1. This will be the last post with the main subject of death
2. This is an uplifting and hopeful post
I know two posts in a row about death or issues surrounding death can be a little gloomy particularly so soon after Easter. However today's post should bring you some hope, and maybe for the devoutly religious, some excitement. Maybe even relief. You hardcore skeptics will probably remain so. Hey your loss.
I recently read a fantastic book by an accomplished neurosurgeon named Eben Alexander. He is an MD specializing in neurosurgery. Dr. Alexander is a science based individual and not one who was overly religious. In fact he states in his book that "near death experiences" (NDE) are something he considered fantasy. What happened to him is nothing short of extraordinary and is a true story.
You have all probably read about or have seen on TV, stories of people who have been to the "other side" and came back to tell about it. The subject has been in scores of movies and TV shows. The Afterlife. Is it anything? Is it going into the light (reference to Poltergist)? Is it Heaven...or Hell?
Cold hard fact scientists will almost always posit that when you die that is it. Fini. Game over. No fluffy clouds and no lake of fire. Just...nothing.
When it comes to religious beliefs you can literally take your pick of what comes next after you die. Heaven? Pretty popular theme. How you get there can be tricky depending on your faith. Pearly gates and St Peter? Stand in judgment before God? Seventy something virgins? Right. Reincarnation? Only if you get to choose, would I be in favor of this. But seriously that's why they call it "faith". Pick one, commit to it and live your life.
On a side note, I am reminded of a comment I heard once that boils all the religious strife in the world down to it's simplest element. And it came from Yassar Arafat. While meeting with a US official of some sort, years ago, the wacky leader of the PLO made this deep and profound statement: "arguing religion is like trying to prove who has the best invisible friend." Wisest thing he ever said.
Anyway, as usual I have wandered down the shunting track of the blogosphere rail yard so let me get back on course.
So Dr. Alexander, neurosurgeon and man of science, is about to have a bad day. In fact several bad days. In a hugely ironic twist of life, a massive neurological event befalls him. In his home as he is readying for work. This summary in Eben's own words tells it best:
"On November 10, 2008, however, at age fifty-four, my luck seemed to have run out. I was struck by a rare illness and thrown into a coma for seven days. During that time, my entire neocortex - the outer surface of the brain, the part that makes us human - was shut down. Inoperative. In essence, absent...
During my coma my brain wasn't working improperly - it wasn't working at all."
This quote came from the book Eben wrote about his experience during his time in a coma. Essentially brain dead and at many points during his hospital stay the subject of "pulling the plug " came up with his family. Thankfully this did not happen.
The book he wrote is called Proof Of Heaven and regardless of your religious or afterlife beliefs, I call it an absolute MUST READ. As a form of complete disclosure, I was raised Luthern and I am not a devotedly religious person. I have no committed belief as to what comes next after death. I suppose after the last couple losses I have suffered in life, I attempt to comfort myself thinking there is something out there. But I say all this to let you know I am not promoting this book to try and convince anyone of any particular "version" of the Beyond.
The fact is, that in a very real way, Eben was dead for seven days. The experiences he documents in the book are inspiring, hopeful and very vivid. His analytical mind and deep understanding of how the brain and neural system works dismisses the chance that these are dreams or experiences created by his subconscious. His brain was not working to allow for either of those options. When after seven days he suddenly awoke with no brain damage and no long term lingering effects...well that might be credited to a higher power. It is certainly a miracle in my book.
Nothing I say here in any more detail will do the story justice. I hope this is enough of a tease that believers of all kinds and skeptics alike will give it a read. I promise once you start it you will not put it down. You will more than likely feel as good as I did after reading it. It is gripping real-life drama. And isn't that the most awesome kind, afterall?
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| Proof Of Heaven (courtesy of Amazon) |
15 comments:
This post is very thought provoking in all its context. I'm thinking that if his brain was dead for so long, just how does he know that it was 'dead'? Guess I must read the book to find out then, right?
Sounds like a fascinating book. I'm game to check it out. I think we all want to know this isn't all there is. Makes sense that there's something beyond this realm.
I love Arafat's quote, I am going to use that today at some point. The wife might slap me.
Very interesting approach to death, is something that is present in my life.
I've seen him around pitching his book. I think it's remarkable that a man of science, one who never truly believed before, now has such exceptional faith. But, as profound as his experience is, I think it's even more profound to have faith, to have always had faith, without having proof to back up your beliefs. That's the true meaning of faith. I've had friends who've tried to get me to attend their church services since they know I'm a breakaway Catholic, but I always say, hey, I was born right the first time. Point is, even though I've lost faith in my Church, I've never lost faith in God. I believe in eternal life. I believe we are far more than our bodies.
I read about his experience in Newsweek! Very incredible. Actually, it provides credibility.
I saw him in an interview with Oprah on her Sunday morning show, Super Soul Sunday. He talked about this book and what happened to him during those seven days. He absolutely did not believe in an after-life before this experience, but could NOT believe in anything else after this experience. Being a brain specialist, he had NO OTHER EXPLANATION. What he saw was magnificent... and unlike anything that exists here. It makes dying not scary at all. I really want to read this book.
Anni: You absolutely must read the book. It is just perfectly written.
Joylene: You will have some kind of feeling as you read it and when you are finished. Guaranteed.
PTM: You (like me) always grab the obscure point of a post. Very nice.
Leovi: Thanks. I am glad for you.
Nancy: If you see me in the hereafter we'll remember this post.
Alex: It is a really good book.
Robin: Go do it. You will be really happy you did.
Sounds very intriguing. I have long believed this is all there is, but I am not against arguments otherwise.
Nick: I would read the book and then see what you think.
No brain damage after seven days is amazing. I hadn't heard of this book. Glad you wrote about it today.
That's a great quote by Arafat! I'd never heard that one, but it says it all.
The book sounds good. Inspirational and interesting.
Shannon at The Warrior Muse
Hi Chuck - I can believe him .. and I will one day pick up his book and read it. My mother said she'd been down the white tunnel, but said she wasn't ready to die ... I can believe that having seen her at that time.
It is interesting to find out more .. we may not understand - but there's so much more to life ... and death is part of life ..
Fascinating ... thanks for sharing with us .. cheers Hilary
At my job at Barnes and Noble this book has been on a special display for weeks! I'll definitely have to check it out. Great post!
Sarah
Tim: You'll not be able to put it down if you start it.
Shannon: I love that quote. I use it periodically during discussion of religion...which usually ends the discussion.
Hilary: I am so glad I could give something back to you for all you have given me with your great posts.
Sarah: Thanks...yes, please do check it out.
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