Title: Where Will We Spend Eternity?: The Location and Inhabitants of Heaven and Hell Over Time
Author: Dr. Carlton L Burford
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-1-6698-6845-3
Genre: Christianity
Pages: 110
Reviewed by: Allison Walker

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While much has been said about the existence of heaven and hell, and what each place might look like, little has been said about how these were created or how the record of these places has changed over time. After all, the King James Bible begins with the creation of Earth, “In the beginning, God created heaven and the Earth,” then the six days God spent forming land, water and the earth’s inhabitants. In his book, Where Will We Spend Eternity?: The Location and Inhabitants of Heaven and Hell Over Time, author Carlton L. Burford picks up the story and delves into how heaven and hell were formed. His book is a thought-provoking exploration of a topic that has intrigued humanity for centuries. With meticulous research and a comprehensive approach, Burford examines the evolving conceptions of heaven and hell across history.

Where Will We Spend Eternity? is a historical study of the creation of heaven and hell according to holy books and their translations over time. By piecing together holy texts and their interpretations, Burford meticulously traces the evolution of ideas about the afterlife. His scholarly approach allows Burford to navigate readers through religious scripture and philosophical analysis to reveal how heaven and hell have changed names, locations and inhabitants. Burford’s obvious personal interest in this topic is contagious and, despite the lengthy blocks of Bible quotes, Burford does an admirable job making the information accessible to all types of readers. He presents complex ideas in a clear and organized way to make his book valuable for both serious academic and general interest readers. Where Will We Spend Eternity?is an interesting book for anyone studying the Bible, regardless of level of experience with this topic.

In Burford’s book, heaven and hell are physical places. About heaven, Burford writes, “The first heaven is what we call today the atmosphere around the earth… the second heaven is what we call the Universe, and the third heaven is where God currently exists.” Although not unique in this interpretation, the physical heaven is a frequently debated perspective of heaven and tragically under-represented in such a thoroughly studious way. Burford’s commitment to the study of long-neglected topics makes Where Will We Spend Eternity? an unusual acquisition to a student’s bookshelf and a necessary inclusion to the field of religious studies.

Part historical account and part seminar, Where Will We Spend Eternity? provides not only a comprehensive historical overview but also prompts readers to reflect on their personal beliefs and cultural influences. Burford’s elaborate research is an enlightening and immersive voyage into the enduring quest to comprehend the mysteries of the unknown. With his scholarly rigor and engaging narrative style, Burford offers readers a captivating and enlightening journey through the landscapes of heaven and hell.