A Classic Study of Near-Death Experiences, December
15, 2008
As a culture we have gone from a denial of death to a
fascination with the after-life. What truly happens when we die?
If you have just started reading about near-death experiences
then "Life After Life" is a good place to start.
This book describes everything from being declared dead to
seeing a "being of light" that guides then through a
life review. For the most part this is a well-organized book
that has some interesting stories told by people who were
changed by their experience with death.
Before reading this book I didn't know that some people heard
music or other sounds as they died. Other than that I'd heard
about most of the steps people go through when they die.
Floating above the body seems very common and seeing relatives
is also expected. Then there are a few unique experiences. For
example, after their experience some people develop psychic
powers and are able to read people's thoughts.
I recently read Saved
by the Light: The True Story of a Man Who Died Twice and the
Profound Revelations He Received which is a very exciting
book that describes heaven. While "Life After Life" is
still compelling it lacks descriptions of heaven or hell. For
descriptions of hell you may want to read To
Hell and Back: Life After Death Startling New Evidence.
~The Rebecca Review
The Tunnel and The Light
Dealing with Death and Dying, June 9, 2009
Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross believed that repressed negative
emotions are the killers in our society. When dealing with
patients she believed in being honest with children who needed
to talk about their emotions or their impending death. If you
have ever wondered how to communicate with someone who is dying
then this book provides many answers especially when you are
dealing with the death of a child.
While reading "The Tunnel and The Light" I expected
the book to be about near-death experiences. While there is some
discussion of this phenomenon it would be incorrect to say that
is what this book is about. Instead you will read about some of
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' nightmare experiences as a child and gain
a deeper understanding why she was called to work with the
dying. I was surprised at how much humor she used in her
lectures. By reading this book you realize how human Elisabeth
Kubler-Ross could be and also how wise and compassionate she was
while she graced this earth. If you have ever wondered about the
little illustrated book she drew for a dying child it is
included at the end of this book.
If you take any lesson away from this book it will probably be
to be more understanding, more loving and more compassionate
when dealing with the dying. This would be an excellent book for
doctors and nurses and anyone who works in a hospice. It might
also bring a new understanding of death to families who are
living with a dying patient.
While Elisabeth Kubler-Ross discounts negative near-death
experiences I think it is better to read a few books that show
both sides of the story so you are totally prepared for what you
might experience. It is my belief that we choose the hellish or
heavenly experience while alive and in this world.
~The Rebecca Review
I Saw God Hell and the Living Dead
Graphic Descriptions of Hell, June 2, 2009
I've read quite a few books on near-death experiences but none
of them were as graphic as this one. Unless someone had a
photographic memory I doubt they could write a book like this.
Just remembering all of God's words would be difficult when he
talks to Dr. Roger Mills for extended periods of time. The
entire book is backed up with scripture references and at times
God apparently quotes these scriptures to Dr. Mills.
What I found disturbing about the book (more than the
descriptions of souls in pits of fire) was that the author
believes that Christians who are living in sin or are sinning
are bound for hell too. What happens if you can't confess your
last sin right before you die? Does this mean you spend an
eternity in hell? Fortunately he does emphasize that if you
confess your sins and live a good life you can still go to
heaven. Many will wonder about the idea of "once saved
always saved" after reading this book. It is almost
impossible to live a pure life and to never sin no matter how
hard you try.
Unlike other books I've read on this subject there are detailed
descriptions of Satan and God. What was disappointing is that
the author doesn't give descriptions of heaven even though he
claims to have been there too. Apparently he is saving those
descriptions for his next book.
I would only recommend this book to anyone interested in finding
out why people go to hell. There are descriptions of people Dr.
Mills meets and explanations of the sins that caused them to be
stuck in hell for all eternity. Throughout this book the author
claims that Jesus says he has never sent anyone to hell that
they have made the choice to reject Him themselves. From the
stories about each person he meets you get the impression that
God tried to speak to these people but they were willful and
would not turn from their sins. The shocking thing is that the
author saw many spiritual teachers in hell. There is an entire
prison for pastors who have led their followers astray.
Dr. Mills claims that he saw even more than he is telling but
due to the graphic nature of what he saw he chose not to include
those details. Personally I think the descriptions he does
include are enough to scare anyone right into heaven. After
reading this book you will desire to live an even more righteous
life. If you are not a Christian this book might convince you of
your need to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.
If you are interested in books about hell you may also want
to read: 23 Minutes in Hell
~The Rebecca Review
One Minute After You Die
What Happens to the Soul after Death..., April
18, 2009
The title "One Minute After You Die: A Preview of Your
Final Destination" seems to imply that this book will be
about a near-death experience. At least that is what I thought
it would be about. I didn't read the reviews before reading it.
While Erwin W. Lutzer briefly explores near-death experiences he
seems to doubt their validity.
Instead, this book is about the realities of heaven and hell as
described in biblical accounts. Whether you are sure about your
final destination or have doubts, this book has some interesting
answers.
Erwin W. Lutzer doesn't believe in purgatory and explains why
the Old Testament "hades" is not hell. He believes
hades will be thrown into hell at some point in the future. He
also explores the horror we feel about a God who would create a
place of eternal torment. Some of these explanations were
helpful to me because I struggle with this "side" of
God on what seems to be a daily basis. I have always wondered
how Christians can enjoy heaven while they know others are stuck
in eternal horror. Erwin W. Lutzer explains that we will see it
differently once we are in heaven.
If you have ever wondered what happens to someone who commits
suicide then this book has some answers. Erwin W. Lutzer
believes that if you are already a Christian then you don't go
to hell just because you have murdered yourself. However
thinking you might is a good deterrent and is something I have
yet to come to terms with in my own mind.
So if you are interested in biblical explanations of heaven and
hell you will probably find this book to be interesting. The
author's honesty is refreshing as he deals with many of his
reader's doubts and strong feelings about both topics. There is
a description of what heaven looks like and a chapter devoted to
those who still don't know if they are going to heaven or not.
The only thing I noticed about the salvation prayer included in
this book is that it doesn't deal directly with asking God to
forgive your sins. It implies that is what you are doing but
seems indirect. Most prayers I've read before seem to include a
few sentences about asking for forgiveness so pray the prayer in
this book at your own risk or add in - "Please forgive me
of my sins." I'd advise you to consult with a pastor about
what to pray to ensure that your soul is destined for heaven.
~The Rebecca Review
Final Conversations
An Especially Important Book Everyone Needs to Read,
September 23, 2009
"Most people die the same way that they lived."
By writing "Final Conversations," Maureen Keeley and
Julie Yingling have really given a gift to the world. Dying is a
topic we often shy away from because frankly it scares us to
think of life ending. This book however is a very healing read
and addresses all the concerns you may have about dealing with
the death of someone you love.
The authors guide the reader through the process of dealing with
death in a practical way. By reading this book filled with
real-life examples you will be better prepared to face a loved
ones' death and to learn from the experience.
One of the stories that stood out for me was the beautiful story
of a father who hums a song to his daughter over the phone just
days before he dies. Since he can no longer talk this is the
only way they could communicate. As she sings along with his
humming they are still able to connect in a profound way. This
book also explains how to communicate with someone when they are
incapable of verbal communication.
There are some interesting chapters in this book that explore
how children deal with death and how adults deal with the death
of parents who they didn't really get along with. In the end
love is all that counts and these brave souls face seemingly
insurmountable challenges.
Normally I can finish a book in a matter of hours but this book
took me a great part of the day to read and absorb. The lessons
I learned will help me deal with the death of those I love. This
is an especially important book that everyone should read!
Here are a few other book I can highly recommend:
Finding
Your Way After Your Spouse Dies
When
Death Occurs
A
Garden of Love and Healing: Living Tributes to Those We Have
Loved and Lost
Grief
Expressed: When a Mate Dies
Unspeakable:
The Truth About Grief
I
Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After
the Sudden Death of a Loved One
Facing
the Ultimate Loss: Confronting the Death of a Child
Grieving
God's Way
~The Rebecca Review
Great Answers about Death
Dealing with Death as a Child, September
10, 2009
When I was a child we lived overseas and my maternal grandfather
died. I had only seen him a few times in my life and had no
emotional connection to him. So when my mother went to bed and
cried for days I had no understanding of what was happening or
what had happened. No one really talked to me about why my
grandfather had died or even told me what death was.
I wouldn't wish this type of confusion on any child, which is
why I'd recommend adults read this very helpful book. Linda
Goldman knows exactly what to say and how much to say. This is
important because children of various ages have different
questions. Children may be angry, frustrated or very sad and may
not even understand what death is.
I liked Linda Goldman's explanation of death as "the body
stops working." That says enough while not getting into too
many details. I liked her ideas of having children draw pictures
of how they imagine heaven to be. She also recommended having a
child write a goodbye letter.
This book deals with issues like murder, cancer, hospice care,
AIDS, death due to old age, the death of a pet and handling
holidays after someone dies. Overall I felt this book would be
excellent for anyone trying to explain death to a child in a way
they could really understand what happened. There is also
information on how to handle memorial services and funerals. I
wish my parents had read a book like this when I was a child.
~The Rebecca Review
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