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<\/a>The so-called \u201csecret combinations\u201d of the Book of Mormon have long been of particular interest to me. \u00a0Here are three articles about them from Jeff Lindsay, a valued member of the Interpreter Foundation\u2019s board of directors and until recently one of the editors of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship<\/em><\/a>, that were recently published in Meridian Magazine<\/em>:<\/p>\n I\u2019ve read extensively, but not quite systematically, on the subject of near-death experiences. \u00a0And I\u2019ve written quite a bit on the topic, though I haven\u2019t yet published what I\u2019ve written. \u00a0(It\u2019s already a book-length manuscript, but I\u2019m not satisfied with it and don\u2019t feel yet that it adequately lays my argument out.) \u00a0But I think it\u2019s time to start plotting a preliminary conclusion to the effort, and, accordingly, that it\u2019s also time to make a systematic reading list for myself. \u00a0(The trouble is, of course, that new books on near-death experiences appear continually, so that any list will be out of date almost immediately. \u00a0So I need a way to bring it to at least a tentative close.)<\/p>\n Here\u2019s one reading list that I\u2019ve located online<\/a>. \u00a0I\u2019ve read three of them, and I\u2019m familiar with story of the fourth. \u00a0On the whole, I\u2019m more interested in relevant data than in \u201cinspiration\u201d from such accounts, and I tend not to rely very heavily upon first-person books about an author\u2019s own NDE. \u00a0(I expected the Alex Malarkey case<\/a> long before I had ever heard his [comically apt] name. \u00a0I myself am now sufficiently well informed about NDEs that I could easily write my own<\/em> bogus paint-by-numbers autobiographical account.) \u00a0But, although I\u2019m skeptical, I don\u2019t discount first person accounts completely or automatically, and this list has alerted me to some titles that I might perhaps want to read. \u00a0And I thought that some others might be interested in them or, even, have an already-formed opinion about one or more of them:<\/p>\n Why<\/b> Dying To Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing <\/b><\/i>is on this list:<\/b> This book tickles right at the heart of our list. It\u2019s a gripping first-hand recount of a near-death experience, and surviving cancer, cut with profound insights and inspiration.<\/i><\/p>\n 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\u2019s what happened to Moorjani. Now, wrap your head around this \u2014 Moorjani doesn\u2019t 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\u2019s like a backstage pass into understanding life, death, healing and everything between.<\/p>\n What readers like:<\/b> 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\u2019s like you\u2019re stuck in traffic on a normal day, then in a blink you realize \u2014 you\u2019re steering a spaceship. So if you fancy a mind-spinning journey that might just change the way you perceive life, Dying To Be Me<\/em> might just be your next read.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why<\/b> Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon into the Afterlife <\/b><\/i>is on this list:<\/b> 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.<\/i><\/p>\n Proof of Heaven<\/em> explores Dr. Alexander\u2019s 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\u2019s a heady mix of science meets spirituality.<\/p>\n What readers like:<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why <\/b>Knowing: Memoirs of a journey beyond the veil and joy after tragic loss <\/b><\/i>is on this list:<\/b> This book takes us through Olsen\u2019s personal account of a near-death experience which makes it an piece for any readers interested in peeking beyond life\u2019s mystical curtain.<\/i><\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s easy-to-read, conversational style.<\/p>\n What readers like:<\/b> Readers rave about Olsen\u2019s honesty and vulnerability in touching on life\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why <\/strong><\/b>Application of Impossible Things: A Near Death Experience in Iraq <\/b><\/i>is on this list:<\/b> This isn\u2019t just a story about someone\u2019s near-death experience \u2014 this is an action account of a close call in Iraq. If it\u2019s not essential to have a warzone NDE on a list about near-death experiences, then I don\u2019t know [what] is.<\/i><\/p>\n Application of Impossible Things<\/em> is Natalie Sudman\u2019s 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\u2019t just share her near-death experience, but also provides some in-depth philosophical insight into things we often consider impossible.<\/p>\n What readers like:<\/b> Readers are hooked on Natalie\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why <\/b>Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die <\/b><\/i>is on this list:<\/b> The main reason this book fits our list of near-death experiences is simple: It\u2019s full of accounts and stories straight from individuals at the end of their life, recounting what they\u2019re seeing and experiencing You can\u2019t get much closer to understanding near-death experiences without having one yourself, and trust me that\u2019s something we can afford to skip.<\/i><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What readers like:<\/b> 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\u2019s final journey. And don\u2019t worry, David leaves out the medical mumbo-jumbo, so you won\u2019t need a PhD to enjoy it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why <\/b>Messages of Hope: The Metaphysical Memoir of a Most Unexpected Medium <\/b><\/i>is on this list:<\/b> This book offers a unique perspective on near-death experiences through the eyes of an unexpected medium. It\u2019s this unconventional approach that makes it an essential read for anyone diving into this genre.<\/i><\/p>\n Part memoir, part spiritual guide, Messages of Hope<\/em> documents Suzanne\u2019s journey from being a naval officer to a medium connecting with spirits. Suzanne didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n What readers like:<\/b> Readers have fallen in love with Suzanne\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why <\/b>The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully <\/b><\/i>is on this list:<\/b><\/p>\n 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\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n What readers like:<\/b> 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\u2019ve turned the last page.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a0 The so-called \u201csecret combinations\u201d of the Book of Mormon have long been of particular interest to me. \u00a0Here are three articles about them from Jeff Lindsay, a valued member of the Interpreter Foundation\u2019s board of directors and until recently one of the editors of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1019,"featured_media":107863,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[38118,56,900,903,20269,16208],"class_list":["post-107857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-atitlan","tag-book-of-mormon","tag-nde","tag-near-death-experience","tag-secret-combination","tag-waters-of-mormon"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
<\/a>
(Wikimedia Commons public domain image)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDying To Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing<\/em>, by Anita Moorjani<\/h4>\n
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Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon into the Afterlife<\/em>, by Eben Alexander<\/h4>\n
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Knowing: Memoirs of a journey beyond the veil and joy after tragic loss<\/em>, by Jeffery Olsen<\/h4>\n
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Application of Impossible Things: A Near Death Experience in Iraq<\/em>, by Natalie Sudman<\/h4>\n
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Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die<\/em>, by David Kessler<\/h4>\n
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Messages of Hope: The Metaphysical Memoir of a Most Unexpected Medium<\/em>, by Suzanne Giesemann<\/h4>\n
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The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully<\/em>, by Penny Sartori<\/h4>\n
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