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4470
qualitative
journal
Bockie, Simon. Death and the Invisible Powers: The World of Kongo Belief. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993. Kongo Christian, Case 1
Death and the Invisible Powers Pages 88 1993
1993
Unknown
The experiencer stopped breathing for approximately 7-8 hours according to mourners, from around 9:00 AM to 4:00-5:00 PM. During this time, they experienced walking very fast on a journey to an unknown destination. They observed mountains, trees, grass, palm trees, and many people all traveling in the same direction with no one returning. Some people were sitting by the roadside not knowing what to do, others moving slowly and tired. The experiencer kept speeding up due to physical strength and eventually reached a summitless mountain that reached beyond human sight. Hundreds of people were lying there, unable to proceed. When depressed, the experiencer called out "Jesus, help me!" and with divine assistance jumped over the mountain. They found themselves before individuals holding the "nkanda wamoyo" (book of life). To be admitted to that realm, one's name must be found in the book and it must be their time. The beings spoke to the experiencer in Kikongo with a Kingoyi accent, asking "Nki Wizidi?" (Why are you here?). After checking the book, they found the name but said it was not yet time to enter. When the experiencer was reluctant to return due to exhaustion, they were shown their one-year-old daughter Mary standing alone looking for them. Upon turning to see the daughter, the experiencer suddenly found themselves back among a weeping crowd. The experience transformed their understanding of death and the afterlife, confirming their Christian beliefs while maintaining traditional Kongo concepts.
5
Unknown
7
8
25
Suggestive Evidence
10
Stopped breathing for several hours, witnessed by mourners
Specific observations of otherworldly realm, book of life, seeing daughter
written_account
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7/21/2025
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