Near-Death Experiences
Journey with those who’ve been to the after-life and back as they tell their stories of heaven, hell and what lies beyond. 8 million Americans have reported having a near-death experience, but stories of people who were clinically dead claiming to have seen Heaven can leave us skeptical. What if we could verify these stories? Join us in a conversation with Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J. as he helps us explore the scientific evidence for near-death experiences and introduces us to the stories of those who have lived them. Where does scientific exploration of life after death lead us? We’ll spend the next seven days seeking the answer together.
To learn more about Fr. Robert Spitzer's research and discover the intersection of science, reason, and faith, check out: http://www.magiscenter.com
7 sessions
1What is a Near-Death Experience?Welcome to Hallow’s series on Near-Death Experiences! Today with Fr. Robert Spitzer, we’ll learn what a near-death experience is, and begin to explore what science says on the topic. Then we’ll reflect on the story of NY Times Bestseller, Anita Moorjani, who experienced the after-life when doctors expected her to lose her battle to lymphoma.
Please Note: While Anita Moojani is mentioned in this session, we are not endorsing her book. The inclusion of her experience is simply evidence of the broad reach of Near-Dear Experiences in our society.Day 1
2Building the Case: Veridical Data & Accuracy of NDE’sCan we verify stories of near-death experiences? Fr. Spitzer outlines four ways to verify near-death accounts. We’ll hear the incredible story of Katie, a seven-year-old, whose experience of Heaven changed her doctor’s life.
[Please note: Today's session includes themes of child loss & death by drowning.]Day 2
3Building the Case: Blind NDE’sNear-death experiences are fascinating to begin with, but they’re even more profound when undergone by those who are blind. Join us today as we learn what blind people collectively report about their experience of the afterlife and what it proves for us on Earth.
[Please note: Today’s story deals with a near-fatal car accident and drunk driving.]Day 3
4Building the Case: The People You Meet in HeavenAnyone who has lived through loss hopes to be reunited with family or loved ones in Heaven someday. Eulogies often allude to these future encounters as though they’re guaranteed. But, what do those who’ve been to Heaven themselves have to tell us about who we will meet there?
[Please note: Today's session includes themes of child loss & death by drowning.]Day 4
5Dark Near-Death ExperiencesIn exploring near-death experiences and the beautiful details they give us about Heaven, we can’t ignore the inescapable question: what about those who go to Hell? With Fr. Spitzer’s guidance, we will explore a number of dark near-death experiences and the warnings they hold for us today.Day 5
6Biblical Parallels to Near-Death ExperiencesHow do near-death experiences align with what the scriptures tell us about Heaven and who Jesus is? Fr. Spitzer explains, and then we’ll reflect on the story of Tina Hines, who came back from Heaven to emphatically report that “it’s real!”
Day 6
7Life ReviewIn our final session, we will consider the insights that near-death experiences can offer on our own personal judgments. We’ll explore the stories of those who watched every decision they made play back before their eyes. Then, together, we will review some of our own decisions and reflect on where we may desire to make changes in our lives.Day 7