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2759
NDERF 3617 Gene B NDE 7149
22
Moderate Evidence
8
Low Compatibility
channeling entity Abu, Unity Church, past-life studies
While this experience contains some elements compatible with biblical accounts (out-of-body experience, tunnel, heavenly realm with music and colors), it diverges significantly in theological interpretation and subsequent practices. The positive aspects include the sense of divine forgiveness, encouragement to return for purposeful work, and choosing to return out of love. The transformed perspective and increased compassion align with spiritual encounter.
However, serious concerns arise from the experiencer's New Age practices. Channeling an entity named "Abu" is a form of mediumship explicitly forbidden in Scripture (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Unity Church teaches universalism and denies core Christian doctrines like the Trinity and Christ's unique divinity. Studying past-life experiences implies belief in reincarnation, contradicting biblical teaching of one life and judgment (Hebrews 9:27). While the experience itself might have been genuine, the interpretation through New Age philosophy and subsequent occult practices (channeling) make this largely incompatible with biblical Christianity.
Gene, a physician with chronic fatigue syndrome, experienced a spontaneous laryngeal spasm in his medical office in November 1988. Despite having epinephrine, steroids, and oxygen available, he couldn't reach them in time. His albuterol inhaler couldn't get past his spastic vocal cords. He found himself at the ceiling looking down at his body in the recliner, then above the office building where he could see the hospital a block away, street lights, and traffic.
He was instantly transported through a dark tunnel with thousands of sparkly lights on the walls and ceiling. The tunnel opening reminded him of an inverted V like vocal cords. At the end was a vast space with multiple dancing colors he'd never seen before, choreographed to ethereal music. He felt total peace, euphoria, and complete forgiveness. He was given the choice to step over or return, but was encouraged to return for more work he should do. He chose to return primarily for love of his wife Jeanne. As a physician, Gene found the experience confirmed his belief in life after death. He had been studying past-life experiences and NDEs beforehand. Since the experience, he has had channeled writings from an entity named Abu. The experience strengthened his spiritual beliefs and he now meets twice monthly in a spiritual study group. |