Editor,

I was delighted to read comments about Near Death Experience (NDE) in the Standard Examiner’s May 15 Faith section by Doug Gibson, and again in the Standard-Examiner’s letter to the editor from Vera Ivie on June 16. I do hope many more will join this ‘conversation’ about something so important to each and every one of us.

Because there is so much that can be learned, books by Emanuel Swedenborg can enlighten everyone, regardless of religious background or traditions, or lack thereof, about what happens to us — in a way that makes sense — when we transition from our physical life in this world to our spiritual life in the other world.

Ms. Ivie mentioned she is “going to look for” Emanuel Swedenborg’s “Heaven and Hell,” a book I have read a few times, along with other books by Swedenborg. I’m in the process of reading as many of his books as my earthly time allows because I believe they offer the best explanation of our spiritual lives as any written material on the planet, with the only exception being the Bible, and I would encourage others to do the same.

On June 19, we celebrated the beginning of the New Christianity movement, which began 245 years ago. More can be learned about this by visiting www.newchurch.com. Swedenborg’s writings, we believe, reveal the spiritual, or deeper, meaning of the Bible. These truths help prepare us for eternal happiness in heaven where, if we chose to follow the Lord’s leading, He wants us all to be — with Him.

Fortunately, Swedenborg’s books are readily available to any who wish to learn more about the spiritual world in a common sense way, and are easily accessed online. I’d suggest starting with www.swedenborg.com. Googling emanuelswedenborg also offers a selection of links to numerous relevant resources.

Midje Kerr

Ogden