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Ghadeer Lamah
Mrs. Hope
Honors World Literature
9 November 2015
Analysis of Heaven Is For Real
Heaven Is For Real is a movie that is centered and based around Christian beliefs,
ideals, and teachings. Although, the moving and inspiring story of a four year old boy Coltons
journey through heaven will touch the heart of people following all religions. The story is
essentially about Coltons fight through a terrible sickness, while him and his family together
face the repercussions of Colton experiencing heaven during emergency surgery. Is this
Coltons four year old fantasies, or is heaven for real? This is the question asked throughout the
course of the whole movie as the central idea of confidence and trust in ones faith is displayed.
The movie starts off introducing the characters and the family. Todd and Sonja were
introduced as the parents of Cassie and Colton; the four of them lived the life of any happy
normal family, who look to God for guidance. Their struggles financially played a role in this
reliance on God. Todd, being the pastor at their local church, was very educated in Christianity as
he preached the religion's principles and hoped to inspire those around him. The family had
unfaltering belief and trust in God until Colton unexpectedly acquired a sickness that was not
known to them at the time. It was not of much concern to them until his body temperature would
not lower from 104 degrees, which is when he was instantly rushed to the hospital. Emergency
surgery had to be given to Colton, and the wait was stressful, tear-jerking, and aggravating for
his parents. Sonja was desperately calling family members asking for their help and prayers,
displaying the importance and reliance this family had in their Christian faith. However, for the

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first time in the movie, Todd was shown questioning God and his power, for this was the last
straw for him. Todd had full trust in God even with the abundance of medical emergencies he
had had himself, but his four year old son being the one in the hospital room this time put him
over the edge. He begged for answers as to why God had put him through so much suffering and
misery. The answer to his prayers was his sons miracle.
Coltons successful surgery and speedy recovery was what they thought would be the end
of unexpected events, but then Colton brought up the thought that he was so certain he had been
to heaven during his surgery. He explained that he was able to leave his body and visit the
church, where he then met Jesus Christ. This thought at the time was instantly dismissed as the
four year old's imagination, but throughout the movie Colton does all that he can to prove to his
family and all those around him that heaven is for real.
Christianity influences the main characters throughout the whole movie. It is clear that
their love for God and knowledge of their faith is what guides them through life. Todd being a
pastor adds to his deep understanding of the religions stress on moral character, as it is displayed
in the movie through his actions. The mother, Sonja, was also a very clear and faithful follower
of Christianity. She immediately turned to God in desperate measures, as well as just when she
needed to be reassured. The religion provides an obvious sanctuary to all of the main characters
of this movie, even when they had their doubts.
When considering how the Christian faith was conveyed in Heaven Is For Real, there
are a few factors to consider. One being, the absolute trust and obedience of the characters to
God displays the importance God has in Christianity, helping a non-Christian deepen his or her
understanding of this vital aspect of the faith. The movie portrays the religion as a foundation for

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happiness, moral character, and well-being. It is through the actions of the family that this can be
deducted.
Overall, based on my knowledge of Christianity, the movie Heaven Is For Real
effectively encompassed the main goals and principles of the religion. It is through the true and
joyous story of this four year old boy Colton that the audience will be able to fully grasp the
importance God and Heaven have on followers of this faith.