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One thing I want to point out to everybody (in case it hasn’t been clearly pointed out already) is that we should never take things like this too openly. It is very imprudent to do so. Supposing it wasn’t from God, then at best it’s the person’s own mind that created the scene, in which case any morals or values taken form this should not be taken as they are. Even if this was a genuine experience, there is still much interpretation of it by the author and the person who experienced it; note that neither of these are guaranteed to be without error. Who ever said that the woman faced a judgment? And if she claims she was judged, I would advise any fellow Catholics to be wary because the fact that she was without great religious upbringing is already a red flag, and the fact that this isn’t even pointed out in her life during her judgment should alert the Catholic discerner because piety and faith are biggies when it comes to salvation, and according to the article, the worst thing this woman did was “waking up with a bad attitude”? I for one don’t need to discern further to tell you my own conclusion. I sincerely hope that no one takes me to be (needlessly) harsh, or if you do, I hope that you understand that my response is in no way meant to be offensive or inflammatory, but reasonable criticism for the sake of any readers. At the very least I see this presenting a real danger to many people by giving an all-too-comfortable (and false) interpretation of the gospel. Christ is certainly all-loving, but remember that He will also judge the world, and render to each according to his deeds. Frankly, I’d rather not have my own deeds rendered unto me, and no one should be okay with that either, because as the scripture says, “And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him?” and “If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it.” This is part of what salvation IS, that we escape such judgement in order to be able to survive. Catholic Tradition for me seems to warn sternly against stories like the one in this article. Take, for another ready example the Dies Irae, formerly said at every funeral mass. The phrase “Dies irae” itself means “Day of wrath”. Just to point out a few lines from it...
“Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus,
cum vix justus sit securus?”
Roughly Translated, this means “What shall, I who am wretched, then say? What advocate shall intercede for me when the just are scarcely saved?
This is not in not meant to somehow take away from God’s mercy, but to point out to the individual the seriousness of living a life devoted to God, and of attaining to perfection. We know through faith that Paul was indeed saved, but He pointed out in many ways and instances in scripture that one should not be too assured in their own salvation, nor should one judge for himself that he is without fault. We ought to, at the same time, hope in Christ and strive eagerly and WITH URGENCY towards perfection. Based on these principles and the like, I have to voice my concerns about this reported near death experience.