Heavenbound: What Happens When We Die

S.A. Teruya
North Venice Books (2007)
ISBN 9780977235223
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/07)

“Heavenbound” took me out of my comfort zone of what I thought I believed about life after death and made me look at the reality of what I truly know.  The general beliefs about what happens after we die tend to be based upon metaphysical musings and not actual scientific fact.  This is the part that hits home the most.  I want to be able to be confident in that after I die, my soul is going somewhere.  I don’t want to think that I will just fade away to nothing.  Based upon actual scientific evidence, we do not have proof that there is life after death.  On the other hand we do not have proof that heaven doesn’t exist.

Dr. S. A. Teruya presents a fascinating discussion on why humans need to believe that there is life after death.  Our emotions are involved in this thought process.  He believes that this need is based upon our own fears of mortality and what will happen to us after we die.  He also states that, “Many believers, in fact, are survivors coping with loss.”  The beliefs that there is something more out there, helps them to deal with the stages of grief.

“Heavenbound” is separated into three parts.  The first section examines why humans believe in life after death.  The second section discusses what we believe and the third section addresses what we know for sure.  I found this organization to be very helpful.  He also discusses the works of Dr. Raymond Moody and Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, who both have contributed greatly in providing philosophies about the death and life after death experience.

Dr. S. A. Teruya states, “Life…is easy to experience, but difficult to explain.”  The only way we will truly know what happens after we die, is when we actually experience it for ourselves.  After reading “Heavenbound,” I have a better understanding of why I believe in the afterlife and when the time comes, I hope that I am right in my beliefs.  Because of Dr. Teruya’s discussion about how people are affected by losing others, I think that his writing has taught me to be more compassionate and understanding when dealing with someone who is grieving.  It also made me think that if there is a chance that there is nothing out there, then I need to really focus on making a difference for others while I am alive.

“Heavenbound” should be read by people who are interested in exploring what might happen after we die.  It will take most of us out of our comfort zones and make us really evaluate our beliefs.  People who deal with those who are grieving -- such as psychologists and hospice ministers -- should really read this.  I also think that people who have strong beliefs in the metaphysical aspects of life and death would benefit by having alternative ideas to explore.

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