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Looking Beyond

Looking Beyond

Last updated on: November 17, 2024 at 8:45 pm by Dan Peterson

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Looking Beyond 2024-11-17T20:45:03-07:00 Dan Peterson

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About three weeks ago at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, which a number of scholars (including the late John L. Sorenson) have identified as the Book of Mormon’s “Waters of Mormon.” From left to right: Larry Ainsworth (a member of Interpreter’s board of directors), Brant Gardner (a noted scholar of the Book of Mormon and now an Interpreter editor), Steve Densley (Interpreter’s executive vice president), and an unidentified vagrant who photobombed the scene and then escaped, running and hopping and cavorting about and laughing maniacally as he went out of sight.

The so-called “secret combinations” of the Book of Mormon have long been of particular interest to me. Here are three articles about them from Jeff Lindsay, a valued member of the Interpreter Foundation’s board of directors and until recently one of the editors of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, that were recently published in Meridian Magazine:

An attempted illustration, by Jesse Krauß, of a near-death experience
(Wikimedia Commons public domain image)

I’ve read extensively, but not quite systematically, on the subject of near-death experiences. And I’ve written quite a bit on the topic, though I haven’t yet published what I’ve written. (It’s already a book-length manuscript, but I’m not satisfied with it and don’t feel yet that it adequately lays my argument out.) But I think it’s time to start plotting a preliminary conclusion to the effort, and, accordingly, that it’s also time to make a systematic reading list for myself. (The trouble is, of course, that new books on near-death experiences appear continually, so that any list will be out of date almost immediately. So I need a way to bring it to at least a tentative close.)

Here’s one reading list that I’ve located online. I’ve read three of them, and I’m familiar with story of the fourth. On the whole, I’m more interested in relevant data than in “inspiration” from such accounts, and I tend not to rely very heavily upon first-person books about an author’s own NDE. (I expected the Alex Malarkey case long before I had ever heard his [comically apt] name. I myself am now sufficiently well informed about NDEs that I could easily write my own bogus paint-by-numbers autobiographical account.) But, although I’m skeptical, I don’t discount first person accounts completely or automatically, and this list has alerted me to some titles that I might perhaps want to read. And I thought that some others might be interested in them or, even, have an already-formed opinion about one or more of them:

Dying To Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing, by Anita Moorjani

Why Dying To Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing is on this list: This book tickles right at the heart of our list. It’s a gripping first-hand recount of a near-death experience, and surviving cancer, cut with profound insights and inspiration.

Imagine being at rock bottom, staging a battle royal against cancer and then, just to make it interesting, life throws in a near-death experience? That’s what happened to Moorjani. Now, wrap your head around this — Moorjani doesn’t just live to tell the tale, but uses it to transform her life completely. In this book, she tells her story with candid rawness and also delves deep into what she learned from her experience. It’s like a backstage pass into understanding life, death, healing and everything between.

What readers like: Readers are drawn to the brutal honesty with which Anita relays her story. They appreciate the self-realizations she draws from her experience and gift of a second chance. Many have claimed it made them see life through a whole new lens. It’s like you’re stuck in traffic on a normal day, then in a blink you realize — you’re steering a spaceship. So if you fancy a mind-spinning journey that might just change the way you perceive life, Dying To Be Me might just be your next read.

Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon into the Afterlife, by Eben Alexander

Why Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon into the Afterlife is on this list: This is an exceptional book written by a neurosurgeon, no less, who himself had a near-death experience. The scientific approach in his interpretation is a fresh and compelling perspective in this genre.

Proof of Heaven explores Dr. Alexander’s personal journey from skeptic to true believer, following his own near-death experience. After being in coma for seven days due to meningitis, he claims to have traveled to the afterlife and back. The book offers a unique convergence of the knowledge of a medical scientist and the firsthand experience of visiting life after death. It’s a heady mix of science meets spirituality.

What readers like: Readers love the blend of scientific and spiritual insights that Dr. Alexander brings to the table. His eloquent description of his journey, the vivid landscapes of the afterlife and the transformative nature of his experience have gripped many. His honest struggle to reconcile his personal experience with his scientific understanding makes it a deeply relatable and thought-provoking read.

Knowing: Memoirs of a journey beyond the veil and joy after tragic loss, by Jeffery Olsen

Why Knowing: Memoirs of a journey beyond the veil and joy after tragic loss is on this list: This book takes us through Olsen’s personal account of a near-death experience which makes it an piece for any readers interested in peeking beyond life’s mystical curtain.

Jeffery Olsen delves deep into his near-death experience, sharing harrowing tales of his tragic loss, the spiritual journey he undertook, and the eventual joy he discovered. Olsen’s story delivers powerful insights about life, death, and what might lie beyond, sprinkled liberally with wisdom and wit. The book is part autobiography, part spiritual guide, all wrapped up in Olsen’s easy-to-read, conversational style.

What readers like: Readers rave about Olsen’s honesty and vulnerability in touching on life’s biggest questions. They find his detailed description of a near-death experience both fascinating and comforting. Many have commented on how his narrative, despite tackling a weighty subject, maintains a light and uplifting tone, making for a surprisingly feel-good read.

Application of Impossible Things: A Near Death Experience in Iraq, by Natalie Sudman

Why Application of Impossible Things: A Near Death Experience in Iraq is on this list: This isn’t just a story about someone’s near-death experience — this is an action account of a close call in Iraq. If it’s not essential to have a warzone NDE on a list about near-death experiences, then I don’t know [what] is.

Application of Impossible Things is Natalie Sudman’s riveting account of her encounter with the other side during a bomb blast while working as a civilian contractor in Iraq. The true charm of this book is how she seamlessly combines hardcore military action with a mind-boggling metaphysical journey. Natalie doesn’t just share her near-death experience, but also provides some in-depth philosophical insight into things we often consider impossible.

What readers like: Readers are hooked on Natalie’s heart-pounding descriptions of warzone life, and her ability to literally laugh in the face of death. But the true gems in this book are her wise insights about the universe and our place in it. Fans love how she makes complex metaphysical concepts, like the nature of time and consciousness, simple enough for anyone to grasp.

Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die, by David Kessler

Why Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die is on this list: The main reason this book fits our list of near-death experiences is simple: It’s full of accounts and stories straight from individuals at the end of their life, recounting what they’re seeing and experiencing You can’t get much closer to understanding near-death experiences without having one yourself, and trust me that’s something we can afford to skip.

David Kessler, a renowned expert on death and grief, takes his readers on a journey into the often-misunderstood phenomena that can occur at the end of life. From meeting deceased loved ones to traveling to unknown places, David explores these experiences providing a comforting and insightful guide into the other side, making death seem less daunting and even captivating.

What readers like: Readers have praised this book for its compassionate approach to a sensitive subject, its transformative impact on their perception of death and how it provided comfort in times of grief. The book, through its vivid and heart-touching personal narratives, has not only struck a chord with readers dealing with loss, but also with those curious about life’s final journey. And don’t worry, David leaves out the medical mumbo-jumbo, so you won’t need a PhD to enjoy it.

Messages of Hope: The Metaphysical Memoir of a Most Unexpected Medium, by Suzanne Giesemann

Why Messages of Hope: The Metaphysical Memoir of a Most Unexpected Medium is on this list: This book offers a unique perspective on near-death experiences through the eyes of an unexpected medium. It’s this unconventional approach that makes it an essential read for anyone diving into this genre.

Part memoir, part spiritual guide, Messages of Hope documents Suzanne’s journey from being a naval officer to a medium connecting with spirits. Suzanne didn’t see her spiritual transformation coming, which makes this narrative all the more intriguing. The book is infused with detailed accounts of her interactions with the other side, providing profound insights into the world beyond our physical one.

What readers like: Readers have fallen in love with Suzanne’s candid, no-nonsense storytelling. The experiences she shares feel authentic, with a blend of humble humor and deep metaphysical insights. Moreover, her down-to-earth and relatable approach has made the abstract concept of near-death experiences more digestible for many.

The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully, by Penny Sartori

Why The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully is on this list:

Penned by a seasoned intensive care nurse with over 2 decades of experience and a PhD in Near-Death Experiences, this book is a fascinating exploration of life, death, and everything in between. Sartori combines her first-hand experiences of working with dying patients, robust scientific research and compelling real-life stories of people who’ve had NDEs and lived to tell the tale. The takeaway? A fresh perspective on living life more fully, which everyone could do with a little bit more of nowadays.

What readers like: Readers love how this book sits on the intriguing boundary of science and spirituality. They appreciate the blend of anecdotal tales and solid research, creating a balanced and thought-provoking read. The compassionate and insightful manner in which Sartori writes about life, death, and living more fully resonates deeply with readers, making you ponder long after you’ve turned the last page.

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