Proof of Heaven

 

PROOF OF HEAVEN
by Eben Alexander
133.9013/ALEXANDER

I've read many books about near-death experiences, and Proof of Heaven:  A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife, by Eben Alexander III, M.D., is notable among them for a couple of reasons.  As a physician, he was a skeptic about near-death experiences.  Secondly, his near-death experience was quite elaborate.

In 2008, Dr. Alexander's brain was attacked by a rare type of bacterial meningitis-encephalitis of unknown cause and he was in a weeklong coma.  As his doctors considered halting treatment, Alexander's eyes popped open and he had come back.  He made a miraculous recovery.

While in a coma, Alexander journeyed to three realms beyond Earth, guided by an angelic being.  He was able to journey between these realms repeatedly:  he refers to them as the Earthworm's-Eye View, the Core, and the Gateway.  He also encountered a great light with whom he communicated and perceived to be the creator of the universe.

Alexander's older son advised him that before delving into the literature on others' near-death experience that he should write down everything that happened to him, and so he did, completing the initial recording of his journey six weeks later.  His previous view of consciousness--that the brain generates it--was replaced with a conviction that humans are conscious in spite of our brains, and that consciousness is at the root of all existence.  "Consciousness is the most profound mystery in the universe," he asserts.  Alexander now promotes a more complete reconciliation of modern science and spirituality.

With his knowledge as a physician, Alexander dispels a list of possible medical explanations for his near-death experience.  That he has the credentials to do this makes his story the more credible and fascinating.