[Mrs. Don-o]

Well, I'm always very skeptical about people with mystical and near-death experiences, simply because I know how prone we (all) are to interpret brain-phenomena through the categories of our hopes, fears, drives and inclinations which might be unknown even to ourselves. We are (I am) vulnerable to being deceived in so many ways.

Having said that, still it does seem that she had a view of judgment that has something to teach us. Everything, everything we do starts a chain of events which stretch far past the immediate thought, word or deed. If I could just keep that in mind, I would be so much more conscientious about thinking, speaking, and acting in Christ and not in my own wayward ways.

[TexGuy]

Mrs. Don-o,

Well said ... Thanks

[Oberon]

Everything, everything we do starts a chain of events which stretch far past the immediate thought, word or deed. If I could just keep that in mind, I would be so much more conscientious about thinking, speaking, and acting in Christ and not in my own wayward ways.

That's why forgiveness is so important. Being able to forgive means that we have the capacity to soak up a shot of negativity without passing it on. Forgiving is a magnanimous act; with it, you say "I'll take the blow and not return it."

[NYer]

Everything, everything we do starts a chain of events which stretch far past the immediate thought, word or deed. If I could just keep that in mind, I would be so much more conscientious about thinking, speaking, and acting in Christ and not in my own wayward ways.

Have you read this?

Just received my copy from Amazon.com. As one reviewer wrote:

Fulton Sheen's book Life of Christ is a literary masterpiece. Sheen brilliantly navigates through the life of our Lord and highlights some of the more touching moments, while really bringing to life the moments that often get overlooked. Most importantly, this book will help you to nurture and inculcate a deeper and more profound love for Jesus Christ.

I mention this only because this notion of sounds and action going forth into the universe is part of Sheen's work. Some of this work is profound - so much so that I had to stop and reflect on his words.

[Wiseghy]

NDE’s supposedly change with cultural background, but there are usually parallels across cultures, such as the tunnel, seeing loved ones, talking with religious figures, etc.

Some scientists are supposedly debunking this stuff as neurons firing as the brain dies, or some-such. However, I've have heard too much about this. Seems like it would be easy to replicate the electrical effect if true.

[Ghengis]

Having said that, still it does seem that she had a view of judgment that has something to teach us. Everything, everything we do starts a chain of events which stretch far past the immediate thought, word or deed. If I could just keep that in mind, I would be so much more conscientious about thinking, speaking, and acting in Christ and not in my own wayward ways.

That is something that I try to remind myself regularly. You said it very well.

[Revelation 911]

I had one (nde) as a child (before I became a Christian)- I ended up in a place where Jesus said to me "it's not your time"....and I returned....- later became a pastor - since retired

The most profound experience of my life

I dont think it was Heaven - I was only in His presence, with no spirits - but the light and peace was unreal - In the times Ive been very ill since (few) I feel that same peace

[lonestar]

I have a friend who was told by a man he worked with that he had a near death experience and it was HORRIBLE. He went down a tunnel and creatures making horrible sounds grabbed at him.

My friend said that the guy was a different person after his heart attack...much nicer; "it really changed him, whatever experience he had."

[brityank]

Well, I'm always very skeptical about people with mystical and near-death experiences, simply because I know how prone we (all) are to interpret brain-phenomena through the categories of our hopes, fears, drives and inclinations which might be unknown even to ourselves. We are (I am) vulnerable to being deceived in so many ways. Having said that, still it does seem that she had a view of judgment that has something to teach us. Everything, everything we do starts a chain of events which stretch far past the immediate thought, word or deed. If I could just keep that in mind, I would be so much more conscientious about thinking, speaking, and acting in Christ and not in my own wayward ways.

Thank you for those comments. I too am skeptical, but not of the basics of the bible; more the import and attributes Man tries to append to it and its interpretations.

xzins -- ping to a wonderous story above.

[Puddleglum]

Having said that, still it does seem that she had a view of judgment that has something to teach us. Everything, everything we do starts a chain of events which stretch far past the immediate thought, word or deed. If I could just keep that in mind, I would be so much more conscientious about thinking, speaking, and acting in Christ and not in my own wayward ways.

Nicely expressed. Wish I could keep myself on track better through such a perspective and its practice.