I Saw Heaven
By Lawrence E. Tooley
Synopsis: This is the firsthand account of Lawrence (“Larry”) Tooley’s extensive visit to the spirit world after falling from a scaffolding and suffering terrible physical injury in 1972. The author was a Latter-day Saint both before and after his experience, although he had not been active .
Strong Points: This book has some notable things to add to our understanding of the spirit world that aren’t obtained from other similar stories. Among these are the idea that genealogy is done in the world of spirits (p. 69-70), that spirits must perform the Gospel ordinances in the spirit as well, after their work has been done on earth (p. 70-71), an illustration and explanation of the importance and necessity of linking the generations through compliance with priesthood ordinances (p. 72-73), and the concept that even though communication is done primarily telepathically, thoughts can be kept private from others (p. 77). A detailed description of Peter, James, and John was given (p. 102-103), which was keenly interesting, although surprising because he said that James was “partially bald,” and I didn’t think that righteous spirits had to endure those types of disfigurements. (Albeit, it is possible that he manifested that why by choice.) One of the most notable and interesting parts of the book was the author’s memory (restored to him after he came back to earth) of him telling his love interest (who later became his wife on earth) that it was his time to leave the premortal world and go to earth (p. 126-130). It was fascinating and touching. Essentially, they were worried about what the uncertainty of earth life might do to their eternal relationship, and whether they will even find each other. Larry made a promise with her that he would. Later, in their lives on earth, they met each other and had powerful feelings that they belonged together (p. 27-38). It was only after his near-death experience that Larry saw/remembered the glimpse of their last time together in the spirit world, which made him very driven to be sealed to her in the temple on earth. The author made a good analysis of his experience and things that he learned at the end of the book, and the publisher, Duane Crowther of Life Everlasting fame, compiled a list of the things about the spirit world that are learned from Larry’s account, included as the last several pages. Since the book is written by a Latter-day Saint, it is also highly relevant to LDS readers.
Weak Points: The fact that the author was a Latter-day Saint is a double-edged sword, as it may tend to reduce the audience of the book and the credibility of his experience to the larger audience of Christian believers. But it is what it is – nothing can be done about that. Also – and this is my complaint with most near-death experience books – I feel like the experiencer could have been so much more descriptive in almost every part of his account. Minute details that the experiencer takes for granted, since they saw it and can see it in their mind’s eye, go unmentioned and are not articulated. But all in all, many parts were indeed well-described and the book was certainly an enriching read.
Interesting: 5/5
Must Read: 3/5
Overall: 3.8/5
Pages: 160
Selected Quote: “‘I’ll make this promise to you now,’ I said, ‘After we’re married and we complete all the necessary preparations, I’ll take you through the temple and make you my queen. We’ll be sealed together for time and all eternity.’
“The mist in her eyes spilled over, wetting my cheek as I held her close. The only sound that came to our ears was the trickling of the stream. I lifted her to her feet as we linked arms, her head resting softly on my shoulder as we strolled arm-in-arm through our personal Garden of Eden.
“Magnificent trees shrouded the distant, misty hills. Delicate floating water lilies bobbed gently in the water. Beautiful flowers grew in stately splendor, filling the air with their fragrance. We etched every detail indelibly in our minds. It would be a long time, we knew, before we would return.” (p. 130).
“The three straightened up and turned to face me. The man on my left was a slightly built man who was partially bald. His remaining hair was dark. He wore no beard. His robe hung halfway between his knees and ankles and was partially opened down his chest revealing smooth skin without body hair. His arms hung lightly at his side.
“The man on my right side stood about the same height but was stockier. He sported a full head of black curly hair and a short curly beard. His robe hung halfway between his knees and his ankles and was also partially opened, revealing his hairy chest.
“The man in the middle stood a good half a head taller than the other two. He also had a full head of curly black hair and a curly beard, but both were heavily streaked with grey. His robe was the same as the other two, hanging halfway between his knees and his ankles and opened halfway down his chest revealing a heavy crop of chest hair. All three were barefoot, as was everyone else I had seen so far.
“The one in the middle spoke, telling me they were Peter, James, and John. I can only guess that the one speaking was Peter, and that James was the slight-built man. John must have been the stockier of the three. I do not know for sure because they weren’t introduced individually. I felt a deep reverent respect in the presence of their authority.” (p. 102-103).