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Glimpses Beyond Death's Door
A different look at near-death experiences. Rich with scripture and the words of modern prophets. A positive, upbeat tone to death as being, certainly for the faithful Church member, the beginning of a beautiful and happy life. Enlightening and exciting.
While emphasizing that we must examine these accounts carefully and perhaps critically because conclusions must conform to Church doctrine—since doctrine comes only from the standard works and modern prophets—the authors say, "We were amazed at the similarities and consistencies between near-death accounts and the doctrines of the restored gospel." The reader accordingly will be fascinated with the discussion on what the NDE's A "being of light" who greeted them in the spirit world; one's sense of having a perfect, vitalized spirit body; the rapid, graphic review of one's mortal life; seeing populated cities of dazzling brilliance; meeting with loved ones; communication by thought transference; spirits in radiant white robes; an intense, dynamic light that does not hurt the spirit eyes; travel at phenomenal speeds; all levels of beauty and brilliance in the different realms and conditions; expanded comprehension and memory powers; gorgeously beautiful scenery and vegetation. All this and much more in an environment which NDE's describe as all-encompassing, ineffable light and love.
While emphasizing that we must examine these accounts carefully and perhaps critically because conclusions must conform to Church doctrine—since doctrine comes only from the standard works and modern prophets—the authors say, "We were amazed at the similarities and consistencies between near-death accounts and the doctrines of the restored gospel." The reader accordingly will be fascinated with the discussion on what the NDE's A "being of light" who greeted them in the spirit world; one's sense of having a perfect, vitalized spirit body; the rapid, graphic review of one's mortal life; seeing populated cities of dazzling brilliance; meeting with loved ones; communication by thought transference; spirits in radiant white robes; an intense, dynamic light that does not hurt the spirit eyes; travel at phenomenal speeds; all levels of beauty and brilliance in the different realms and conditions; expanded comprehension and memory powers; gorgeously beautiful scenery and vegetation. All this and much more in an environment which NDE's describe as all-encompassing, ineffable light and love.
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295 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 1993
48 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 23, 2012
Found this book very intriguing - particularly as a lot of the near-death experiences cited are from non-mormons. Accounts of the spirit world are insightful and descriptive, adding an extra layer of depth to the established accounts in the LDS standard works. Though, the author rightfully points out from the outset that these are simply different people's personal insights and should not be taken as offcial doctrine. It's remarkable how similar people's accounts are in light of their backgrounds, position and faiths. I found this book very useful when I experienced a family death. I naturally took more of an interest in the post-mortal world and felt that this book quenched my thirst for it. I started to read a few others but I liked the academic, exploratory or investigative style(but not too academic!). The author's passion for examining near death experiences definately shone through. Even though it is written from an LDS 'lens' I liked Brent Top's openness and willingness to engage with other faith's perspectives. Great book, for anyone interested in this subject.
February 23, 2018
If someone is looking for sensational experiences, one after the other, this is not the book. It reminded me of past lessons on the "last days." Teachers often get caught up in all the signs of the times instead of the warning of being prepared.
This book has gathered quotes from all the Brethren, as well as all the scriptures that teach us about the world beyond. It is very doctrinal, and because of that very comforting. I didn't learn anything new because these are things we openly talk about within the LDS church, but having it all gathered together in one place is convenient.
This is not to say, it is not a book only for Mormons. Most of the stories shared are actually what non-members have reported and how they match up with the known doctrine.
This book has gathered quotes from all the Brethren, as well as all the scriptures that teach us about the world beyond. It is very doctrinal, and because of that very comforting. I didn't learn anything new because these are things we openly talk about within the LDS church, but having it all gathered together in one place is convenient.
This is not to say, it is not a book only for Mormons. Most of the stories shared are actually what non-members have reported and how they match up with the known doctrine.
May 5, 2020
This was a great book, with some qualifiers. It was written for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and may be most appreciated by them. Also, I have previously read 20+ books written by those who have had near death experiences. I feel I appreciate this book far more as a result. As different topics were discussed, I thought not only of the things that were mentioned, but of other things from the books I had read. I have felt for awhile that a book like this needed to be written. I listened to the audiobook, and it did seem that it dragged on a little in the middle. I plan to purchase a copy (kindle) later, to re-read it, and to highlight.
May 23, 2021
Well done
I appreciate the approach the authors have taken with this book. The beginning chapter suggests a method of study - to not take these experiences as doctrine; but, by working with the Spirit, to gain knowledge and insight. I also like the use of scripture references and quotes of church leaders which tie these individual experiences to doctrines that have already been established. While I did not feel every experience applied to me or my beliefs, I do feel I gained some great insights into the world of spirits where we go after we die.
I appreciate the approach the authors have taken with this book. The beginning chapter suggests a method of study - to not take these experiences as doctrine; but, by working with the Spirit, to gain knowledge and insight. I also like the use of scripture references and quotes of church leaders which tie these individual experiences to doctrines that have already been established. While I did not feel every experience applied to me or my beliefs, I do feel I gained some great insights into the world of spirits where we go after we die.
August 15, 2023
This is heavily targeted toward members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but it has merit for anyone fascinated by near-death experiences. Most of the references to NDE’s referenced here are from non-LDS sources, so if you read it and hear a book name you’d like to pursue later, then this has value.
The authors look at why we study death at all. Some fear death; others are fascinated by its potential. The authors assert studying death is crucial, since it is a gateway to eternal life.
The book looks at the eternal nature of spirits and the fact that most who experience near-death scenarios report seeing others in the form of human beings. Chapter four is an in-depth look at the capacities of the spirit body. How rapidly can you travel after you die? In what ways are your memories enhanced and your ability to perceive things magnified? Can you travel through time? If you died craving booze or cigarettes, will you still crave them in your spirit body?
Chapters focus on the light to which you travel when you die, and an overarching undergirding sense of divine love emanating from someone. Americans say it is Jesus; Indians say it is one of the Hindu gods.
Chapter seven focuses on descriptions of the spirit world. One NDE writer described the spirit world as being on this Earth. Norman Vincent Peale taught that concept and believed it based on an experience he had at the time of the death of his mother. The beauty of that place is apparently such that many of those who return here from there are angry about returning or are reluctant to return at all. The authors assert that the Spirit World is a place of extreme order. We think of death as random, but that realm is free of chaos or disorder.
Other chapters focus on divisions that exist in the Spirit World that seem to depend on how one lived his/her life. One chapter focuses specifically on hell. The authors look at the concept of secrecy and the lack of it. All the things we’ve sought to hide here will be openly available there.
Meeting deceased friends and relatives is a common element in near-death experiences. The authors quote numerous sources, most of them not specific to Latter-Day Saints, that describe reunions with family members, long-time friends, and even ancestors not known to the individual while he or she lived. Family pets often greet small children who have near-death experiences. The appearance of a well-beloved dog or cat is common especially among children.
One chapter briefly looks at the near-death experience of those who commit suicide. All of them who returned from death insist the problems they were trying to escape followed them into the Spirit World—that their suicide solved nothing. One near-death observer saw the spirit of a suicide victim walking among his living relatives who could not see him expressing his sorrow at his decision.
A chapter near the end of the book focuses on how the NDE changed the lives of those who experienced it. Most came back with a greater capacity to love; others tended to be more patient and serene. Some faced chronic depression at having returned to drab mortality after seeing the effervescence of the Spirit World. Indeed, temporary depression is extremely common among those who return from death. All of them lose their fear of death. At the same time, they gain a clarified more defined purpose in life.
The authors target the final chapter specifically to members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. If you don’t belong to that faith, you may be able to skip the chapter if you wish. Still, it may have some value.
The authors look at why we study death at all. Some fear death; others are fascinated by its potential. The authors assert studying death is crucial, since it is a gateway to eternal life.
The book looks at the eternal nature of spirits and the fact that most who experience near-death scenarios report seeing others in the form of human beings. Chapter four is an in-depth look at the capacities of the spirit body. How rapidly can you travel after you die? In what ways are your memories enhanced and your ability to perceive things magnified? Can you travel through time? If you died craving booze or cigarettes, will you still crave them in your spirit body?
Chapters focus on the light to which you travel when you die, and an overarching undergirding sense of divine love emanating from someone. Americans say it is Jesus; Indians say it is one of the Hindu gods.
Chapter seven focuses on descriptions of the spirit world. One NDE writer described the spirit world as being on this Earth. Norman Vincent Peale taught that concept and believed it based on an experience he had at the time of the death of his mother. The beauty of that place is apparently such that many of those who return here from there are angry about returning or are reluctant to return at all. The authors assert that the Spirit World is a place of extreme order. We think of death as random, but that realm is free of chaos or disorder.
Other chapters focus on divisions that exist in the Spirit World that seem to depend on how one lived his/her life. One chapter focuses specifically on hell. The authors look at the concept of secrecy and the lack of it. All the things we’ve sought to hide here will be openly available there.
Meeting deceased friends and relatives is a common element in near-death experiences. The authors quote numerous sources, most of them not specific to Latter-Day Saints, that describe reunions with family members, long-time friends, and even ancestors not known to the individual while he or she lived. Family pets often greet small children who have near-death experiences. The appearance of a well-beloved dog or cat is common especially among children.
One chapter briefly looks at the near-death experience of those who commit suicide. All of them who returned from death insist the problems they were trying to escape followed them into the Spirit World—that their suicide solved nothing. One near-death observer saw the spirit of a suicide victim walking among his living relatives who could not see him expressing his sorrow at his decision.
A chapter near the end of the book focuses on how the NDE changed the lives of those who experienced it. Most came back with a greater capacity to love; others tended to be more patient and serene. Some faced chronic depression at having returned to drab mortality after seeing the effervescence of the Spirit World. Indeed, temporary depression is extremely common among those who return from death. All of them lose their fear of death. At the same time, they gain a clarified more defined purpose in life.
The authors target the final chapter specifically to members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. If you don’t belong to that faith, you may be able to skip the chapter if you wish. Still, it may have some value.
January 14, 2026
This book is what I was hoping to get with “What’s on the Other Side?”, but didn’t. It's a collection of near-death experiences (NDEs) and their connection with gospel truths. I love hearing about NDEs and imagining what the next life could be like, so I may enjoy this more than most, but I thought it was very thorough and well-done. While it includes many experiences of people who aren’t members of the LDS faith, it is definitely written for that audience. I like these type of books for several reasons. First, it reminds me not to fear death, as I get glimpses of the incomprehensibly wonderful things that await those after their mortal journeys are done. Second, understanding what’s important in the next life teaches us what should be prioritized in this life (love, relationships, knowledge).
A few things I found interesting:
-The power of our thoughts to affect the way we look (As a man thinketh, so is he) - “They were more a product of their thoughts than are humans in our realm.”
-I appreciated that a few NDEs highlighted the role of humor in the next life. Yay!
-Perfect Love – “The opportunity and thrill of being totally engulfed by overwhelming love, a kind of love beyond precedent, beyond description. There is nothing else quite like it, a feeling, a knowing of oneness and worth, of total freedom and total acceptance.” And “In heaven there is light, peace, music, beauty, and joyful activity, but above all there is love, and within this love I felt more truly alive than I ever have done before.”
-Reflecting His light - “Could these radiant beings…be those beings who had indeed kept Christ the focus of their lives? Was I seeing, at last, ones who had looked for Him in everything? Looked so well and so closely that they had been changed into His very likeness?”
-Both the limitations and enhancement capacities (communicating by telepathy) as a spirit being
-I liked the chapter connecting having more light and the ability to travel at the speed of light.
A few things I found interesting:
-The power of our thoughts to affect the way we look (As a man thinketh, so is he) - “They were more a product of their thoughts than are humans in our realm.”
-I appreciated that a few NDEs highlighted the role of humor in the next life. Yay!
-Perfect Love – “The opportunity and thrill of being totally engulfed by overwhelming love, a kind of love beyond precedent, beyond description. There is nothing else quite like it, a feeling, a knowing of oneness and worth, of total freedom and total acceptance.” And “In heaven there is light, peace, music, beauty, and joyful activity, but above all there is love, and within this love I felt more truly alive than I ever have done before.”
-Reflecting His light - “Could these radiant beings…be those beings who had indeed kept Christ the focus of their lives? Was I seeing, at last, ones who had looked for Him in everything? Looked so well and so closely that they had been changed into His very likeness?”
-Both the limitations and enhancement capacities (communicating by telepathy) as a spirit being
-I liked the chapter connecting having more light and the ability to travel at the speed of light.
September 6, 2017
A review of near death experience literature in relation to Mormon theology. It was definitely non-sensational, but it was also pretty dry and occasionally hard to get through. However that also means that I was able to get some great insights. I feel like I gained insights into certain scriptural teachings that I'm confident may be true and I read a few interesting stories about the afterlife that are unimportant, but could be true.
August 7, 2019
The book covers a topic that prior to my son’s suicide I have had very little interest in; but things change don’t they. The authors exhaustively research LDS writings to demonstrate how the numerous Near Death Experiencers they quoted, were in harmony with those writings.
There was nothing wrong with the book, it simply didn’t hold my interest. I personally found “Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey” to be more compelling, as the story experience itself had more continuity.
There was nothing wrong with the book, it simply didn’t hold my interest. I personally found “Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey” to be more compelling, as the story experience itself had more continuity.
April 25, 2022
Comprehensive study of the lessons gleaned from NDE and how the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ harmonize with these experiences. This added greatly to my understanding. I need to listen again and take notes this time. There are several sources I would like to f/u on also. This is a transformational book in that it caused me to evaluate my behavior and thought patterns with an eye to improving them to take the sting out of the life review process.
January 28, 2018
I highly recommend this book
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all, I feel it will help me be a better person and have a little more love for others. You will enjoy this book.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all, I feel it will help me be a better person and have a little more love for others. You will enjoy this book.
September 15, 2021
I never considered near death experiences interesting or valid. However, this well researched book added a perspective to consider without necessarily trying to validate the documented NDE's; very insightful and interesting.
May 6, 2019
Great knowledge
I loved to find out that going to heaven is not as scary as it always seemed
I m excited to k now I will feel my guilt but also how much the savior loves us
I loved to find out that going to heaven is not as scary as it always seemed
I m excited to k now I will feel my guilt but also how much the savior loves us
September 12, 2019
Others might really like this book but I already knew all the doctrines and most of the story so it was a little redundant for me
September 27, 2019
What a valuable compilation of NDEs. It is full of ideas and insights that should challenge and inspire the reader. It is obviously a long-time labor of love from two impressive scholars.
February 24, 2020
I'm giving a lot of 5 stars but I'm picking these books carefully. It was another fantastic book! I love Brent L. Top and it's fun to hear there stories and think about what's to come. Good stuff.
September 27, 2020
Love the Tops and thankful they took time to study and share perceptions and truths regarding this phenomenon.
Read
April 18, 2023""
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2014
First off, I gave this book two stars because I found the text so dense. There is very little white space among the 280 pages of information on NDEs (Near Death Experiences) that needed better structure and organization to make it more reader friendly. I could skim lengthy paragraphs and not miss anything. I was also disappointed to learn this book is not a hot new release, it's a reprint of a first edition published in 1993 with many references to other books on this subject from that time period such as Return From Tomorrow with reputable stories that aren't too kooky or eccentric like so many recent books I've read on this subject.
On that note, here's what I liked about the book: it is well researched with the authors constantly reassuring the reader that LDS theology supports almost every theory being explored. I felt this book delved much deeper into the aspects of what the next life will be like after we die and what to expect than any other book I've read on the subject. So, be prepared for some heavy reading and slogging through dense text while discovering new aspects of what awaits us beyond the veil.
On that note, here's what I liked about the book: it is well researched with the authors constantly reassuring the reader that LDS theology supports almost every theory being explored. I felt this book delved much deeper into the aspects of what the next life will be like after we die and what to expect than any other book I've read on the subject. So, be prepared for some heavy reading and slogging through dense text while discovering new aspects of what awaits us beyond the veil.
July 7, 2012
This book had a lot of good samples of many, MANY, different near death experiences. The author broke them down and divided them up into different things to be learned (for example the light, or perfect memory or perfect body) Then he used scriptures or quotes from prophets and apostles to show how they match up with LDS beliefs in the next life. I started out fascinated by each new section but then my eyes would glaze over as example after example was quoted and I started skimming to see if anything new or more interesting was said until I reached the next section. Still this was good for me to read as Holly was reading it before she died and wanted me to read it. I kept imagining her in all the amazing and wonderful situations.
November 13, 2013
I would never have picked this book out to read, but a lady at Costco looking at books the same time as I, told me that I "had" to get this. Honestly, I took it just to kind of be done with the conversation, but bought it because I told her I would.
I will forever consider this book a blessing. It helped me to see and connect things that I never had connected before.
When I finished the book, I found myself wanting to write the authors to tell them how grateful I was for all of their research and knowledge of the gospel, and words of the prophets. My testimony was strengthened because of this book.
I would recommend this book to any who are open to learning more about death and what comes next. I hope I'm never the same now that I've read it.
I will forever consider this book a blessing. It helped me to see and connect things that I never had connected before.
When I finished the book, I found myself wanting to write the authors to tell them how grateful I was for all of their research and knowledge of the gospel, and words of the prophets. My testimony was strengthened because of this book.
I would recommend this book to any who are open to learning more about death and what comes next. I hope I'm never the same now that I've read it.
August 2, 2011
I really liked all the near death experiences that were shared, and the lessons learned: death is not the end of our existence but just a change, God lives and loves each and every one of us, what is waiting for us is indescribably amazing and wonderful, our life here is short but our actions and choices are incredibly important, we are here on the earth to learn, grow, love, and serve each other, our family relationships continue beyond the grave. Reading this book was reassuring and made me want to be a better person. Thanks for letting me borrow this Janet!
September 27, 2010
What a marvelous book. I can't tell you how much peace was given to me by reading this book. It is an in-depth review of people that have had near death experiences and how the gospel fits into and explain what these people have seen. I have never wanted to be a better person more than I want to after reading this book. It is also a great read for those who have experienced the death of a loved one.
April 24, 2011
Fascinating book on how Near Death Experiences relate to what we know from the scriptures and latter-day teachings. I have read books about Near Death Experiences before. This book adds context, and illustrates how the various experiences tie in to principles of the gospel. I learned that many scriptural phrases that I assumed were symbolic in nature, may in fact be much more literal than I realized.
October 7, 2013
I enjoyed this bool. I thought the first 100 pages were overkill as the author went to extensive lengths explaining why the book was being written and why it could be of value to a person to read. If I hadn't been so interested in what the NDE's had to say, I might have been tempted to put it down and not finish. Once the actual NDE's started, it was really interesting and insightful. I enjoyed reading about these different experiences and perspectives.
August 20, 2013
This is a great book. I like that it is full of script oral references and quotes from prophets and Apostles. It is well written and leaves me with a calming better understanding of how close we really are to what we know as "heaven". Now that I've read it once I will retread it and it will definitely be a keeper as a future reference book. I recommend it especially to people who believe in living prophets and apostles as I do.
December 28, 2016
This was a GREAT book club discussion, but it's not a super fun book to read. It's all very interesting but I just wanted it to end pretty much as soon as I started it, its very textbookish. If you are going to read it I strongly suggest skipping the foreword, it was kind of confusing and didn't really add to the book. I have never been scared of death but I am scared of how I will die. This is a great comparison of the truths that I already believe in with the experiences of NDEers:
September 12, 2020
There are so many inspiring accounts of near-death experiences out there. This book shows a sample of a wide variety of them, across every culture, nationality, religion and gender and analyzes them. It’s fabulous. I find it fascinating just how each demographic of near death experiencers share common themes and elements that fit into their culture.
March 25, 2014
To be honest, I didn't read every word. I have read other NDE books before, so was flipping until I found something new. I really liked the parts I read and found it very compatible with what I believe.
Want to read
November 6, 2010October 2011 book club
October 16, 2012
Great book on near death experiences from an LDS perspective culling stories from a broad array of books and academic sources.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews