Beyond Death's Door

by Brent L. Top, Wendy C. Top

A unique look at near-death experiences. Presented in Beyond Death's Door. It considers these experiences in light of revealed truth, finding enlightening and exciting similarities to LDS doctrines on the afterlife.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Inspirational

ebook

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Wesley Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I recommend it to anyone who has ever thought about what happens when we die, or has the possibility of dying in the future.

The authors don't intend to make this any sort of "proof" of what happens in the next life, but they do notice a lot of similarities among Near Death Experiences (NDEs), like floating through a dark void towards a brilliant city, communicating with ancestors, and reviewing your life with a being of Light. They assert that we can better understand these NDEs because of restored doctrine through modern prophets. There are some pretty amazing insights.

First, it's interesting to think about what "the veil" really means. It appears that it's not as simple as just "forgetting" or "not being able to see" God. According to this research, we will be able to see in all directions, communicate or travel instantly, and learn at a rate 10,000 times we do here. My favorite is this quote from Orson Pratt:

"I believe we shall be freed, in the next world, in a great measure, from these narrow, contracted methods of thinking. Instead of thinking in one channel, and following up one certain course of reasoning to find a certain truth, knowledge will rush in from all, quarters; it will come in like the light which flows from the sun, penetrating every part, informing the spirit, and giving understanding concerning ten thousand things at the same time; and the mind will be capable of receiving and retaining all."

There is a discussion of the immense amount of love and peace, especially as you meet your ancestors and review your life with the being of Light. One thing the authors point out is how similar this is for all religions. While they may interpret it slightly differently (which is understandable), they all seem to feel God's love and approval. I think this is important for Latter-day Saints to remember. Even if we believe we have the most revelation from God, that doesn't mean he loves us or is guaranteed to save us over any of his other children.

It was interesting that the vast majority of NDEs are positive. The authors to speculate as to why there are so few "hell" experiences, or why they would be forgotten. In either case, all types of experiences prompt people to want to live longer and perform the work they have here. They are less attracted to much of the materialistic or violent media we enjoy. None of this is absolute proof that these experiences are real, but it does make you want to research is more. I plan to read many of the researchers/experiencers they cited most often: Swedenborg, Moody, Ring, and Ritchie. (I know there are more, but they didn't have any simple "Works Cited" list, unfortunately)

One note, while I do unequivocally recommend this book to EVERYONE, I know that it can be hard to find. It's also called "Glimpses Beyond Death's Door," and it's often part of a 3-in-1 eBook bundle by Brent Top, which is how I found it. I know that's confusing, but DON'T take the easy way and read Brent Top's "What's on the Other Side." He admits that he wrote that recently as a request by Deseret Book to expand on one of his talks. That book is a short, watered-down book of this one. Unless you are dying in the next few days, I think it's worth it for you to read this one and get the full experience of this one.

[Go · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find the afterlife to be fascinating. This gives details that can be disturbing or surprising and sometimes inspiring. I read this awhile ago and wish that I had taken more notes.

Hell’s description with unpleasant odors. "Spirits from hell, when possessing a human body will cause a disagreeable smell about the person thus possessed which will plainly manifest to the senses of those about him, even though the person thus afflicted should be washed and change his clothes every few minutes."

The righteous are as beautiful according to their level of goodness and perfection...those that delight in evil are more hideous. People in hell, "in heaven's light, hardly look like people at all, but rather like monsters...As a result, their life is not even called 'life,' but 'spiritual death.' It sounded like they possibly look like dragons and such.

George Ritchie stated: "At first I thought we were looking at some great battlefield: everywhere people were locked in what looked like fights to the death, writhing, punching, gouging… No weapons of any sort… Only bare hands and feet and teeth. And then I noticed that no one was apparently being injured...They could not kill, though they clearly wanted to, because their intended victims were already dead, and so they hold him so they hurled themselves at each other in a frenzy of impotent rage."

In a “Life Review” you relive life in feelings and also discover how you affected other people, you experience a self-evaluation. A being of light is instructing rather than judging what you could have done differently in your life. Some of it was so beautiful and peaceful sounding it makes you want to live a better life and unlock your potential for greatness.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading of this compilations of Near Death Experiences from people of all faiths and over centuries is profound. The Tops sum it up at the end— “it is humbling to have so many of our doctrines and beliefs confirmed in these NDE’s... it is humbling to realize how much we can learn, not only from these experiences but also from all truth wherever and from whomever we find it... [And] it is profoundly humbling to realize the profound responsibility which has been placed upon us because of the momentous gift we have been given.” The most important thing in life is love and knowledge and sharing it with others.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors use excerpts of many near death experiences from people of various religious backgrounds or no religious background and consider them in relation to the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I really enjoyed this book and felt inspired to be more loving and charitable in my love and my relationships. This book was timely in light of the new ministering guidelines.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an AMAZING book! I can hardly wait to start reading it again.

[Tim Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t confuse this one with the book of the same name by Maurice Rawlings (1991). I have read excerpts from that one and thought it would be interesting but decided against buying it based on the reviews. This book from Brent and Wendy Top examines NDEs in the light of LDS doctrine. This is a well written, well researched and well organized book. It’s one of the best from a conservative or cautious LDS viewpoint. It examines all the elements of NDEs and discusses them along with what we are taught in scripture. You’ll read about meeting a being of light, the commonly related experience of feeling not dead but seeing your dead body, the rapid life review, the tunnel of light, communicating via thought, high-speed or instant travel, expanded 360 degree vision, beautiful scenery, vegetation and buildings beyond any earthly beauty and the wonderful feeling of unconditional love and peace. There is even a section on hellish NDE’s which we don’t read about enough. Coincidently, Dr. Rawlings book of the same title addresses just that subject. I highly recommend this book by Brent and Wendy Top. Get a copy of you can. It’s a good read.

Source (my blog): http://latterdaycommentary.com/2013/0...

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a look at near death experiences organized by topic. For example, there is a chapter on music, one on visits with Christ, one on animals, etc. These are all presented and then discussed from the perspective of lds doctrine. However, I was pleased to find out that even when an experience didn't clearly support lds doctrine it wasn't ignored. The authors do an excellent job of presenting information fairly and balanced, and submitting explanations as possible explanations rather than sounding dogmatic and authoritative, although they will quote LDS general authorities when doing so shed's light on an issue. When reading about these experiences I found myself seeing the world in a different way and wanting to live better and take time to enjoy life now. I've actually started reading this book a second time, which is very unusual for me.
The disadvantage of a book in this format (organized by topic rather than by story) is that it doesn't tell a story start to finish and I found myself wanting to read other books that took one person's story from start to finish. So I have read some of the books that were quoted by this book.

[VeeDawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book club choice--I don't think I am drawn to this type of book much on my own, however, after reading it I did learn some things that are helpful and I'm glad I did read it after all.
It reviews many near death experiences (not just from LDS people) and compares them with scriptures. I really feel strongly about their conclusion that those who die are met by a being who radiates love and light, no matter their religion, or lack of religion. This goes along with my belief that the Lord loves all of his children and wants them all to succeed. "Many [people who have a near death experience] seem to comprehend the importance not only of life but also of taking care of their bodies and of developing their hearts, minds, and souls [when they return to life]."
I think the book speculates a bit (which I never care for much), but overall I thought it brought some important ideas out--like that death is actually a happy experience.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, I thought the premise behind the book was great, but felt that it fell a bit short from being a great book. My thinking as I read this, was that had I not been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS I may had been a little offended. I have studied many books about near death experiences,(NDE's), and this read a bit more like a text book. I found it to be well referenced. There were a 2-3 books that I wanted to read, after getting glimpes(quotes)of what is in those different books. If you are interested in the ideas behind NDE's you would probably like this book, just know it is not a story. The authors have published a newer book, along the same lines that interests me.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written by a member of my stake presidency at BYU. He studied near death experiences of people from other religions and compared them to LDS doctrine of the Spirit World. It is a really interesting book.

[Susan Phelan]

A combination of fascinating and boring. Don't know how it managed to do that. But I am glad I read it. My most interesting thoughts were on the science of our spiritual being. Must be from my biology background.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the Near-Death Experience from an LDS perspective. Although the author is generally balanced and thoughtful, he did sometimes spend more time on the visions of mystic Emanuel Swedenborg than I cared for.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at what the scrpitures and leaders of the church teach about the after-life. Real after-life experiences from mostly non-lds sources are used as examples.

[Chelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting so far. Isn't a book to just cruise through. So much time has passed and I still haven't finished this. Just don't think there is enough truth in it that is helpful to me.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of the content is speculative but the author admits that from the outset.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating study of near death experiences and how they relate to doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing look at near death experiences which includes a lot of LDS doctrine. It made me think and was quite comforting after a death in the family.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fascinating.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great compilation/comparison of near death experiences and research with LDS sources and scriptural explanations of the same events. The book gives comfort and builds faith.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An LDS take on Near death experiences.

[J.J. Sessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I think everyone could learn something more about the life to come and prepare for it...

[Brandon Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

some interesting stories and comparison. poor analytical methodology, discussion format.

[Bridget Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are only a handful of books I would consider absolute "must reads," and this is one of them.

[Sharmayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wise and discerning use of scripture and quotes from Lds church leaders illuminating the experiances of many 'NDE's.' Quotes extensively from other sources which added to my reading list!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at NDE's.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The insights and understanding of this book were ideas I'll be thinking of for a long time. I'm sharing it with my 96-year-old mother, who misses my dad (died 3 years ago)very much.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read half, very interesting but had to return it back to the library. Maybe someday i will pick it up and read it through.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book about life after death. It was insightful, uplifting, and was a comfort to read after my dad passed away.

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and inspiring. I enjoyed reading it very much.

[Scott Birk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-documented book about many subjects related to near-death experiences. Very thought provoking.