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Guest Editorial: A Perspective on Contradictory Revelations of Near-Death Experiencers
Abstract: In this editorial, I express my views on how to understand and reconcile contradictory revelations among near-death experiences (NDErs). I address the issue of an NDEr proselytizing one's own unique interpretations in response to life's deepest questions.
Four Ostensible Near-Death Experiences of Roman Times with Peculiar Features: Mistake Cases, Correction Cases, Xenoglossy, and Prediction
Abstract: In this paper, I present four apparent near-death experiences (NDEs) reported in Roman times. Despite their uncertain reliability, they contain features deserving attention. Three reports involve taking the wrong person to the realm of death by mistake ("mistake cases"), and even include the claim that the correct person had died after the NDEr revived ("correction cases"). Though common in Asia, such cases are absent in contemporary Western NDE reports. The fourth report contains an alleged correct future prediction and xenoglossy, the latter being a novum to NDE research. After introducing the four cases, I discuss their peculiar features and some related aspects of near-death states with a focus on their relevance for future NDE research.
Book Review: The Scalpel and the Soul: Encounters with Surgery, the Supernatural, and the Healing Power of Hope
Review of a book titled "The Scalpel and the Soul: Encounters with Surgery, the Supernatural, and the Healing Power of Hope" written by neurosurgeon Allan J. Hamilton.
Three Ancient Reports of Near-Death Experiences: Bremmer Revisited
Abstract: In the modern literature, the so-called 'vision of Er,' told by Plato, and the 'vision of Thespesius,' recorded by Plutarch, have sometimes been cited as examples of ancient near-death experiences (NDEs). However, in a recent study, classicist Jan Bremmer (2002) impugned this interpretation. In this article, I offer a fresh analysis of these two texts that challenges Bremmer's stance and that vindicates the similarity between the ancient reports and modern NDEs. The vision of Er emerges as the oldest known direct account of an NDE. I add to these cases Plutarch's description of the 'vision of Timarchus' as an example of an ancient NDE provoked by extreme isolation. Comparison of these reports of NDEs from antiquity with modern analogues suggests a few additional characteristic traits of NDEs.
Letters to the Editor: Was Jesus Christ's descent into hell a near-death experience?
Letter from Mahendra Perera to the editor discussing the deeds of Jesus Christ between his death and resurrection as near-death experiences.
Letter to the Editor: Population-based Prevalence Studies of NDEs
Letter written to the editor of the Journal of Near-Death Studies discussing a recent article about the prevalence of near-death experiences in India and suggesting that the low rate of prevalence was due to the methodology used in the study.
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