The Round Trip: The Near Death Experience

The video Round Trip, The Near Death Experience is an interesting and informative documentary. Five people were interviewed about their near death experience. Catherine was sick for several years; John almost drown from scuba diving, Mary had complications during childbirth, Alena was in an accident and Allan’s heart flutter during surgery. These five people near dead experience were similar. It is remarkable to hear them speak about their experience and how they are not afraid of death. The near death experience changed their lives. Catherine stated that she sees the future, she will know about something before it happens; also her religious structure became stronger. They all saw a bright light and experience a divine feeling and the power

of perfect love. Allan stated he felt calmness and great peace. This documentary took me back to my own near death experience, two years ago I almost drown from a public pool, I struggled to get out but I could not, the last thing I remember before I lost consciousness was the feeling of calmness and when I woke up I was still calm and at peace. I told my husband I was dreaming about a beautiful garden, it is huge, and I could not see where it ends. I agree people do not talk about their near death experience because they will call them crazy and people do not want to listen. I admire Allan for quitting his job and starting his own business in helping gifted children in the society. Overall it was a great documentary.
Chapter 14 is interesting; the chapter explores the different beliefs about the afterlife, it broadens our understanding of the various responses to death by different religions or culture. In the history of religion, human beings believe in rebirth, due to this belief people were buried in a fetal position (DeSpelder & Strickland, 2015). Traditional societies believe that dead represent a change, meaning it is a transition from the land of the living to the land of the dead (DeSpelder et al., 2015). I found the Hawaiians tradition very interesting. The Hawaiians believe that an offender of the gods or has cause harm to others will suffer in the afterlife. They will become a restless spirit, hungry and homeless forever, and their ancestor - god has the power to punish or reward a spirit. Also when someone have no relatives or a family ancestor-god it is called a misfortune, the ones that led a worthy life are welcome to eternity, and those with misdeed are punished. (DeSpelder et al., 2015). The Jewish belief emphasis in faith and according to their tradition they believe that life is measured by the deeds of a person and whether they lived up to potential, they believe that living a “righteous life will lead to harmony in their present life” (DeSpelder et al., 2015). It was disturbing to read that people will join mystery cult to be assured of happiness beyond death and this practice is guaranteed if the individual dedicates themselves to the rites prescribed by the priest of the cult (DeSpelder et al., 2015). Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share a religious heritage of monotheism. It is interesting to know that no one precedes the corpse of a Muslim in the funeral procession because of the belief that the angel of dead go before it (DeSpelder et al., 2015). Judgment day and resurrection is believed by many, and this chapter gave me some insight of other beliefs and appreciation of mine. I enjoyed reading the chapter, understanding the different beliefs beyond death and afterlife was fascinating.
Questions:
1. What is the meaning of the Hebrew words She’ol and Yom Kippur? What two distinct realms was the She’ol divided into?
2. Would you consider joining a cult if an ideal future in paradise is promised?
3. What is the promise of immortality in the Hebrew scriptures defined in Christianity?