The Near Death Experience: A Reader is the most comprehensive collection of NDE cases and interpretations ever assembled. This book encompasses a broad range of disciplines: psychological researchers discuss cognitive models and Jungian theories of meaningful archetypal phenomena; the biological perspectivedescribes how brains near death may produce soothing endorphins, optical illusions, and convincing hallucinations. Philosophers present empirical analyses and images in archetypal theories, and the symbolic language of comparative phenomenological theories. Christian, Jewish and Mormon responses to NDEs outline the religious perspective, and the mystical and spiritual interpretations of NDEs are also explored.

Much has been written about the phenomenon of near-death experiences, but little attention has been paid to scientific research, such as that of Dr. Michael Sabom, that indicates that these are body-free or spiritual experiences. Still less attention has been paid to the parallels that exist between descriptions such as those given by George Ritchie, whose near-death journey caused Raymond Moody to begin the epoch-making study that brought the phenomenon into the public eye, and the work of Rudolf Steiner. Steiner spoke of the twentieth century as an age at the threshold of the Risen Christ; it is the author's conviction that Ritchie's story affords us an opportunity to recognize and enter into the meaning of this event.

Life-Changing Testimonies from Unexpected Trips to Heaven! What comes to mind when you think about Heaven? No matter what your perspective, the stories in this book will forever change your understanding of the afterlife. Each person included has a powerful testimony of a near-death experience where they unexpectedly visited Heaven. As you read these firsthand accounts of life on the other side of the veil, you will receive: Strengthening of your faith. Answers to questions about Heaven. An impartation of hope. Revelation of the Father's love. Each of these life-changing encounters will leave you hungry to discover more of the God who is actively engaged in every moment of your life, both now and through all eternity!

A Near-Death Experience (NDE) is the recollected experience of someone who has been declared ‘clinically dead’ by the doctors, followed by resuscitation (the act of bringing someone back to life). Common traits that have been reported by NDErs (persons having near-dear experiences) are: An awareness of being dead; A sense of peace, well-being, painlessness and other positive emotions; a sense of removal from the world; an intense feeling of unconditional love and acceptance; experiencing euphoric environments, an out-of-body experience (OBE), that means, a perception of one's body from an outside position, sometimes observing medical professionals performing resuscitation efforts; a "tunnel experience" or entering a zone of darkness; a rapid movement toward a bright light; being reunited with deceased loved ones; receiving a ‘life review’, commonly referred to as "seeing one's life in a flash-back before one's eyes"; approaching a border or a decision by oneself or others to return to one's body, often accompanied by a reluctance to return; and suddenly finding oneself back inside one's body. Although majority of the NDErs report pleasant experiences, a few of them may have distressing or unpleasant experiences also. This book consists of 13 chapters, categorized into three sections: (i) Introduction and Overview, (ii) Some True Stories, and (iii) Scientific Interpretation.

Near-death experiences are known around the world and throughout human history. They are sometimes reported by individuals who have revived from a period of clinical death or near-death and they typically feature sensations of leaving the body, entering and emerging from darkness, meeting deceased friends and relatives, encountering beings of light, judgment of one's earthly life, feelings of oneness, and reaching barriers, only to return to the body. Those who have NDEs almost invariably understand them as having profound spiritual or religious significance. In this book, Gregory Shushan explores the relationship between NDEs, shamanism, and beliefs about the afterlife in traditional indigenous societies in Africa, North America, and Oceania. Drawing on historical accounts of the earliest encounters with explorers, missionaries, and ethnologists, this study addresses questions such as: Do ideas about the afterlife commonly originate in NDEs? What role does culture play in how people experience and interpret NDEs? How can we account for cross-cultural similarities and differences between afterlife beliefs? Though NDEs are universal, Shushan shows that how they are actually experienced and interpreted varies by region and culture. In North America, they were commonly valorized, and attempts were made to replicate them through shamanic rituals. In Africa, however, they were largely considered aberrational events with links to possession or sorcery. In Oceania, Micronesia corresponded more to the African model, while Australia had a greater focus on afterlife journey shamanism, and Polynesia and Melanesia showed an almost casual acceptance of the phenomenon as reflected in numerous myths, legends, and historical accounts. This study examines the continuum of similarities and differences between NDEs, shamanism, and afterlife beliefs in dozens of cultures throughout these regions. In the process, it makes a valuable contribution to our knowledge about the origins of afterlife beliefs around the world and the significance of related experiences in human history.

The NDE is one of the most spoken about phenomenon of our time. Here in this book the author, who is a Registered Nurse, logically and rationally analyses the phenomenon and states what the NDE may represent. He also details the associated medical condition called 'The Lazarus Syndrome' where individuals who appear to be dead have revived, and sometimes told of NDE experiences. The book provides many examples of the NDE, both from the wider literature and from the author's own clinical research. He comprehensively analyses all the evidence in a rational and logical manner and gives various theories as to what exactly the Near Death Experience is and what it means for us as human beings. Does the NDE represent proof of life after death? The author's analysis provides all of the various theories and allows the reader to make their own decision. It makes for fascinating reading, and for anyone who is seeking the truth about the phenomenon it is an indispensable addition to the literature on the subject.

When school bullying became more than he could bear, one small first-grader asked his Heavenly Father if he could return home to heaven. Instead, he was shown a miraculous vision of life beyond the veil and the promised blessings awaiting him. In Remember, Russell Ricks tells the story of his spiritual vision and how that event shaped his life, providing comfort during later challenges. Russell’s fascinating account will remind you that no matter how bleak life seems, our Savior will always be there for us.

A near-death experience (NDE) is a phenomenon that can occur to a person who is close to death or in a life-threatening situation. It is a subjective experience that can encompass a wide range of sensations and emotions, including feelings of peace, detachment from the body, and a sense of transcendence. NDEs have been reported by people from all walks of life and cultures, and they have been the subject of much research and debate in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality.

Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death is a dramatic and sustained response to decades of research into near-death experiences (NDEs) - the first to credibly bridge the gap between the competing factions of science and spirituality.

Death is the only certainty in life yet many people shy away from thinking about it until something drastic happens such as the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, or the sudden death of a loved one, which can throw us into turmoil. Yet, paradoxically, contemplating death and the frequently-experienced phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs) which are so little recognised and supported within the traditional medical environment can really help alter our relationship with death and release us from the fear that often surrounds it.After an insightful introduction about why the subject of NDEs is so worth exploring, each chapter in this book addresses a key question: What are the Characteristics of an NDE, and are there different types? Are all NDE experiences pleasant, or can some be distressing? Who has NDEs and under what circumstances do they occur? How do they affect the people who have them, and how can this change their lives? How can NDEs be scientifically explained aren t they just hallucinations? What can we learn from NDEs, and can they change our attitude to life and death? Can a greater understanding of NDEs lead to an evolution in our consciousness and an enhanced sense of spirituality?As such, this book really brings readers on an exploratory journey through the world of NDEs, challenging preconceptions about what they are and the impact they can have, encouraging us to accept and feel empowered by death, rather than living in fear of it, and giving us useful insights about life along the way.