Despite some technically challenging passages, this book was not hard to read. Since it was written by a brain surgeon, I thought it might end up being over my head. It wasn't. However, there were some passages that I read a little slower because of their technicalities, but that was one of the reasons I picked this book up--I wanted to get the 'scientific' viewpoint.
Another reason I was drawn to this book is because Alexander 'knew' that Near Death Experiences (NDEs) were a product of an individual's brain (chemical reactions and electric frequencies) and most assuredly not real. As a neurosurgeon he had heard various patients expound on their unbelievable experience and he had listened compassionately, with half an ear, all the time believing that, although they most assuredly believed what they were saying, real science had long since proved that consciousness is simply a product of electric impulses and chemical reactions. But if believing in heaven, or in God, helped a patient cope with grim reality, then good for them. Until it happened to him. This book is his story.
I liked this book because: ~Alexander readily admits that he thought NDEs were bunk ~he was not a Christian looking to confirm his worldview ~he explains the science behind why he changed his mind ~as a surgeon and scientist, Alexander knew that going public with his story would damage his standing in his chosen field, but he felt that the experience merited that sacrifice
One complaint: As "Proof of Heaven" I felt the book Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises & The Exhilarating Future that Awaits You was more compelling. The thing that really got me in that book was the fact that someone in Asia or Russia, someone in a completely different culture than the USA describes exactly the same type of NDE. To me, that is an impossibility that is better 'proof' than science which changes all the time. I think Imagine Heaven is a better read than Proof of Heaven, but Imagine Heaven is definitely from a Christian perspective.
I'd love to hear someone else's opinion on either of these books!
Another reason I was drawn to this book is because Alexander 'knew' that Near Death Experiences (NDEs) were a product of an individual's brain (chemical reactions and electric frequencies) and most assuredly not real. As a neurosurgeon he had heard various patients expound on their unbelievable experience and he had listened compassionately, with half an ear, all the time believing that, although they most assuredly believed what they were saying, real science had long since proved that consciousness is simply a product of electric impulses and chemical reactions. But if believing in heaven, or in God, helped a patient cope with grim reality, then good for them. Until it happened to him. This book is his story.
I liked this book because:
~Alexander readily admits that he thought NDEs were bunk
~he was not a Christian looking to confirm his worldview
~he explains the science behind why he changed his mind
~as a surgeon and scientist, Alexander knew that going public with his story would damage his standing in his chosen field, but he felt that the experience merited that sacrifice
One complaint: As "Proof of Heaven" I felt the book Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises & The Exhilarating Future that Awaits You was more compelling. The thing that really got me in that book was the fact that someone in Asia or Russia, someone in a completely different culture than the USA describes exactly the same type of NDE. To me, that is an impossibility that is better 'proof' than science which changes all the time. I think Imagine Heaven is a better read than Proof of Heaven, but Imagine Heaven is definitely from a Christian perspective.
I'd love to hear someone else's opinion on either of these books!