“The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven” Recants Story, Rebukes Christian Retailers

[RussBLib]

Oh, the poor faithiests, they were lied to yet again. How many lies does it take until they get it through their skulls it's all a lie? Wasn't this kids name a sort of tip-off? I mean, Malarkey? Really?? hahahahaha

“LifeWay was informed this week that Alex Malarkey has retracted his testimony about visiting heaven as told in the book “The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven.” Therefore, we are returning to the publisher the few copies we have in our Stores.”

Lifeway has been selling The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven for many years now. It is part of the trifecta of books on “heavenly tourism” that Lifeway has sold and has promoted, along with 90 Minutes in Heaven and Heaven is for Real. The co-author of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven – the boy himself – has written an open letter to Lifeway and admonished them for not holding to the sufficiency of Scripture, and has recanted his tale. For those who may not be familiar with of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven, the publisher’s description is as follows:

“In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex–and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. ‘I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,’ a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just ‘terrible’ to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. ‘The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven’ is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.”

from Alex:

I did not die. I did not go to Heaven.
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.
It is only through repentance of your sins and a belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who died for your sins (even though he committed none of his own) so that you can be forgiven may you learn of Heaven outside of what is written in the Bible…not by reading a work of man. I want the whole world to know that the Bible is sufficient. Those who market these materials must be called to repent and hold the Bible as enough.

Sorry, Alex, but it's time to grow up. The Bible was written by men too, quite obviously. Kids say the darnedest things, don't they?

original story here

[Turbineguy]

2. Their failth seems a bit weak.

Last edited Fri Jan 16, 2015, 02:56 PM - Edit history (1)

if they have to buy a book that "proves" the existence of Heaven.

[AlbertCat]

7. Their failth seems a bit week.

This week or next week? Do we include the week-end?

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Wow, he did it to get attention.

Now that is a surprise!

I am just surprised that he is spouting the Bible now. I would have expected that he would be disenchanted by the whole experience. I have a feeling that he has been coached by some fundie who has gotten into his head with the whole "profiting from lies" and "the Bible is the only source of truth".

[RussBLib]

4. no wonder they want to "get 'em" when they're young

it's takes a lot of time and effort to wash that crap out of there.

Yeah, the kid seems much more devout now than he was before. Pity.

[Curmudgeoness]

11. The only thing that might redeem this kid

is to see through the people who are leading him on the way they are---also for profit or recognition. One day when he gets older, he may see their motives are also not so nice. At least we can hope.

[Act_of_Reparation]

5. Kids do say the damndest things...

...especially when they're prodded into it by predatory adults so abjectly pathetic in their fear of death that they would exploit a fucking kindergartner for a moment's fucking reprieve.

[amuse bouche]

6. Like Humpty Dumpty and a wall...

Sooner or later it all comes crashing down

[AlbertCat]

8. Of course the kid did not publish the book himself

There are many "adults" involved.

[Bryce Butler]

9. The success of this and similar books

... speaks to just how desperate people are to have their hopes confirmed. This is hardly the first time the gullibility of believers has been exploited for money.

[A HERETIC I AM]

10. So he's basically full of shit

Pretty much all the way around full of shit. Quelle surprise!