Beyond Death's Door

by Maurice S. Rawlings

Beyond Death's Door Rawlings, Maurice

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality

Paperback

First published June 7, 1979

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book! A bit dated though -- written in the late 70's by a cardiologist who studied people that had been resuscitated after clinical death. He had examples of positive after-life experiences (i.e. heaven?) and negative experiences (i.e. hell?). Very scary stuff but riveting. As a result Dr. Rawlings is a devout Christian and isn't afraid to tell others any chance he gets. Short read and I highly recommend it. I don't think it's in print anymore though. I had to order from a 2nd-hand buyer on Amazon.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book that answers questions about something that everyone eventually asks: "What happens when I die?"

Maurice Rawlings was at the cutting edge of resuscitation as a cardiologist. As techniques became more successful and more people were brought back from clinical death, Rawlings began to realize that there was a substantial difference in people's experiences of death.

Some people were in horror, screaming at him to keep them alive after being resuscitated. Some, on the other hand, were not happy to be brought back to life. He began to document these experiences and try to understand them, especially after one patient died, went to Hell, was brought back to life, screaming and asking Rawlings to pray with him. Rawlings said he was a doctor not a minister, but led him in a simple prayer that he learned as a child. The man died, went to Heaven, was resuscitated and then told Rawlings of his experience.

This book is filled with documented experiences of Hell and Heaven, with descriptions. Rawlings has approached this study as a scientist, making sure that his observations are verifiable.

Rawlings was also able to discern the difference between people "going toward the light" and feeling peace at first, but then entering a ring of fire that drew them down to Hell and people who went toward the light and ended up in Heaven. A very significant observation that shows that the presence of light at death is not an indicator of the person's final destination... Satan can transform himself into an angel of light.

Rawlings shows how it is receiving forgiveness from God for our sins through Jesus that changes our final destination.

He does not preach but he records and interprets observations.

You are left to make your own decision.

This book is an eye-opener.

[Kelvin Ong Dunhao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written from a medical perspective which led the author to God. Very interesting view point that doesn't try to convince, what the author did was to present the situations he faced as a doctor. Truly death holds no sting

[Jeremy Janusziewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some say that the book is dated, but the message of the book is the same today as it was when it was written.

[Kevin Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

An analytical approach by a cardiovascular surgeon who documents the commonalities of his patents experiences as they die and are brought back, often numerous times at the hospital or the doctor’s office. The striking commonalities lead the doctor to start documenting his findings. It’s a fascinating read and a true story. It’s not a novel. It challenges our thoughts and perceptions of life after death. I found it interesting that other similar books are based on patent accounts weeks and months after the event. This doctor discovers that some experiences are forgotten, or blocked out, within 24 hours. I’d recommend it.

[Adam Fehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond Death's Door is a book chocked full of real after-death experience stories that provide evidence for life after death--either in heaven or hell. Rawlings, as well as these fascinating stories, gives some life-saving CPR and health tips. I found it very interesting how the science behind a cardiac arrest really works. Maurice also gives helpful advice in how to interact with the dying, and this book discusses how the average doctor and pastor are doing a poor job of comforting those who do not have long on this earth. It is a very challenging and insightful book researching the life-after death.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book of one cardiologist's experience with life after death. It left me with more questions about the after life. More details. Although, God hid those from us for a reason so maybe I shouldn't inquire. I'll see how wonderful it is when I get there some day.

Also, I really liked at the end of the book how he told his readers how they can be saved. Anyone can go to heaven if they would simply believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God that died and took the punishment for all of their sins, that he was buried, and then resurrected 3 days later. Just tell the Lord Jesus that you believe that and ask him to come into your life and save you. He will! He is faithful to do that.

[John Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good information from stories from people waking up from comas and being brought back to life through CPR. A lot of the book is the author's personal Christian beliefs. Only a small portion of the book has actual life after death stories from patients. But overall, it's a good book, well written, on a subject that is often speculated and fantasized in garbage books. This is one of the few good books with good information regarding life after death experiences.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction book written by a cardiologist. Its copyright is 1978; the first 42 pages are intended to bring the reader up to date on medical terminology and medical/surgical management of various end-of-life issues. The problem with this is that much of this information is now outdated. Having said that as you proceed it becomes increasingly fascinating and the ending is very powerful. Over-all it is well worth reading.

[Kaylee Knights · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fantastic book. This really helped me to have more peace with thinking about life after death. Being a Christian, I know I shouldn’t be scared of death, but sometimes I still am. This book helped me have a better picture of life after death and again, more peace. The doctor also has a whole chapter on life saving techniques & CPR that everyone should know!

[Gene Steinbacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed. I thought the book was going to be stories from people who died and came back. The books actual focus was to convert you to Christianity with summarization of stories sprinkled in. While that us not necessarily a bad thing, it is not what the synopsis leads you to believe is the subject matter of the book.

[benebean · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Prince]

Cannot possiable to read bull shit

[Trone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, I love this book. This is the NDE version of Dante's Inferno

[Greg D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the best documented cases of those that have temporarily died (cardiac arrest, unconsciousness, coma, etc.)) and have seen glimpses of what is described as Hell. After having been resuscitated often times the patient is revived with expressions of great fear and trepidation begging for mercy to not be let go of again. For those that skeptical about what really happens after death, this is a great book to read.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because I wanted to see if anyone ever died , went to hell and returned. The author does have a few accounts of this. It was okay, I wouldn't recommend it. But it definitely has me thinking...

[Tuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian author who is a cardiologist explains life after death experiences. The first chapters talk about the CPR procedure but it was interesting after the first several chapters.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made him a believer

[Haven Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sobering book. I wish everyone would read it.

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Rawling's other book. He is a cardiologist who has brought people back who were clinically dead and had a chance to speak w/them on what they saw.