Near Death Experiences

 A pastor said he died and visited hell just prior to coming back to life.  He said they played music from some famous rappers, but insists hell is a real place.  When most people have near death experiences they will talk about bright lights and the tunnel and a sense of peace.  I personally don't know what to make of near death experiences, nor can anyone, except there is a common theme of peace.  

Why this pastor experienced something different I cannot say, nor can anyone who has not died and come back to tell about the experience.  I won't get into religion this morning, because I don't know what to make of near death experiences never having actually died myself.  I have come near death, but I never died and came back to life and can tell about it.

As to whether these people are lying just to write a book, I cannot say.  As to whether a near death experience was real by any of these people I cannot say.  I've never read a book by any of these people, but have read of so many accounts that are all simular in nature.  But generally, when people have had some encounter with the Divine, they usually withdraw and won't talk about it.  So, as to what kind of experiences anyone has is subjective, at best.

But for a pastor to say he visited hell, does make me at least wonder.  There are those who have experienced a nothingness at death and some have had negative experiences like this pastor.  Even some have not had a peaceful feeling.  I won't question near death experiences of any kind, but it seems to me that writing about an experience with the Divine is more about making money than the experience itself.  But that is me.

Some might not see it that way.  But I do.  In fact even in the Old Testament the name of God was so sacred that His name couldn't be spelled completely or mentioned.   I just think that death is so personal that one's experience can't be determined as the same for all, yet the books keep coming about near death experiences.  We just won't know until it happens to us.  I am out on the patio this morning smoking my Chirchwarden pipe by Savinelli with my Autumn Evening.  Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.

Dave