Consequences of near-death experiences

P.  M. H. Atwater writes: “we can examine the extent to which the near-death survivor was affected by what happened to him or her. Here’s what we’ve discovered so far . . . 

   21 percent claimed no discernible differences afterward.

   60 percent reported significant life changes.

  19 percent noted radical shifts—almost as if they had become another person.

“On the plus side: A sense of love and forgiveness, a spiritual strength, empowered the majority to make strikingly positive changes in their lives. Latent talents readily surface, coupled with an unusual increase in intellect and hunger for knowledge. Enhanced creative and intuitive abilities, a deep desire for classical or melodious music, and a dedication to service were commonplace—many entered the public sector as reforms or agents for change.

“What hallucination, temporal lobe seizure, or drug or laboratory-induced episode can match the depth of this response?

"The burden of proof remains with the debunkers. Evidence for authenticity clearly rests on the side of researchers and near-death experiencers.”

Atwater notes that the following health care professionals, among many others, have accepted the reality of near-death experiences:

Diane Corcoran, BSN (Nursing), MA (Education and Psychology, Ph.D. (Management). In 2000 25 years in the Army, Vietnam veteran.

Maggie Callanan, RN, CRNH (Certified Registered Hospice Nurse, Hospice nurse 1980-2000). In 1995 received the National Hospice Organization’s ‘Heart of Hospice’ award.

Debbie James, MSN, RN, CNS (Critical Care Learning Specialist). As of 2000, 23 years in critical care nursing. 1999 Excellence in Education award recipient from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Kimberly Clark Sharp, MSW (Social Work). Many awards for community involvement; research on NDEs and assisted Dr. Melvin Morse in his work, author of After the Light: What I Discovered on the Other Side of Life That Can Change Your World.

P.  M. H. Atwater  with David H. Morgan. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Near-Death Experiences (Alpha Books), 121-122.