Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die [Paperback]

David Crowder (Author), Mike Hogan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2006

'Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. And heaven, if we're to believe what was proposed by a man two thousand years ago, is a kingdom coming and a kingdom here and now; something for the present, not reserved entirely for the ever after. Right now we exist somewhere between here and there, and bluegrass carries the high lonesome song of our condition in its soul. None of us are getting out of here alive, but we will conclude that death is not the ultimate calamity.' --David Crowder and Mike Hogan When grief shatters our world and the pain of death and loss consumes us, we not only yearn for comfort, we want answers. Musicians David Crowder and Mike Hogan help us find those answers---and give us a song of hope in the meantime. In this unique book filled with warm, thought-provoking, and often hilarious insights, Crowder and Hogan reveal how bluegrass music can reach our souls like nothing else. Bluegrass was born from pain but has hope at its core; it gives us a song that assures us that death does not win, it is the beginning.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die: Or (The Eschatology of Bluegrass)

The conflict between the here and now and the ever after is a familiar one. Death and life are forever intertwined, as a life lived to the fullest includes pain and grief. Even more, it requires dying to self, which frees one to experience a greater joy: community. Thus explains best- selling recording artist David Crowder as he explores the complex relationship between life, death, grief and community. Drawing from personal experience, Christian theology, the science of pain and the "high, lonesome sound" of bluegrass music, Crowder applies his often hilarious voice to an inspiring message—death is not the ultimate calamity ... it is just the beginning.

About the Author

David Crowder is the pastor of music and arts at University Baptist Church (UBC) in Waco, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Toni. They still have no pets, although he does like some animals; especially that one dog that passes in front of his house on Tuesdays. He is also a part of the fabulous rock-and-roll extravaganza known as David Crowder*Band (sixstepsrecords/EMI CMG). This is his second book.

Mike Hogan plays in the band with the bestselling recording artist mentioned above. Though this is his first venture into the world of books, he has done a good bit of writing for RELEVANT magazine. When not on tour, Mike enjoys spending time at home with his wife, Robin, and two of the most destructive and malevolent cats the planet has ever seen.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Relevant Books (September 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977748006
• ISBN-13: 978-0977748006
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #583,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Crowder is the pastor of music and arts at University Baptist Church (UBC) in Waco, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Toni. He is also a part of the rock-and-roll extravaganza known as David Crowder Band (sixstepsrecords/EMI CMG).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it is good, September 22, 2006

By 

Gina R. Crick (Lake Ann, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die (Paperback)

death needed to be discussed in this way. to be invited into their greiving like this helped. most people don't understand, and that can stand in the way. it is a book for people who love to learn, who love music and it's history, and who don't mind unconventional ways of thinking. it is for people who are grieving, who will grieve and need to know what that looks like. i found it's idiosyncrasies more in line with my natural thought life, and so that was comforting too. it is good. thanks to the authors for this book, and lots of grins and giggles too! you guys are crazy. (good crazy) i thoroughly enjoyed all of the footnotes.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Release, January 26, 2007

By 

Mary Morris "maryintheclouds" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die (Paperback)

I cried. I cried for Hogan when he couldn't. I cried for David when he was golfing and stupified. I cried for myself. Then I thanked God for giving me the understanding that came through this book. My jars of tears are finally flooding out. Give this book a chance; you never know how you could change.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'll stop myself from writing too much but..., January 8, 2007

By 

Joanna Macellaro (Long Island) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die (Paperback)

This book is absolutely amazing.
I got it for Christmas, and sat down and read the first half out loud with my brother. That's how awesome it is, we read that much in one sitting. :D
I took the book to a party with me 2 days later and we finished it.
People at the party were looking at me funny for sitting and reading a book about death and bluegrass instead of, say, eating cake.
But the eschatology of bluegrass, as depicted by David Crowder and Mike Hogan, is a lot better than cake.

I absolutely loved every part of it. Hilarious footnotes, IM conversations between Crowder and Hogan, and even a lawyer joke. My brother and I were laughing out loud (which caused people to look at us strangely also, oh well). Then suddenly there would be a story of the death of one of their close friends, or relatives, and we'd be trying not to cry.

Crowder and Hogan have an excellent way of writing; the entire book was captivating and beautiful. I think I'll be quoting from it until long after the cows come home.

Death can be a painful topic, one most people try to avoid, but everybody will encounter it at some point. This book, along with their AMAZING cd, A Collision, discusses death honestly and openly, which is quite necesary.
Good job, guys. :)