Hello...

[pagan1]

Good point SteveS,I was with my wife when she died of a pulmonary embulism in 2006,I am 55 now.When I was 20 I attempted suicide by overdose and had the whole light at the end of the tunnel experience.I believe that the USAF has done a lot of research on this ,because when pilots feel  the effects of extreme Gforce they tend to pass out and have the tunnel effect as well,I think that their conclusion was that it was simply a reaction to the lessening of blood flow to the brain...
I must admit though that it would be very easy to project angelic and welcoming images into this scenario...since it is such a terrifying experience...

[SteveS]

Yeah, pagan1, I saw a program on the TV regarding the Air Force studies.  It was weird - they could induce a large number of so-called "near death experiences" simply by putting people under G-load until they passed out.

If it can be measured, predicted, recreated, and studied --- then its subject to science.  Good old fashioned natural (or material) cause.  Nothing supernatural there.

I believe you that it is terrifying - luckily I have never experienced this.  Except that one time, when I realized I had no beer and all the stores were closed...... (nah, j/k, of course  :wink:  )

[Kylyssa]

It seems to me I've never seen anyone who truly believes in life after death.  I've lost a lot of friends and family members and spent untold hours in ICU waiting rooms.  The religious people praying and praising god seemed no less broken and anguished when their loved ones died than did I and my atheist family.  

If I thought Momma was going to some sweet paradise where she was happy and free from pain, I doubt I'd have shed too many tears.  If I though the little girl I performed CPR on had left for heaven and was playing in the clouds I doubt her waxy, doll-like face would still haunt my dreams.  Believers suffer just as much.  If they really believe - why all the anguish?  I really think no one believes in life after death for more than a blink or a childhood.  That's probably why they are so afraid to question it.

[SteveS]

Geez, pagan1, I blitzed through your message without taking close regard: I am very sorry you lost your wife.