Jesus and the Near-Death Experience

This book follows up the author's earlier work on psychology and the near death experience, focusing this time on encounters with Jesus during the NDE. He also brings in two other perspectives: a little-known book by Julian of Norwich, called Showings, which she recounts what would now be called an NDE and written in 1393; and the gnostic gospels - especially those of Thomas and Philip - where Christ is known in the centre of our being. To this he adds his own revelatory experiences and perspective as forms of divine communication leading to spiritual discovery that is shared with the reader. The all-pervasiveness of love and light is a central theme, also reflected in Julian of Norwich. She asked about the Lord's meaning and receives the response: know it well, love was his meaning. Who reveals it to you? Love. What did he reveal to you? Love. Why did he reveal it to you? For love. Remain in this, and you will know more of the same.' As with other books in the field, transformation is of the essence, and sometimes the questions are disarmingly direct. How have you helped others? What did you learn in this life? In what way did you give of yourself? We are told that God evaluates the human heart, and on page 139 there is a comprehensive list of themes related to spiritual transformation, which again the seasoned reader will recognise from other sources. It is significant that Gandhi is quoted as saying that Christianity has yet to be lived in its essence, although many saints have done just this. The point is both emulation but also in terms of one's unique personality and circumstances.