addressing the unknown

[_Inconceivable]

It's interesting that I never really was fearful for adhering to Mormonism 99% of the time. The impression I've gotten from NDE books is that it doesn't matter where you go to church, but it does matter that you go.

As a TBM, I had little to no fear of death, although I don't think I was one that challenged my mortality. When I had my brush a few times several years ago, I thought about my family but felt they'd be fine somehow. It didn't matter so much that I was dying. Admitedly, I was worn out and a little self absorbed with the overwhelm of the declining condition I was enduring, mostly alone.

Now, as a former Mormon? Not sure. Mortality is more tangible now.

So far as the NDE, it's not about belonging to some religeous organization. It seems its more about relationships, spiritual connection, forgiveness, charity, unconditional love. Mostly good stuff.

[_Danna]

I had a 'near death experience' as an atheist. I have posted the details elsewhere. An amazing experience. But I am still an atheist. I am less fearful of death now. I see it as the disintegration of the 'virtual me' created by my brain. The same thing that happens when I fall into a deep sleep, or go under anaesthetic. As far as 'I' am concerned, I will always be alive. So, persistence of my presence after death will be in the love of my children, and any 'works' which happen to benefit the species.

I think the buddhists got it right - nothingness, or descent into oblivion is their 'nirvana'. A release from the cycle of birth-death-rebirth. The difference between atheism and buddhism is that atheists dispense with several cycles of rebirth and reincarnation.

Atheism = straight to nirvana

[_Ray A]

Atheism = straight to nirvana

LOL. I like that idea.

[_Dakilang Pinoy]

As to why there is supposedly no new doctrine...

"And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.
"And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.
"Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people." (3 Nephi 26: 9-11; see also 2 Nephi 32: 4-7; Alma 12: 9-11; Ether 4: 1-8; D&C 84: 54-57 etc.)