The Near-Death Experience Why Latter-day Saints Are So Interested

[Giulia]

Thanks for posting this article, Tony.

In my opinion, this once again proves how religious dogma is regarded by some as much more important than direct evidence.

Latter-day Saints are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known informally as the LDS Church or Mormon Church. It's a Christian denomination with some key distinctions from traditional Christian branches. Here's a quick breakdown:

- Restorationist Belief: They believe the church is a restoration of the original Christian church established by Jesus Christ, with additional scriptures and ongoing revelation.
- Nontrinitarian: Unlike most Christian denominations, Latter-day Saints don't subscribe to the doctrine of the Trinity (God existing as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
- Book of Mormon: They hold the Book of Mormon, alongside the Bible, as scripture, detailing the history of God's dealings with ancient America.
- Prophets and Apostles: They believe in modern-day prophets and apostles who lead the church under the direction of Jesus Christ.

Latter-day Saints are known for their strong emphasis on family, missionary work, and community service.

The article explores why Latter-day Saints (LDS) are particularly interested in near-death experiences. Here is a summary of the key points:

• Latter-day Saint Beliefs Align with NDEs: LDS doctrines about the afterlife, including the existence of a spirit body and a spirit world, resonate with common NDE elements. The article explores these doctrinal parallels in detail.
• Historical Acceptance: LDS history shows openness to NDE accounts. Leaders like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young shared their own experiences, and Church publications have featured NDE stories.
• Positive and Negative Effects: The article acknowledges both potential benefits (faith-affirming, comfort) and drawbacks (distraction from core beliefs) of NDE interest.
• The Importance of Doctrine: The author emphasizes that LDS teachings should guide interpretation of NDEs, cautioning against prioritizing NDEs over established beliefs.

The article concludes by mentioning that the author plans to discuss specific LDS doctrines related to the afterlife and offer some final thoughts.

The last section of the article discusses concerns surrounding near-death experiences and their impact on religious faith, particularly within the Latter-day Saint community.

- Clergy Criticism: The author acknowledges that some religious leaders, including Latter-day Saint clergy, have expressed concerns about NDEs.

The worries fall into two categories:

1. Trivializing the Sacred: Some NDE accounts are said to sensationalize the afterlife, potentially cheapening its significance.
2. Replacing Scripture: Some might seek NDEs as a shortcut to religious understanding, neglecting core scripture study and teachings.

- Focus on Scripture: The author emphasizes the importance of scriptures and teachings as the primary source of religious knowledge and faith-building.

- Potential for False Doctrine: The author warns that some NDE stories may promote incorrect beliefs.

- NDEs as a Supplement: Latter-day Saints are encouraged to view NDEs as interesting anecdotes, but not a substitute for scripture and established doctrines.

Overall, the author expresses a cautious approach to NDEs. While acknowledging their potential to inspire, the focus remains on traditional religious sources for faith and understanding. The author prioritizes scriptures and teachings as the foundation for a strong spiritual life.

[DTR1975]

In his book, Immortality: The Other Side of Death, Gary Habermas has a similar system of qualifying NDE vs orthodox Christian doctrine. He also believes that scripture should take precedence over elements of the NDE that diverge doctrinally.

[Giulia]

In his book, Immortality: The Other Side of Death, Gary Habermas has a similar system of qualifying NDE vs orthodox Christian doctrine. He also believes that scripture should take precedence over elements of the NDE that diverge doctrinally.

I feel this is a self-defeating approach. I was lucky I had parents who always allowed me to think freely with my own mind.