Near Death Experience

90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life

by Don Piper

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"We know of two people, from Scripture, who were privileged to see heaven. Both of these men, the Apostles Paul and John, were alive and well when they were given a glimpse of the wonders of heaven. Don Piper, a Baptist pastor, claims to be a third, though unlike the Apostles, he first had to die. Returning home from a conference, Piper's car was crushed under the wheels of a truck. Medical personnel declared him dead at the scene of the accident. But ninety minutes after this accident, a pastor, waiting at the scene, was told by God to pray for the dead man. He did so, and Piper immediately returned to life. For the 90 minutes that his body lay lifeless inside the car, Piper claims to have been in heaven. He now carries with him memories of paradise and in 90 Minutes in Heaven, a book which has sold over 500,000 copies, he seeks to encourage other Christians with a description of our eternal home. "Because I was able to experience heaven," he says, "I was able to prepare [a friend] for it. And now I am preparing you."

The title may be deceptive. One might assume, from the title, that a significant portion of the book is dedicated to describing heaven. The reality is that the author's time in heaven comprises only 15 pages of this 205-page book. A further seven pages, appended to the end of the book, engage very briefly and unsatisfactorily with the "why questions." The bulk of the book describes Piper's accident, rescue and convalescence with some attention to the ministry opportunities that have arisen since his time in heaven. The book is, in reality, a biographical sketch of Don Piper and a lengthy description of the trials he faced as he recovered from devastating bodily injuries. Following the description of heaven, there is little further reflection on paradise. There is little attempt to describe how the author's life and perspective on Scripture have changed because of his experience. There is little interaction with the Bible. There is no gospel.

Piper's description of heaven left me cold. I was dismayed to find that his heaven seems largely man-centered. In fact, if you were to ask your unbelieving friends and neighbors to describe heaven, they would probably create a place very much like this. Piper did not see Jesus, nor did he see God, though, to be fair, he saw only the "outskirts" and did not pass through the gates. Despite this, he was exceedingly joyful and feels that he experienced the very joys of paradise. For ninety minutes he walked through heaven, greeted by those he knew in this life, all of whom were (quite conveniently), the same age they were when he had last known them. As I read this description of heaven I thought immediately of a quote from John Piper's book God is the Gospel. He asks:

The critical question for our generation--and for every generation--is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever say, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?

From the descriptions in 90 Minutes in Heaven we would would have to respond, "yes!" It seems that Don Piper's heaven is a heaven where we are fulfilled without Christ. Piper's heaven was a place of reunion with loved ones, a place of beautiful music and a place of literal pearl (or "pearlescent") gates and literal streets of gold. It is a heaven that can be so easily described to a human mind using mere human words, as if it had originated in a human mind. Piper is able to describe it in some detail, but what he presents is surely far too human to be heaven.

A further troubling aspect of the book is a clear lack of theological precision. For example, Piper continually describes miracles that surrounded his rescue and recovery, yet these are often not the type of events that theologians would classify as being miraculous. They may have shown God's grace and power, but they were not, strictly speaking, miracles. He also uses his experience to minister to people who lack assurance of their faith. But what true, lasting assurance can we find in the dubious experiences of another mere human? Our assurance is to be in God and His promises through Scripture, not in man.

I do believe Don Piper is a sincere man and one who loves God. He seems to sincerely believe that he experienced heaven and has been called by God to share his experience with others. But I do not believe that he did see heaven. I cannot say what his experience was, whether it was purely psychological or whether it was even some type of demonic deception. What I do know is that the Scriptures are wholly sufficient for believers. We do not need to see or experience heaven in this life. Nor should we desire Don Piper's heaven.

I see no reason to believe that God wants us to know more about heaven than He has revealed to us in His Word. As the old hymn asks, "What more can he say than to you he has said?" God surely desires that we desire heaven, but only if we desire heaven primarily so we can be with the Savior. This is the heaven which we glimpse only dimly in Scripture, but which we await with eager expectation. It is most certainly not Piper's 90-minute heaven."

Publisher: Revell | More reviews: amazon.com

Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives

by Michael Newton

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"As a reader of hundreds of books on the mystical, the occult, spirituality, etc. (Robert Monroe, Jane Roberts, Castaneda, Tibetan Book of the Dead, Lobsang Rampa, Theosophy, Yogananda, Chuang-Tzu, Dion Fortune, Eckankar, etc., just to give you an idea of what I brought to reading this book), I can only say that I was ASTONISHED by this book. There are so many questions answered here for which I've never gotten satisfactory answers: for example, how suicide affects karma, why humans are so often evil (and what happens to them when they die), what the ultimate goal and purpose of life is (stated everywhere, especially in Christianity) but for some reason this is the first explanation that has made any sense to me. This description of the nature of the universe and our place within it is fully compatible with discoveries in quantum physics, is simultaneously scientific and spiritual. I experienced profound shifts while reading this book- am changed by it. I cannot recommend it enough. If you buy only one book this year, make it this one!"

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences

by Rick Strassman MD

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"Although this book reads more like a journal paper than one might expect based on the trade paperback format and trippy Alex Grey cover art, Dr. Rick Strassman is, after all, a research scientist, not a novelist, and thus may be forgiven for not having a thorough grasp of pacing and the value of dramatic intrigue. Specifically, about a quarter of this book deals with Strassman's convoluted attempts to gain permission to study DMT (which is, for the unfamiliar, LSD's faster-acting, shorter-lasting, knockout-punching cousin), which is admittedly an interesting story, but I am sure I'm not alone in wishing he'd given us a few extra chapters of DMT case studies instead.And the case studies are intriguing indeed. Through various permutations of set, setting, and dosage, Strassman's volunteers experience DMT trips ranging from explorations of personal emotions and thoughts to full-blown sojourns into Cosmic Consciousness. And somewhere between these polarities of personal ego and impersonal Absolute there reside experiences of an altogether different order. It is these experiences that perhaps set the DMT molecule drastically apart from the other major psychedelic drugs. They're perhaps best explained with an example, and generally go something like this: A person is injected with DMT; within fifteen seconds the person feels a rush and suddenly finds him- or herself perceiving a completely different environment, with no major alteration in the quality of awareness, and usually there appear one or more "beings" in this environment who interact with the person and are felt, with certainty, to be entirely "real" entities, independent of, but not exactly separate from, the DMT tripper's mind. Here is how one of Strassman's subjects describes his experience:"I felt like I was in an alien laboratory, in a hospital bed like this. . . . A sort of landing bay, or recovery area. There were beings. . . ."They had a space ready for me. They weren't as surprised as I was. It was incredibly un-psychedelic. I was able to pay attention to detail. There was one main creature, and he seemed to be behind it all, overseeing everything. The others were orderlies, or dis-orderlies."They activated a sexual circuit, and I was flushed with an amazing orgasmic energy. A goofy chart popped up like an X-ray in a cartoon, and a yellow illumination indicated that the corresponding system, or series of systems, were fine. They were checking my instruments, testing things. When I was coming out, I couldn't help but think `aliens.' "As Strassman explains, it was these consistently similar experiences with what could only be identified as "aliens" or "elves" that he found most baffling in the course of his DMT research, and these reports eventually persuaded him to alter his whole relational approach to his volunteers. Rather than interpret and explain away, as psychiatrists are wont to do with just about everything, he decided to proceed with an open mind, to listen and encourage, and then later try to fit the pieces into some coherent theoretical framework, perhaps even invent one if current preconceptions of the nature of reality couldn't accommodate the data (such a novel approach!, sadly enough). It is this open, inquisitive attitude that makes this book eminently satisfying, despite any narrative sluggishness, because rarely does one find this caliber of fastidious, empirical-phenomenological research coupled with investigations into alien encounters, near-death experiences, and ecstatic glimpses of God. Usually, a researcher with this degree of scientific experience has already been too thoroughly digested by the modern religion of scientism to be able to see the very real duality between mind and matter, let alone to entertain such ideas as these: (1) that DMT is produced naturally in the human body by the pineal gland, and the appearance of the pineal gland in the developing human fetus at 49 days post-conception corresponds to the arrival of the soul in the body (with the DMT chemical serving as a kind of doorway between material and astral worlds); (2) that certain meditative practices, such as chanting, cause a vibratory effect in the brain that stimulates the pineal gland to release DMT, thus inciting certain spiritual experiences; and (3) that the phenomenon of alien abduction is so similar to certain DMT trips that they're likely the same thing, which in no way diminishes the "reality" of alien encounters, because, as Strassman theorizes, "Returning to the TV analogy . . . DMT provides regular, repeated, and reliable access to `other' channels. The other planes of existence are always there. . . . But we cannot perceive them because we are not designed to do so; our hard-wiring keeps us tuned in to Channel Normal. It takes only a second or two--the few heartbeats the spirit molecule requires to make its way to the brain--to change the channel, to open our mind to these other planes of existence" (pp. 315-316). A typical alien abduction, then, might either be caused by an unusually high, but naturally occurring, release of DMT by the pineal gland in the brain, or by a similar release of DMT effected by an external, alien source: in both cases the same effect is achieved, and one is able to perceive that "other plane" whence the little gray men spring forth. (And while not as far out as those ideas, Strassman's proposal that an aberrant, consistently high-enough emission of DMT in the brain forms the basis of schizophrenia is also very persuasive, and anyone with some experience with psychedelics should appreciate how someone who had this problem could go completely crazy rather quickly.)In conclusion, if you're at all interested in psychedelics, brain/mind relations, or parapsychology in general, this is definitely required reading. And if I could recommend only five books from the voluminous library of ufology that are actually well worth reading by any sensitive, intelligent human being, they'd be (in this order): "Angels and Aliens" by Keith Thompson, "Dimensions" by Jacques Vallée, "Communion" by Whitley Strieber, "Abduction" by John Mack--and "DMT" by Rick Strassman."

Publisher: Park Street Press | More reviews: amazon.com

Destiny of Souls: New Case Studies of Life Between Lives

by Michael Newton

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"Michael Newton is one of a handful of published researchers who is adding to our knowledge of life between lives through the use of hypnosis. In coming decades, this kind of research should build and expand until we have a detailed understanding of life on the higher dimensions. In this book he continues his years of investigations, taking us further into an understanding of the soul's journey in and out of incarnation. Some topics covered in this book are (1) The various ways recently deceased souls try to make contact with those left behind, (2) How our spiritual energy is restored after a difficult incarnation or traumatic death, (3) How our between-life vocations can manifest in our earthly careers, (4) More on colors as indications of levels of attainment, (5) Spiritual names, (6) Much more on our soul groups, and how we interact between and during incarnations, (7) The "Council of Elders", a review panel of higher beings who help us gain insight on our lives just after we complete one, and just before we begin a new one, (8)How souls are "born" from higher levels into the level we spend time in between lives, (9) Extensive case studies of the "library" of past lives which souls study in between lifetimes. With Newton's work and those of similar investigators we are finally gaining an understanding of life in higher dimensions based on research and first-hand reports, rather than speculation and belief. Other than Newton's work, two other good books along this line are out of print, but generally not hard to find. One is LIFE BETWEEN LIVES (1986) by Whitton and Fisher. That book also follows the case-study approach. A second book is EXPLORING REINCARNATION (1987) by Hans Tendam. This book is a rigorous summary of the whole subject of past lives, life between lives, and the reliability of hypnosis as a tool of investigation. It's not a light read, but is the most in depth and thorough book on the subject to date, and essential reading for anyone who wishes to become well informed about it. A marvelous personal account of an accomplished "soul traveler" is THE TIGERS FANG by Paul Twitchell, whose account of the inner dimensions is remarkable."

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

Life After Life: The Investigation of a Phenomenon--Survival of Bodily Death

by Raymond Moody

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"Raymond Moody did a survey of people who had near death experiences. He found that all of the participants in the survey experienced God unconditional love. I believe this is the first publication about these experiences. It must be the survey Lewis makes reference to in his book An Encounter With A Prophet. It is enlightening to see how all of these people responded to these questions before the media got a hold on the subject and attracted the fundamental religious fanatics"

Publisher: HarperOne | More reviews: amazon.com

Secrets of the Light: Lessons from Heaven

by Dannion Brinkley

In 1975, Dannion Brinkley was struck and killed by lightning. When he awoke in a morgue twenty-eight minutes later, everything was forever changed. During this near-death experience, Brinkley was sent to heaven through a tunnel of light. On the other side, he received valuable lessons and spiritual knowledge, which he brought back and incorporated into his daily life. For him, it was a profound spiritual transformation. During the next twenty years, Brinkley had not one, but two more near-death experiences. Each time he visited heaven, where more knowledge was revealed to him, he was sent back to earth to fulfill his heavenly duties. Now, in Secrets of the Light, he shares the lessons he learned in the afterlife so we, too, can fulfill our true purpose in life. Brinkley outlines the "Four-Fold Path to Power"—Love, Choice, Belief, and Prayer—that will empower you to follow your destiny. He then unveils the Seven Truths from the afterlife and how to use them to enhance health, happiness, and prosperity. We also learn how to perform a "daily life review"—a quick assessment of your daily life that acts as a reminder to give thanks, stay true to yourself, and treat others with kindness. With wit, humor, and compassion, Brinkley shows that by living the way heaven intends, and always being conscious of your actions and how they affect others, you will find happiness in this life and beyond.

Publisher: HarperOne | More reviews: amazon.com

Return from Tomorrow

by George G. Ritchie

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"I am very grateful that I came across this book and this author's story. It gives me great joy to hear of someone who has also encountered Jesus and has gone through the emotional, spiritual and mental journey that this experience made us travel. I wouldn't give up the experience even though it did cause much anxiety to my family and myself.

I experienced a near death experience in May of 1974 at the age of 32. Like the author, I was a little fearful to share this experience because nobody that I knew had ever shared this type of experience.

In 1975 our family was fortunate to be able to buy a Christian Book Shop and this is where I was able to come across some literature on my experience. Of course the great mystical saints like St. Theresa of Avila: God Alone Suffices, The Collected Works of Saint John of the Crosswrote many books on their mystical experiences with Jesus. Discovering Dr. Raymond Moody's book "Life After Life: The Investigation of a Phenomenon--Survival of Bodily Death" was the greatest comfort for me at that time.

In reading Return from Tomorrow, what is the most helpful is that with all the turmoil the author experienced he realized that love is the greatest of the gifts and it seems the message is the same in many cases, including my own experience.

It is a "tall" order, it sounds so simple and the message is simple but the "ego" gets in the way and at times our self-centeredness comes forward. To let go and let God. At times we are our own worst enemies when it comes to the acceptance of being loved and in return loving others.

Like the author, I started reading the bible with a different perspective. Before this "re-born" experience, I read with only an intellectual, study mind attitude, now I read the bible with my heart open wide."

Publisher: Chosen | More reviews: amazon.com

Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends' Journey Beyond Death

by Kim Sheridan

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"I've read several books on this subject and this book is the best. The stories are heartwarming and miraculous!
If you've ever lost a beloved pet, then this is the book to read.
The loss of a pet can be so overwhelming. With this book, you know you are not alone in your grief. You will also know that your pet, without a doubt lives on and is most likely is still with you! You will know what signs to look for by hearing others tell their inspirational stories!
What a gift this book is, in the presence of grief!!
It is very well written and will keep you turning the pages for more.
I would highly recommend!!!! The value is priceless to someone who has lost a beloved animal companion."

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

On Life After Death

by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

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"I am surprised that I somehow missed reading this wonderful little book for so long. Considering the dozens of books that I've read on the topic of NDE's and of continued existence after bodily death it is remarkable that I should only encounter one of the best until last. While it is a slim volume, it covers everything of importance- and with a sincerity and enthusiasm missing in many other books.

Specifically, this is a collection of four key lectures given by Dr. Kubler-Ross: 1) Living and Dying (1982), 2) Death Does Not Exist (1977), 3) Life, Death, and Life After Death (1980), and 4) Death of a Parent (1991).

All of these lectures interweave and reinforce each other. The key concepts involve the body as a mere shell (or cocoon) that we outgrow to evolve into the next level of existence as a spirit (or butterfly.) The purpose of life on earth is to learn and grow through hard lessons and choices. And the most important lesson of all is that of unconditional love. If you can put this above materialism and ego, then your "life review" should go well. Oh yes, and nothing in this world occurs by "coincidence."

I'm inclined to prefer Dr. Kubler-Ross' words precisely because she was not an "objective", detached, observer. She studied over 20,000 accounts of NDE's, she sat at countless death beds comforting and listening to the dieing, she had an NDE herself, she was actually visited by the spirits of the dead, plus she personally experienced the state known as "cosmic consciousness." In my opinion, this gives her words the ring of truth, and a first-hand legitimacy lacking in many other records. Plus, as I read, I quickly came to see that everything she wrote completely agreed with and confirmed my own experiences and conclusions down through the years- before I ever heard of her, or even the subject. "

Publisher: Celestial Arts | More reviews: amazon.com

Into the Light: Real Life Stories About Angelic Visits, Visions of the Afterlife, and Other Pre-Death Experiences

by John Lerma

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"Dr. Lerma's book is amazing!! I don't think there are many medical professionals who can objectively bring together the scientifc and spiritual components of death. I've read other books about this, but what I like here is that Dr. Lerma's research came from firsthand experience with his hospice patients. The commonality of experience across so many patients really made me wonder about the afterlife. I always dismissed this stuff as hallucination. Now, I am not so sure."

Publisher: New Page Books | More reviews: amazon.com