7 Lessons From Heaven, How Dying Taught Me to Live a joy-Filled Life by Mary C. Neal, M.D. Convergent Books. 5 Stars. Through a markedly Christian interpretation, Mary C. Neal, M.D. takes on doubters, questioners, believers and—most importantly— miracles. In the straightforward exploration of her near death experience and the truth of the mystical existence of God, angels, and divine comfort and guidance, the author shares her rebirthing from the jaws of death and the death of a loved one, coming full circle to live in a joy that revitalizes the human spirit. Read through the lens of my own NDE, I am continuously awed by others’ experiences and at the very least know I am in good company! Highly recommend as a book club choice, a stand-alone or companion book to Mary C. Neal’s prior (engrossing) book, To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story. Love the cover picture as well. Thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books for providing this ebook for review.

I chose this book to read because I am interested in the after-life. Who isn't? I find it interesting to read about what people have experienced.

7 Lessons From Heaven turned out to be the kind of book that disturbs me. It is a one size fits all experience based on meeting Jesus and other specifically Christian visions. Why is this a problem? Because we live in a world of many religions and many Gods (and Goddesses). Taking this narrow view, and not taking other religions into consideration marginalizes others, and that is never something good.

That said, this is her experience. This is how she views the world. However, this is not a perspective that should assume that it is THE experience for all. (less)