises." It's like doing 1,000 push-ups. It's a tough book. But working through these exercises will strengthen Christians.

If you can't endorse this book, I will still prayerfully consider your comments, and if you don't object, post your comments -- even your warning -- on my website.

I would be most grateful for any time you can spare to consider my book and comment on it.

*  This earlier book is available online. The author reached his conclusions exegetically; my book argues the point from premises which are more philosophical or sociological.