New Christian film "Heaven Is For Real" has received a mixed reaction from Christian critics, with some praising the testimony account from the Burpo family as inspirational. Others, however, have questioned the accuracy of the descriptions of Colton Burpo's experiences of heaven, claiming that are not backed up by Scripture.

The film - which gives an account of Colton Burpo's testimony of his experience of heaven when he was on death's door as a four-year-old toddler - has been eagerly awaited by many, and stars Oscar Award nominee Greg Kinnear as young Colton's dad Todd Burpo.

The movie is based on the true story of Nebraskan Pastor Todd Burpo and his family. In the New York Times #1 bestselling book released back in 2010, "Heaven Is For Real," Pastor Burpo gives an account of how he and his family came to know about his then four-year-old son Colton's near death experience in 2003.

Many Christians have been touched by the testimony, and have testified themselves that it has given them hope and comfort. Others have also stated that they believe the movie will be helpful for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and to get people talking about heaven and Jesus.

"No film will ever replace the foundation for belief that we have in God's Word, and any attempt at fully representing the afterlife will certainly fall short," said Union University's Assistant Professor of Christian thought and tradition Taylor Worley to Baptist Press. "But that doesn't mean films shouldn't try to picture it for us. We need to have our imaginations stretched and expanded for the very reason that the Bible calls us to ponder heavenly realities [Philippians 4:8]. We need to get a sense of wonder back about the eschatological kingdom of Christ. A film like Heaven Is For Real could go a long way in helping us to get that wonder back."

However, Pastor Paul Mathenia has more mixed feelings about the movie.

"On the one hand I am happy the movie is coming out. What a great opportunity to get people talking about heaven! Those who view the movie will be open to discussing its views of heaven compared to biblical teachings. A clear and accurate presentation of the Gospel can easily flow from this," said Pastor Mathenia to Baptist Press. "On the other hand I am saddened. Many people will succumb to the real temptation to base their view of heaven on the word of a 4-year-old boy instead of the Word of God. This type of reaction has already followed the book."

"Heaven is for Real" arrived in US movie theaters on Wednesday and is playing nationwide now.