Near Death Experiences Books

A no-nonsense, scientific analysis of the phenomenon of Near Death Experiences. Written from a skeptical point of view, leaving the reader to make their own conclusions on if this phenomenon is a glimpse into the afterlife or something that science can explain. Scientific explanations are given for accounts of NDE, yet there is still, admitted by the skeptical author, aspects of NDE that not even science can explain.

This book is a rather comprehensive study of the phenomenon known as NDE's or near-death experiences. It is written by the president of the British branch of The International Association for Near Death Studies.

Many different first hand experiences are presented on people (mostly from Britain) who have had either near death, or similar non-near death experiences. The author painstakingly analyzes the similarities and differences of these experiences. He also explains in great detail the physiological and chemical (hypercarbia, endorphins, drugs, etc) similarities and differences of brain function during trauma and near death scenarios.

Through all this, the author does not attempt to make a strong case for an afterlife or otherworld consciousness, but to provide as much evidence as is available to make an assessment. The author's admission is that according to science, the possibility of the soul or the continuation of personal consciousness are simply theories with little or no evidence to support them. However, he certainly doesn't rule out the possibility of an afterlife, citing many intriguing and compelling elements of the true NDE which science or hard facts cannot explain and could not really be considered "evidentiary." But one of his biggest questions is: How can knowledge and experiences exist in a spiritual world when the medium which originally stored them, the brain, is gone?

These are just a few of many elements and observations which make this a fine book. It is both fascinating and challenging and is highly recommended to anyone interested in NDE's.

This book is different from most others like it; for one thing it goes into more detail, with the NDE experiencers describing their NDE's in their own words in lengthy interviews with the author. It handles the topic in a very down-to-earth and informal way, and has a wide variety of different people discussing their experiences and how their lives changed as a result of them. I found this book uplifting and truly inspiring; it's a shame it's out of print.

The introduction begins with defining NDE's. I am going to quote some because without this knowledge you will have no idea what "Within the Light" is talking about.

"The near-death experience is said to occur when a person is close to death (or in many case actually clinically dead), yet is resuscitated or somehow survives to recount an intense, profoundly meaningful experience. The near-death episode itself is typically characterized by a feeling of peace, an out-of-body experience, the sensation of traveling very quickly through a dark tunnel, generally towards a light, an encounter with the spirits of deceased relatives or friends or a "being of light," an instantaneous life review, and for some, entrance into a "world of light."

"Within The Light" has 5 main chapters: 1) Childhood Experiences 2) Suicides 3) Frightening Experiences 4) Point of No Return 5) On the Other Side. It is concluded by an afterword, endnotes, bibliography, useful addresses and an index.

One of my favorite sections is in Chapter 5 (On the Other Side.) In my opinion this person's afterthoughts from her own NDE sum it up best. "I used to think you just died and that was it. But now I have no fear of death at all. I see it purely as a homecoming, it is just a total reunion, so much love and happiness. Intuitively I'm sure we go on and continue to keep learning. We continue to grow on another level..."

I haven't experienced an NDE myself but I am a very deeply spiritual person with similiar experiences of my own...

... "SEEK THE LORD, ... GROPE FOR HIM AND FIND HIM, THOUGH HE IS NOT FAR FROM EACH ONE OF US; FOR IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING ... WE ARE HIS OFFSPRING" ...

THE HOLY BIBLE ACTS 17:27-28

Ian Currie studied and researched reported incidents of life after death. His book is well written and easily understood. This book confirms ,to those who already believe, that death is not the end of our being. It serves to ease the fears of those who are not sure, and are fearful of dying. There is no sensationalism just facts presented in a comfortable, easy to read manner. It is unfortunate the Ian Currie has passed on, I am sure he would have written more books.

It will change your views on life, death and afterlife. After you read this book (and several times in between) you'll just pause, and ponder the ramifications....

This author tells her spiritual story in a very readable and entertaining way. This book will keep you reading all night!

I picked up this book at the Norfolk Public Library, where (God bless 'em), they have lots and lots of 1980s books in the 200 section. Stumbling across this book was a surprise, as I'd gone looking for something altogether different. But once I got home and started reading Betty's story, I couldn't put it down.

It's so well written that the words and stories flow seamlessly from one to the next. It's also so honest, as she tells about her frustrations with her mother-in-law and her husband and other family members. And it's compelling and I felt like I couldn't leave the story until I knew how it all turned out for Betty.

Above all, it's inspiring and touching and discusses spirituality using frank, honest language that makes it all so real and practical and useful in day to day life. If you want to learn more about what God's infinite love looks like when it's manifested in the minutiae of our lives on earth, you should read this book.

Rose Thornton

A unique self-help reference book for the AfterLife. Describes one hundred thirty-one Bardo Stations to assist the AfterLife Voyager in selecting rebirth -- an accurate method of intentional reincarnation.

Here is what some folks have had to say about this book:

"The only book you'll ever need in the Afterlife." -- Nadija Szram, B.Ed., Spec.Ed.

"Who would have thought there were Cheats, Codes and Strategies for the Afterlife." -- Claude Needham, Ph.D

"I can't wait to get into the Bardos to try this stuff out." -- Christiane Wolters, M.D.

"Takes the guesswork out of higher rebirth." -- Nancy Christie, B.M., M.M.

"The owner's manual for the soul." -- Jewel McInroy, M.S.W.

"Changed my death forever." -- Wayne Hoyle, B.S.E.E.

"I hope I can find this book in my next life." -- Ann Victoria Hopcroft, B.A., J.D.

"Assumed my dreams were my own until I read about them in this book." -- Rose Gander, M.D.V.,D.D.

"The chill of recognition." -- Iven Lourie, M.F.A., author/editor

"Mortuaries should put a copy of this book in every coffin." -- Lee Perry, M.S.

"A book to die for." -- Richard Hart, Ph.D.

"Best book on the subject ever published." -- Patricia Elizabeth, D.D.

As a former student of Dan C-S all I say the man is a relgious genius. There is nothing else to say.

I enjoyed this book. Want to read I, II and III now.

This book is very easy to read and easy to understand. It brings the entire discussion of reincarnation and Christianity into perspective. I highly recommend it.

This was one of the first books I ever read on reincarnation and today,
after having read many, many more, it is still my favorite. I have purchased this book many times for friends. Wonderful book by a wonderful author. Published by the Edgar Cayce Foundation (ARE).