|
4471
Bockie, Simon. Death and the Invisible Powers: The World of Kongo Belief. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993. Church Offering Case
28
Suggestive Evidence
6
Low Compatibility
Works-based entry requirement
This experience presents significant theological concerns from a biblical perspective. While it includes an encounter with Jesus and heavenly realms, the core message contradicts the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The requirement to pay church offerings before entering heaven represents a works-based salvation that directly opposes scripture, which teaches that salvation cannot be earned or purchased (Acts 8:20, Romans 11:6). Jesus blocking entry based on unpaid tithes contradicts His teachings about salvation being a free gift and His criticism of the Pharisees for emphasizing tithing over mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23). The experience appears to reflect the specific doctrines of the experiencer's strict religious sect rather than biblical truth. While tithing and giving are biblical principles, making them requirements for salvation is not. The immediate death after payment completion suggests a transactional view of salvation that is fundamentally unbiblical. This NDE seems culturally influenced by the sect's emphasis on financial obligations rather than reflecting genuine spiritual reality as presented in scripture.
A man from a strict Christian sect stopped breathing and his body became cold while his wife wept beside him at the hospital. His wife spent most of the night weeping with red and swollen eyes. When he awoke, he asked why she was crying and explained he had been in a strange but peaceful world. He had been walking very fast without knowing his destination on a very wide road that was difficult to walk because of the many people going in the same direction. He did not speak to any of them. After walking for a long time, he found himself in front of a huge door with Jesus standing in the middle. Jesus greeted him and said he was expecting him that night, but unfortunately could not let him in because his record of monthly church offerings (kalati kia minkayilu) was not up to date. Jesus ordered him to return and pay his dues to the church before being admitted to this new world. The religious sect to which he belonged was very strict regarding church offerings. He was disappointed to leave the paradisal atmosphere but had no power to argue with Jesus. Looking back, he saw his wife weeping. While it had taken hours to reach the door, it took less than a minute to return to the hospital room. He urgently requested his wife to get his monthly offering record. A prophet named tata Aaron Wanimbu from the same sect, who lived near the hospital, accompanied the wife to get the record and paid the outstanding dues with his own money. After receiving the updated record showing payment, the man died within minutes, to everyone's amazement.
|