Dr. Moody's Life After Life

Life After Life, by Raymond A Moody Jr, M.D., is an account of Dr. Moody’s research of near death experiences (NDE). Dr. Moody has a Ph.D. in philosophy and a medical degree. This scientific discipline provided a path for him to document his findings. His intent was to draw attention to a phenomenon of NDE. He accounts it was “very widespread and very well-hidden, and at the same time, help create a more receptive public attitude toward it” (Moody Jr, MD, 2015, p. xix). As the modern Western world moved into the twentieth century, so did the scientific discipline of medical science. This allowed a transition of individuals dying at home, to dying within the confines of the hospital under the care of medical professionals. He interviewed

It had been reported that, “Numerous people have told of hearing their doctors or other spectators in effect pronounce them dead” (Moody Jr, MD, 2015, p. 17). This is an out of body experience. Each reported feelings of peace and quiet, which transitioned into a bad buzzing noise. After proceeding through a tunnel, they have an “encounter with a very bright light” (Moody Jr, MD, 2015, p. 51). Questions resound around a reflection of their life, what they had learned during it, and if it was worth it. Invariably, each of the subjects’ encounter a border at which they are told they need to go back. “Considering the skepticism and lack of understanding that greet the attempt of a person to discuss his near-death experience, it is not surprising that almost everyone in this situation comes to feel that he is unique, that no one else has ever undergone what he has” (Moody Jr, MD, 2015, p. 83). Naturally, the outcome of this experience has an effect on the lives of those experiencing it.
Dr. Moody reports, “Almost every person has expressed to me the thought that he is no longer afraid of death” (Moody Jr, MD, 2015, p. 90). Dr. Moody draws parallels between scripture, the philosopher Plato, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and Emanuel Swedenborg. Scripture teaches us of Christ speaking to Paul and what body the dead will have. Christ

Moody reflects that this “spiritual body” is reflective of the accounts of what his subjects’ reported. This was their out of body experience. Is the buzzing noise trumpets sounding? There was added suggestion that the tunnel individuals traveled through is symbolic of “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4). The “bright light” had been reflected to an angel, guide, counselor, or Christ. This “bright light” does not condemn them, rather asks what they had learned throughout their life. “As they witness the display, the being seems to stress the importance of two things in life: Learning to love other people and acquiring knowledge” (Moody Jr, MD, 2015, p. 59). Jesus did say, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). Jesus is a teacher. A teacher wishes their students to learn. Jesus said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him (John