Near Death Experiences Books

Having read more than 300 spiritual/metaphysical books over the past 10 years, I have would have to rate this one in the top 10, perhaps even in the top five. Author Berman is an excellent writer and is both objective and analytical in his search. The near-death experiences are only a part of the evidence he explores.

This is a nice book. I can't claim familiarity with the entire literature on near-death experiences, but Phillip Berman's work seems to me to stand out in several respects.

First of all, a good deal of the book is devoted simply to describing NDEs as reported by the people who had them. In preparation for this volume, Berman interviewed literally hundreds of people -- and, moreover, scoured the world's religious literature looking for further historical examples. The results are not all included here; in fact he has probably had to leave out many more than he was able to put in. But his selections are well-chosen. (For example, he devotes an entire chapter to the neglected topic of "hellish" NDEs, notably the experience of one Howard Storm.) And he spends most of his time on straightforward reporting rather than rushing to conclusions.

Second, he ties all this NDE stuff to mystical tradition and "perennial philosophy" (which he prefers to call "eternal theology"). Himself Jewish, Berman also competently discusses the mystical traditions of e.g. Christianity and Buddhism without attempting either to adjudicate among their theologies or to reduce these religions to their strictly mystical portions. His conclusion, in a nutshell, is that NDEs and mysticism teach us essentially the same things about the nature of God and reality.

Third, his conclusions are presented with thoroughness and proper caution. Berman does not attempt to minimize or paper over the genuine differences among the various types of NDE and mystical experience; he does not proclaim that his work has "finally proven" something that was hitherto only suspected and that he has thereby settled all the important questions; he deals sensitively and compassionately with the losses of loved ones (including his own) without relying in any way on maudlin sentiment at the expense of empirical reportage and theological argumentation. Generally speaking, he knows the difference between conclusions and speculations, offering some of each and claiming for his work just what it deserves. This is a sober and responsible work of theology, not an extended piece of tabloid journalism.

Fourth, his topic is precisely what his subtitle indicates: he is interested in what NDEs and mystical experiences _teach us_, not in telling us how to go about _having_ such experiences ourselves (nor even in urging the importance of having them). He has what I regard as a healthy sense (based firmly in all of the religious traditions with which he deals) that there is something unsound about seeking such experiences for oneself, and for that matter about (mis)taking the purpose of religion to be the bringing about of such experiences. This is, again, a work of theology, not a how-to handbook.

This seems to me to be a standout work, then. Again, I do not claim to have read the whole NDE literature, but of the handful of books I _have_ read, this one is unique. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in these topics.

I only give this stars because while it is interesting, I didn't think the book was well organized. If it was, it would be five-star material. The chapter on hell is my favorite. Berman really pulls together some fascinating stories from each chapter. It will remove your fear of death, and strengthen your faith.

I have just finished reading THE JOURNEY HOME by Philip L.Berman and I want to shout from the housetops: Read this book!

A Jewish scholar has interviewed people of various (or no) religious persuasions who have had NDE...Near Death Experiences. As one who has had such an experience, I have read every book I can find on the subject, and Berman's impressed me the most, probably because he is so objective.

In a fine writing style (I truly read this book in one sitting...or I should say, lying down!...) and wept with joy when I finished it, for it offers such faith, hope and love for all of us, whatever our beliefs. The similarity of the experiences are in themselves miraculous, yet it is the differences that make them believeable.

For example, in my own NDE experience I did not look down and see my body on the hospital gurney...but that is not surprising. I have never been one to look back, and I was so enthralled with the experience I had no interest in the world I had left. Nor did I see "my life flash before me"...maybe it did, but I wasn't watching. I was so drawn to the Light, the Sounds, the aurae, the people, all I wanted to do was stay there, forever. I didn't associate this with a DNE until years later when I read of similar experiences. Truly such an experience does change your life.

Just reading Berman's book can change your life. I defy anyone to read it through and still question the existance of an afterlife. I have recommended it for hospice reading, as well as family reading. No longer will the reader fear death.

Teresa Bloomingdale

This book has been helpful and comforting to me, as I grieve the loss of a dear friend to suicide. (In her early twenties).
Reading Sandra Rogers story, which begins with the startling statement, "In 1976 I attempted suicide by shooting myself in the chest," is an amazing look into a life of anquish.
The author's childhood reads like a bad novel. Her parents' divorce, then sexual abuse by her stepfather before her fifth-grade year, a pregnancy and miscarriage in tenth grade, then her grandmother's suicide, brought on the despair that led to her suicide attempt.
By a miracle, and dedicated doctors, she survived to tell the tale of her Near Death Experience (NDE). What she felt while dying, when she entered "The Light," is an awesome and encouraging lesson for all of us.
Rogers reports "I came into the presence of a brilliant, wonderfully warm and loving light. While I was in the presence of this Light I was shown a review of my life and all the events that brought me to that point."
She was then given a choice to return to the physical world, with the knowledge she could eventually have the family and love she yearned for, plus help others by sharing her story. She chose to return.
The lessons, which are divided into headings such as "On Anger and Hate," "On Angels," "On Children," "On Death," "On Bodies," etc. are full of profound spritual insights, written in simple terms.
This slim volume is rich in wisdom and has expanded my mind to the vast possibilities looming beyond this physical plane. I strongly recommend this little gem to all who are seeking a higher meaning for this life.

Over the years I have read dozens of books on Near Death Experiences and probably hundreds on spirituality and metaphysics. Yet this slim little volume is one I keep coming back to. It cuts to the chase with clearly organised chapters and bullet pointed topics (On Angels; On Anger and Hate; On Asking, Giving , and Recieving; On Bodies; On Children; On Death; On Free Will; On Kindness; On Love and God; On Other Gods; On Religion; On Self and Others; On Sin and Sorrow; On Society; On Values; On Wisdom.) While the biographical section is well written and inspiring you do not get the sense that this is a work of ego. It is a book written to transmit needed answers out into the world. It is simple yet profound.

What a wonderful book. One of the first books I read about near-death-experiences (NDE's). After attempting suicide and before she can be revived she had one of the most spiritually enlightening experiences I've ever read about. There were concepts discussed in this book that I have incorporated in my spiritual belief system, which I have never concieved of before. It is very easy to read with most of the book consisting of 3-4 page chapters that are answers to questions that she had during her experience. She passes along the answers to such deep questions like "Why do children have to suffer and die?" and "Is there a devil or hell?" I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in furthering their spiritual growth. God bless Sandra for sharing her revelations.

I really like this book. I'm buying 10 copies now to give away to people. It is the story of a woman driven to suicide by the hauntings of the abuse she received growing up and as a young adult. She had an NDE in which she was told she could stay or come back, but if she stayed she would have to at some point come back to Earth and relive everything she had experienced up to that point. If she came back she would get the family she so desperately wanted.

This book is a little of her story, and then a bunch of aphorisms about life that she learned during and after her NDE. I find it charming.

If you know someone who is contemplating suicide, this short, inexpensive book may help them.

I had the privilege of knowing Sandra Rogers personally. She died in April, 2000; I believe it was 24 years to the day after her suicide attempt, from Hepatitis C, contracted from the blood transfusion used to save her life then. She did get her family, and her sons are now grown.

Sandra would have thought that even if her book helped just one person, that it would have been worth it writing it. I believe that it has helped and will help many people

Reincarnation and Biology (Volume 2)Victims of extremist hate crimes, women and men, are ritually positioned and mutilated by their assailants. I maintain that applied dream analysis, spectrometric analysis, and verification of current bodily and personality anomalies of current living subjects (grounded in the work of Ian Stevenson) assists the F.B.I. and other internationally authorized forensic scientists to 1. identify past victims (i.e.: Horst Wessel; Margot Frank; Anne Frank; James Byron Dean; John F. Kennedy; Martin Luther King; and beheaded victims of Islamic extremists), 2. assist the current human subject to regain their inner-vision and control of their life, 3. deduce the circumstances of their murder, 4. identify their murderer or friends through ritual re-enactments, and 5. establish a sense of inner-peace and justice if not outright retaliation against their reincarnated murderers.

In this extensive compilation of information, Dr. Stevenson, provides powerful empirical and documentary evidence supporting the concept that something (soul, kamma, etc.?) passes from a person who has died to a person who has been born. The presence of birthmarks in young children who claim to have been a dead person living in a specific location (e.g. house) in which that person actually lived, and located where forensic history (photos and descriptions) showed that person died from a bullet, knife or other wound is rather difficult to dismiss as mere sophistry. This is particularly so given the comparatively large number of such cases. Although these cases make up only a small part of this tome, for me, as an empirical scientist, they provide strong evidence supporting what Jesus said in Mathew (17:10):

And his disciples asked him, saying `Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come before the arrival of the Messiah?' And Jesus answered and said unto them, `Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.' Then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of John the Baptist.

Anyone attempting to understand the scientific evidence suggestive of reincarnation MUST read this comprehensive text. Here, Stevenson has assembled an encyclopedia of what is arguably the most compelling aspect of the cases he has documented for over forty years - that some of these young children who claim to have experienced previous lives (or to whom previous lives have been attributed) bear highly unusual birthmarks or suffer from birth defects that correspond with wounds on the alleged "previous personalities" to a degree that defies coincidence. Stevenson's cautious and meticulous nature shine in his delineation of case after case, and ultimately the sheer number of strong, compelling case studies causes one to reexamine one's position on the possibility of reincarnation. At the least, Stevenson has documented a highly puzzling cultural phenomenon too pervasive to ignore. At best, he demonstrates a scientific vision that matches that of the greatest pioneers in the history of science.

This is the most convincing study of reincarnation that hasever been undertaken by anyone. It provides page after page of genuinephysical evidence of the transmigration of souls. One of the things that one notices over and over again is that the physical injuries that have occurred in past lives are often likely to take the form of some sort of bodily peculiarity in the next life, such as the man who had been killed by a shotgun blast in a civil war battle, and whose next incarnation had a birthmark of exactly similar proportion and location as the wound. This is of far more value than the research into NDE's, I think, because of the physical evidence gathered. Although, it is impossible to absolutely prove such a thing, there are far too many well-documented cases for all of them to be passed off as merely coincidence. An excellent book for all those interested in the subject despite the outrageous price. Check in university libraries for this one like I did . . . unless you feel that you absolutely NEED to own this one.

This book and its preceeding companion Watchers 1 are greatly misinterpreted. They tell a fine story of Astral travel (that is sub-spirit release) and subsequent travel to other planes of existence using heightened frequencies. Well worth reading.

Having read this fourth volume about the Andreasson Affair I can't wait to get hold of book five. The story, as previously, is so incredible, and getting more so as each book is written, that it just has to be true. It works on so many levels - you can read as a story of fiction (if you like), you can read as an extensive piece of research, you can read it as a prediction for the future - something that we will all take for granted, in years to come. It stretches the mind to incredible lengths, rating alongside the complexity of physicists trying to fathom the origins of the universe through the Big Bang theories. Its not that heavy - just enjoy

This book is about a hypnotist patient's description of being abducted by alien entities through out her whole life, the way they look, what they want and a fantastic story of what they could be. The description of the aliens was fantastic the gray aliens beings being the lower in the rank of the aliens and the tall Nordic type being next, then the light beings, then her visitation with The One. The book also describes a connection with UFO and the after life connection, Biblical connections like the Enoch story very similar to the ufo stories. This book describes the theory that ufos might originate in a universe coexisting in the same space as our own reality. Fascinating abduction theories and theorys in general. Awesome book a must read.

For those who are frustrated with UFO abduction investigators' habit of evading the issue when the time comes to offering weighty explanations, WATCHERS II will come as a breath of fresh air. In this, the fourth book in the series which started with "The Andreasson Affair", the author takes a stand, daring to advance a well thought out explanation of who the ubiquitous "grays" (the "Watchers" of the book's title) might be, what their motivations are, and who directs their actions. While this book can be said to constitute a chapter in the Andreasson saga, it also functions both as an overview of it and--in many ways--the culmination of much research into what is, in fact, the single most documented UFO abduction case on record. The author is a particularly respected individual in the field, and it is often electrifying to find this authoritative figure make such strong and far-reaching statements. Few of Fowler's peers have either the nerve or the foresight to dare to advance probable causes for this heatedly debated phenomenon, and even fewer have his credentials and experience.

This book was very difficult to put down. I read it overnigth and I also read the special edition of this book. Russel is the real deal. I have a lot of respect for his work and his integrity. I recommend this book for everyone who wants a insight in the life of a psyquic.
It is an honest, deep and touching view of his own life. Defenitely a good read

By the time you finish reading this book, if you didn't believe in ghosts, reincarnation or premonitions before, you will now. This is a book that is hard to put down. Each end of chapter has you wanting to know what happens next. Scott Russell Hill has done excellent work in putting out of book of intrigue and wonderment.

I found this book to be fascinating. It's one of those books that you just can't put down. To read about Scott's emotional stress and try to understand how he's been able to deal with everything that's happened to him is amazing. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

Barbara Harris Whitfield is extraordinarily insightful on the matter of Near Death Experience, having experienced one herself and then working in hospital settings where she saw people who were also NDErs.

Her personal story and her eloquent, lucid and compelling way of competently expressing the difficulties, positive and negative effects of non-NDErs, and coming to terms with the ND experience in one's life is a priceless gift.

I'm glad to have this book and hope that others also see the value in having it on hand for reference.

Barbara Harris wrote this book in 1989 as the first near-death experiencer to share her memoirs. And she was in a perfect position to do it because -- she was also a researcher at the University of Connecticut researching the near-death experience with the top people in the field, Bruce Greyson, MD and Ken Ring, PhD. Whatever she shared in this book, was also shared by the 100s of people they interviewed. Her story explains the results of the research -- that people experiencing a profound spiritual awakening, near-death and in other ways -- can have an energy arousal that is not understood by Western medicine. She continues this explanation in her next book Spiritual Awakenings.

This book is the personal story of a woman who had two near-death experiences while she was in the hospital undergoing extensive treatment for a severe back condition. Her story on a personal level is interesting, but more than that, this book has alot of information about the NDE, and what the experiencers go through AFTER it happens to them, and how to understand it, cope with it, and incorporate it into their lives. All the big names of researchers of NDEs are consulted, and there is alot to be learned for everyone, especially the experiencer themselves. It's all about understanding this true and real phenomena, and how to deal with it. Interesting and helpful. ... The experience is totally real and it's about time we talked about it! It's for all of us to learn from. Important book!

The review that is under my name for Galactica should actually go under Marilynn Hughes's book "The Mysteries of the Redemption" -- can you take this review off of this cite and insert it under the appropriate book? Thanks -- I don't know how I ended up putting my review in the wrong place.

After reading this book you'll feel as though you've taken a course with your own personal spiritual master. In Galactica, Marilynn Hughes continues recounting her many visions and out of body travels. The reader gets to learn what it's like to die and what happens in death. Living with a terminal illness, Hughes has come close to death many times herself and she provides detailed information about what happens when we pass over. This information provides tremendous comfort to anybody who has ever lost a loved one. It also instructs us on how to prepare spiritually for death, how to live better lives and how to build meaningful treasures while still on earth. You learn about God's graces and also about accountability for personal sin. You learn the importance of the most minor gift of love. In this book, Ms. Hughes continues her battles against evil, but she also soars to such dazzling spiritual heights that it boggles the mind. She actually charts spiritual territory and guides the reader through astral realms that exist for everyone who is brave enough to reach for them. You learn how to do the work of real spiritual discipline in a way that none of today's self-help books show how to do. You learn that it is your birthright to be connected to God and to literally dance amongst the stars. She teaches you that you can live an existence much richer than anything you'd imagined, if you are willing to do the spiritual work involved. This book is a must read for anybody who is curious about the meaning of life, the meaning of death, about God and about spirit. She teaches you how to plug into creation, to purify yourself and to become one with love. Reading this book feels like stumbling across a unicorn.

Imagine a travel documentary that takes you to the center of your soul. That's what this book is. They say that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Anybody searching for a spiritual teacher, need look no further. I've spent my life wondering about the nature of reality and asking myself these questions: does God exist, does pure evil exist, what is goodness, what do my dreams mean, what is astral travel and where does it take you, what happens when you die. This book answers all of those questions and more. The book is extra large and at 511 pages, the reader is actually getting about 4 books for the price of one. The writer's generosity is breath-taking. You can't put this book down and you'll read it over and over again. Hughes weaves into her book, snippets of holy texts from every religion. You see how all religions are simply different spokes leading to the center of the same wheel. The most fascinating thing is that while you read this book, you begin to change yourself. Energetically, things happen to you. The book actually draws you closer to happiness. There's a spiritual healing that occurs, if you allow it to. At the end of the book you actually see paintings of many of the things which Hughes experienced while out of body. You also get to read the music that she's brought back with her (you can in fact order the CDs that go along with it). The book will quite simply rock your spirit. You will place it amongst your sacred texts and never let it go.

Annette covers a difficult topic and makes it easier for those going through this process to have some comfort and a form of closure knowing that there will be continuance of the "being." One has to be open or receptive to the events that occur in life to be aware of what is actually occurring around us or the messages just simply go un-noticed. This book has become a permanent part of my bookshelf and I have recommended it to two very close friends that are going through a similiar life changing crisis. I encourage everyone to read this book at least one time and watch the world change around you.

Halfway Across the River is a beautifully written book with stories about the terminally ill transitioning into and accepting death. It's about loved ones left behind and occurrences of communication from "the other side". Woven into the book is the loving story of Margaret and Don. Don is skeptical about feeling Margaret's persistent presence after her death, but there are some events that can't be explained away. Halfway Across the River leaves one with hope that our loved ones are present in a spiritual way. This book is not morose but rather offers some real life touching stories about death and the loved ones left behind. It's a light read that is not just for those dealing with death and dying, it's an engaging book filled with real accounts of events that unfolded for Annette and her work with hospice.

Halfway Across the River

Whether you are facing serious illness and possibly death or know someone who is, this book will help you to find comfort and peace. You will also come to know an amazing woman, Margaret Borwhat, and the legacies she has left behind. Dr. Childs' writing makes you feel like you know the people she introduces personally which helps you to believe events described even though some of them can seem unbelievable.

Definantly not for the weak of heart,this is a vast cosmic journey to the source. The opening chapters explore some of the darkest sides of human karma i have ever read. Sexual initiations, mind control,loss of free will, and deliberate seperation from the soul. Barbara Hand Clow presents all this lovingly,and without any judgment towards herself as these are parts of her souls experience,she winds in the Emerald Records with all this, the secret origins of the Earth, who guards what,who created what, and who is the keeper of the knowledge.Going back and forth from other lives to present day reality to galactic records is done well in this book so as to not confuse the reader any more than the overwhelmingly moving material will anyway.Reading about the sexual initiation on top of Tikal by a 14 year old male priest of the Jaguar Cult of a 9 year old preistess had me in tears,dense static energy running through my feet and hands. As all wise ones say what you relate or gravitate to is part of yourself. I responded deeply to these accounts of the lives of this soul who is now the author,Barbara Hand Clow. This book is highly recommended for those who are ready to feel that any evil that they see comes from them,that any light they see they are the creator of.

Why is our planet on the verge of ecocide? What is the real mystery of mysteries behind the life and work of Jesus? Whose hiding what and why? Whose in charge here anyway? Want some answers? Are you sick at heart over the senseless violence of modern existence? Tired of the sexual battering fed to you every day through the media? Where is the Love? This courageous journey by Barbara Hand Clow into the depths of those questions will move you to tears and resonate in unexpected places within you. Her mindful exploration of sexual abuse and brutallly honest retelling of her experiences in lives past will shake you up and get you feeling. The only way out is through! If she can do it, so can you. And you must if we are all to heal. Thank you, Barbara, for showing the way! This book is far too extensive to be just imagination. It just goes to show that truth is stranger than fiction (and much more exciting) so why settle for the same old same old three dimensional reality when you can have the exhilaration of the other six? Destined to be a classic, be the first in your circle to explore fully conscious ecstatic being. Warts and all! The only fault I find is that there is no index for the wealth of reference material buried in the text. Next edition, please!

Heart of the Christos was the best reincarnation book ever.
People have no idea what took place in South America inside the temples until you read this book. Young woman were raped and murdered as sacrifices to God. Their heart was ripped out alive and their bodies thrown down the temple steps. Can you imagine entering the temple with good intentions and being raped and tortured behind closed doors by a group of priests? This is truth that No archeological dig will ever uncover..

This is a book you do not want to put down. If you have ever been to Duluth MN you will be able to relate to the authors description of the area. It is a thought provoking book, a fast read. One you will want to read again. Hopefully he will write more books. Just a well written book that keeps you reading. Cannot find enough words to tell how enjoyable it was.

Excellent!!! Leads one to examine life, relationships, and spirituality. Quick, easy reading that leaves you with many hours of thoughts after that last page has been turned.

I have just started this book (over half way through) and can not believe how the author has captured the emotions of people in his words. His descriptions are incredible, yet not over done. One of those rare books where when you read it you'll think to yourself, "Oh yah, I know just what they are feeling" Or "I have been in a situation like that before". The topic is also very interesting. Makes one think about life and death, I am sure that each reader would interpret it in their own way, and actually THINK about their lives and how they live them.......But then again, possibly not. This book is very easy reading, and one you don't want to put down! It's deep for thought, but not deep for reading! I would highly recommend it to anyone!!

I came to Amazon.com in search of more books by this author.....None as of yet, but I hope more will be along soon!!