NDErs and Religion

 QUESTION

“Based on the research you have done, what do near-death experiencers usually say about religion?  Is it useless BS?  Are all religions valid paths to the same destination?  Could you provide me with some sample accounts of what NDErs say about religion?  Did you yourself learn anything about religion during your three NDE?” ...Matthew

ANSWER

You should read my books, especially 

DYING TO KNOW YOU:  PROOF OF GOD IN THE NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE.

Let’s start with these figures:  ⅔ of the people I have contacted left their church and/or religious affiliation after their NDE.  Of this, most turned to other venues - like metaphysical groups, meditation classes, and various other types of spiritual outlets and studies.  Several even started their own church - like Carol Parrish-Harra.  Doing this was made plan to her during her near-death experience.  It took her a while to scout around for the proper place and people and study material.  Many others followed her, testing out what was truly right for the highest good of all concerned, not just her.  What resulted is the Sparrow Hawk Seminary (yes, a real one), located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  I’ve been there and saw for myself how valid, large, and wondrous this degree-granting seminary is.  There are others, but what Carol did is truly remarkable and on many levels.

An interesting footnote in my research, after about 10 to 15 years, most of those who left their church returned, bringing with them a more open, spiritual viewpoint.  This led the majority to become part of the new spiritual/metaphysical movement so active today.  Churches like Unity or Centers of Spiritual Living have grown because of this, and are now worldwide.

As far as God is concerned, easily 90%, actually higher than that, returned absolutely convinced of God’s Presence and God’s Reality, but not in the religious sense.  Rather, as an absolute knowing that A Greater Source Beyond Our Knowing not only exists, but is active and present in our lives.  Few use the term “God” anymore, or just because of habit.  All kinds of titles have surfaced.  I often say That Which Breathes Me.  Yet, I am still comfortable with the title God.

Know this, and know it for certain, after a near-death experience, especially if you had a more involved one, the idea of God is no longer an idea.  God is real.  Very real.  Blessings, PMH