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221
NDERF 252 Edward B NDE 741
15
Moderate Evidence
8
Low Compatibility
self-created hell, psychic abilities, What Dreams May Come
While the experience includes biblical elements of heaven and hell, it contains significant theological problems. The concept that souls send themselves to hell and can get themselves out directly contradicts biblical teaching about divine judgment and eternal permanence (Luke 16:26, Revelation 20:15). Comparing the afterlife to "What Dreams May Come" introduces new age self-created reality concepts. Enhanced clairvoyant abilities suggest occult practices scripture warns against (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Though some elements align with biblical truth, the core theological errors and occult elements create low compatibility.
Edward experienced clinical death from an allergic reaction in August 1999. He briefly witnessed both heaven and hell realms. The hell he observed was worse than traditional fire and brimstone depictions - souls experienced eternal torment with others who would harm them in similar ways, or eternal loneliness for those who exploited others. Remarkably, souls went there by their own choice and only they could get themselves out. Hell was well-populated with millions but represented only a small fraction of the afterlife's total population. Heaven appeared to have increasing levels of happiness, with souls near Earth seeming happy but at the lowest level, with joy increasing infinitely upward. He sensed a welcoming committee of people he knew waiting for him. He perceived an elegant universal order and purpose he couldn't fully grasp. When his heart restarted, he was pulled back. The experience strengthened his existing beliefs and enhanced his clairvoyant abilities.
--- Biblical Summary --- Biblical elements: The vision of heaven and hell aligns with biblical teaching about eternal destinations. The concept of self-judgment and personal responsibility for one's eternal fate reflects biblical themes of free will and accountability. The increasing joy in heaven parallels biblical descriptions of glory and rewards. The sense of divine order and purpose reflects God's sovereignty. Unbiblical elements: The idea that souls send themselves to hell and can get themselves out contradicts biblical teaching about divine judgment and the permanence of eternal destinations. The movie "What Dreams May Come" comparison introduces new age concepts of self-created afterlife. Enhanced clairvoyant abilities could represent occult practices warned against in scripture. |