Don Piper Cecil Murphey

Cecil Murphey is an American author recognized for his extensive work across various genres, including nonfiction, biography, memoir, and fiction. He has achieved significant success, notably co-authoring the international bestseller '90 Minutes in Heaven' with Don Piper, which details Piper's near-death experience. Murphey has also collaborated with notable figures such as Dr. Ben Carson on 'Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story', and other celebrities and public figures.

His writing career began in 1971, and he transitioned to full-time writing in 1984. Murphey's background includes missionary service in Kenya with his family and extensive theological education, earning degrees from Chicago Bible College, Pestalozzi-Froebel Teachers College, Columbia Theological Seminary, and Atlanta University. He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church in 1970 and has also taught at Beulah Heights Bible College. Murphey is also a public speaker on topics related to Christianity, faith, and caregiving.

Cecil Murphey's literary output spans a wide array of subjects, demonstrating a consistent focus on inspirational narratives and personal journeys. His most prominent work, '90 Minutes in Heaven', co-authored with Don Piper, delves into themes of death, the afterlife, and spiritual transformation, based on Piper's purported near-death experience. This book achieved widespread acclaim, becoming a New York Times bestseller and translated into numerous languages, highlighting a public interest in accounts of transcendental experiences and heavenly visions. Murphey's collaborations often center on individuals who have overcome significant challenges or experienced profound spiritual encounters, making his work a conduit for exploring faith, resilience, and the nature of divine intervention.

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Iowa, Murphey's early life included service in the U.S. Navy. A pivotal moment in his spiritual journey occurred in 1954, influenced by the book 'Magnificent Obsession'. This led to his active involvement in the church and a path toward theological education and ministry. His academic pursuits culminated in advanced degrees in Education and Divinity, followed by ordination within the Presbyterian Church. Murphey's extensive background in ministry and missionary work, including a period serving in Kenya, deeply informs his writing, lending authenticity and a pastoral perspective to his explorations of faith and human experience.