For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
David Cory Enderby
I know something about Bill Wiese. If you listen to his testimony, he backs everything up with scripture, and not just a few, several. His testimony is all over YouTube and his books are available in many stores. He also has a traveling ministry that enables to you go and see him live. I encourage you to prayerfully examine it in light of the scriptures and be led by the Holy Spirit.
Mary Skeels
I have not read this book and Probably never will. Most of my reading is the bible and books that teach about the world of God. One thing that I do believe is that God never showed anyone a vision of Heaven without a cause and His desire to broaden our understanding of Him so that we can live life the way that makes us ready for eternity with Him. None of the visions in the bible are long and detailed enough to make a whole book. As for going to Hell. Hell in the bible is the grave. It says that those in the grave are asleep waiting for the Resurrection. So I can't imagine what anyone would be seeing there in light of the testimony of the word of God.
Don Mesquit
I have read Bill Wieses' book "23 Minutes in Hell" and listened to his story on CD and I have to agree with David Cory Enderby. Wiese relies heavily on the Bible and you have to ask yourself, what does he have to gain by making up such a story? But I didn't always believe in this stuff, that is until it happened to me.
90 minutes, 23 minutes, I didn’t think to look for a clock; I just didn’t have time. I was woken out of a dead sleep, sat up in bed and saw everything like it was in HD. It was going to be a matter of seconds before I was to be swallowed up and consumed by the fire rising up around me. Everything around me was crumbling and falling away. I was down on one knee trying to balance myself without touching the red-hot coals and lava surrounding me. I remember thinking it won’t be long before I actually feel what its like to be burned alive. There was no time to call out for help, there was no one to call out too, and there was no time to jump for safety. Without a doubt, I was never so sure of anything in my life; I was going down into the fire and no one could help me, not even Jesus Christ.
Why couldn’t Jesus help me, you ask? Well, I think because I didn’t know Him then. I didn’t know a lot of things then, like there really is a place called the Lake of Fire and when you go to hell there is no hope, no help, and no Jesus.
Why the vision or dream, I don't know.
There's more to the story, but that was then, now I'm a saved born again Christian, Praise the Lord!
Amber Chase
I also agree with David Cory Enderby. As to Don Mesquit, I am so glad you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. God bless you and share the gospel.