I'm Not Perfect, Can I Still Go To Heaven?

by Anthony Sweat

Did you know that nearly half of today s Latter-day Saint teenagers (those who are actively engaged in the gospel) think that if they died today they would NOT make it to the celestial kingdom? Why? The most common answer is something like, Well, I have sins and I m not perfect, so I don t think I am good enough to go to the celestial kingdom. But I don t think I m so terrible that I ll go to the telestial kingdom either. So I guess I will end up somewhere in the middle, in the terrestrial kingdom. In this unique book, the author creates a hypothetical gospel classroom with a teacher and eight fictional students. The students have different teenager profiles (like a Facebook page), each with its own icon. Whenever one of the fictional teenagers is speaking, the icon from his or her profile is present. Readers will follow an engaging dialogue as they discuss the question, If you were to die today, which eternal kingdom do you think you would go to? The author says, It is my most sincere desire that through this book we can all better understand what is truly required of us to inherit the celestial kingdom, and find hope in the heart of the gospel that will take us there: the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Inspirational, Religion, Lds

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2010

About the author

Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He received a BFA in painting and drawing from the University of Utah and his MEd and PhD in curriculum and instruction from Utah State University.

Before joining the religion faculty at BYU, he worked for thirteen years with Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. Dr. Sweat is the author of several books and articles related to the teachings and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His research centers on factors that influence effective religious education. As a practicing artist, his paintings center on religious themes, including underrepresented events in Church history. Anthony and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of seven children and reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written for teenagers in only a slightly cheesy way. It is dialogue of several seminary classes--the teacher is teaching about the atonement and the 3 degrees of glory. I'm not sure that I really learned anything new, but it pointed things out that have been right in front of me for years and made me kinda go, "oh, yeah...duh..." Like I'd almost gotten that point before but not quite. I'm planning on having my oldest read it, and the others when they're a little older. We tend to think we aren't going to make the Celestial kingdom because we make mistakes everyday. If we really understood and believed in the atonement, we wouldn't feel that way.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book really helped put the Atonement into terms that are more accessible to people. Although it's directed towards teenagers, I really liked the topics that he wrote about and the light he shed on some principles. My only real complaint about this book is that it can get pretty cheesy with the dialogue of the kids. If you can get past the "myspace" pages in the front and some of the cheesy dialogue it's a really great, user friendly and quite an informational book.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written as a "class discussion," in seminary with about 5 teenagers talking with their teacher about which kingdom they deserve, the Gospel teachings of "heaven," different kingdoms, and the Atonement. The book, aimed at seminary age kids, can be read by anyone--and should be, because it is such a good discussion of grace vs acts, the Atonement, and our journey here and our usually undeserved feelings of unworthiness.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well put together book about explaining the next life and where the Atonement comes to play. I now understand that I don't need to keep thinking that I'm never going to be in the Celestial Kingdom. I highly recommend this book to any Latter Day Saint aka Mormon.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. He put the Atonement into clear and understandable terms and really did give you hope. The Celestial Kingdom feels totally attainable after reading this... I read it for a Young Women's lesson and they all wanted it afterwards. I still haven't got my copy back. :P

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Fun to read in a 'classroom' setting. :)

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is written for teens and seemed rather boring.

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never did read this book the whole way through, it was written in a fun format that would be appealing to teens, I'm sure. Good subject to write about and a very valid concern.

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the messages in this book: It is OK to be imperfect . . . duh!
(The attitude is from me, not the author!)

[Amanda Packer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how he set up the reading as if you were in class learning with him. I think that he did a great job helping to explain what we need to do to be in the Celestial Kingdom.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read!

[Wendy Woehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights. Very uplifting quick read.

[Artemis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!