Dr Eben Alexander's NDE

[Bella]

I think this short clip from Nightline ABC news is related, as a nurse, Mary Jo Rapini, discusses her skepticism prior to her near death experience and how it was related to the general attitude of the medical profession. It is interesting that the anchorman from Nightline had had an out of body experience himself, and this prompted him to report on this topic via the nurse's experience. They both report being aware of their bodies as being separate from themselves and not caring very much about their bodies, as though they were embarking on a journey that was more important.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylcjjhvvddE

[ilovelearninhg]

He has a website called lifebeyonddeath.net. I'm going to check it out.

[Birki]

I didn't listen to the YouTube video but I did read the entire transcript of the Skeptico interview. I kind of feel about it the way I feel about most NDEs - it's interesting but I am not sure it is proof of anything. Especially in his case I can really see how skeptics would pounce on things like what drugs he was being given at the time and how they would affect his brain/memory, etc. That said I do still think it is wonderful that someone with his standing in the medical community has made such a 180 on how he views consciousness, and that he is willing to state it so publicly. He has a book coming out on October 23 (his entire website seems to be devoted to selling the book), but based on the interview it won't be at the top of my reading list. There are plenty of other books that I want to get to first.

[ilovelearninhg]

His website does seem to be about his book, I noticed. But there is an interesting section on there where he is answering questions about his nde.

[Bella]

Referring to thread #192 and in response to Mac's question about the relevance of his questions to Carol and Mikey, Dr. Eban Alexander was featured on ABC news last night, and this Harvard trained neurosurgeon said that it would be impossible to explain away anything that happened during his NDE with his vast medical knowledge, and he also said that it was imperative that scientists begin to take seriously the fact that visions of deceased loved ones (including a sister he had never met in human form, apparently) represented the vastness of our universe. In short, his words, and ABCs treatment of this event support what Carol and Mikey have posted, about a shift in our understanding, toward the realization that the afterlife exists in a vibrant and real way. He said that what he experienced was too real to dismiss.

[Birki]

I saw him on ABC last night, it didn't change my opinion at all. I do think what he experiened was real, the problem I have with it is that previously if a patient of his awoke from a coma with a similar story he would have dismissed it out of hand. He is now expecting everyone, including his fellow medical professionals, to believe what he is saying just because he experienced it. If he really wants to make a difference it would be nice if he would be more public about his experience not being an isolated incident and not the only proof of the afterlife. At least he has a reading list on his website, but frankly I think from everything I've seen he mostly just wants to sell his book.

[Bella]

I saw him on ABC last night, it didn't change my opinion at all. I do think what he experiened was real, the problem I have with it is that previously if a patient of his awoke from a coma with a similar story he would have dismissed it out of hand. He is now expecting everyone, including his fellow medical professionals, to believe what he is saying just because he experienced it. If he really wants to make a difference it would be nice if he would be more public about his experience not being an isolated incident and not the only proof of the afterlife. At least he has a reading list on his website, but frankly I think from everything I've seen he mostly just wants to sell his book.

Yes, what would really help is if a high profile person donated the proceeds of this book to the Monroe Institute or any organization that will further research into the afterlife. He is certainly comfortable enough economically to do that.

[ilovelearninhg]

What I found most interesting about his experience was that he was healed from an illness which he seemed to have a slim chance of recovery. That in itself is extraordinary. It makes me think the nde gave him true physical and spiritual healing-truly lucky guy. He should indeed share his good luck with others.

[william61]

There does appear to be a degree of scepticism if not outright dismissal of Eban Alexanders NDE experience, even among other rational 'survival' blogs. When contributors here mention that his website apparently focuses on selling his book, one can't help subscribing to the old advice when something seems a bit suspect. And that is "Follow the money". Although, I'm not certain that the proceeds from books sales for such a limited demographic would be significant for a presumably well paid Neurosurgion, or adequate compensation for a devalueing of his reputation among his peers.
Bill.

[Carol and Mikey]

I agree Bill. The proceeds from this book is not what it's about I don't think. He does not need the money with the occupation he has. He also is putting himself "out there" with his peers and others with what he is reporting. He must feel very strong in what he experienced. I will say, when you have an experience that is so powerful it cannot be denied by you, it can put you on a mission . I still feel personal experiences are the most powerful events that show you what is true and real. It just is what it is!
Carol