Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs and Communications of the Dying

5 Responses to “Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs and Communications of the Dying”

1. Thunder says:

   June 14, 2010 at 2:01 pm

   Most of the additional reviewers indicated how hopeful the book made them feel. I admit that it would make everyone feel excellent about death. But, Christians who may be thinking of buying this book for a loved one should be aware that this book fervently implies that it makes no difference what you judge… life after death is a wonderful experience for all. The book gives examples of atheists, Hindus and additional non-Christians having Near Death Awareness experiences that are wonderful and loving. The danger in this is that a dying person would have no reason to come to Christ and be saved if he or she is led to judge that it makes no difference what one believes. I am commenting on this aspect of the book because I did not see that anyone else mentioned it and I reflect people should be aware of this before deciding whether to buy the book.
   Reader’s Rating: 1 / 5
2. J. Kowalkowski says:

   June 14, 2010 at 4:39 pm

   I recently read this book while providing in home hospice care to a dying relative. The book did identify, nearly to an exact point, the symptoms which the relative I am caring for was experiencing. It falls fleeting in its attempt to really clarify WHY the person dying was experiencing the symptoms open in the book. As a Christian believer, I establish the book to be ver liberal in its presentation of what the leader calls Near Death Awareness. The examples scatted throughout the book are from all walks of life and all religious backgrounds, and as such there is a common thread offered here: All people dying will not be alone at death, a name will be there waiting for them on the “additional side”. From a Christian worldview, one will quickly start to see that the leader is painting a picture that it really does not matter if one believes in Christ, Buddha, Mohamed, Satan or the Easter Bunny to be welcomed by a loving presence. One needs to remember that there is only one way to God (heaven), and that is through Christ Jesus. The book overall, is a excellent read and touching at times, but I would recommend that Christians remember that this is written from a non-Christian viewpoint. Take the opportunity to share with persons you like, tell a name you like them, and most importantly, do not wait until a name is dying to bring comfort to them.
   Reader’s Rating: 1 / 5
3. revrac says:

   June 14, 2010 at 6:58 pm

   …unless the dying person specifically requests this book.
   
   It should be read by the people “who spend time with” the dying. Especially read by idiotic, out of town, distant relatives who choose to “drop in” and visit the dying person. If you are going to look up a book on Amazon to give as a gift to your relative who is dying, be sure you get the context and know the semantics before handing it to him/her.
   Reader’s Rating: 3 / 5
4. S. Shewcraft says:

   June 14, 2010 at 7:05 pm

   The authors are so convinced that all of these experiences prove that there is life after death. I have experience with many deaths as an ICU nurse, as well as with family tree. These experiences are not universal, though this was not addressed in the book. The majority of people who die are much older than persons open in these cases. The experiences may be fiction; probity is dubious, or accepted through a leap of faith on the part of the reader.
   
   I don’t know what happens after death, no one knows with certainty what happens.
   
   Why are the healthy not visited by deceased loved ones? Are persons who die in accidents excluded from these experiences?
   
   Perhaps my terminally ill father will spectacle signs as described in the book….If so, I’ll post an update. In my experience, most do not.
   
   Granted, my own experiences are only anecdotal, as are the tales in this book, which the reader should keep in mind.
   
   I give this book one star because it may help people to feel better. Keep in mind that the authors are building money on this book. I say browse it in your local bookstore and then place it on the shelf.
   Reader’s Rating: 1 / 5
5. Kathy Mcleod says:

   June 14, 2010 at 9:06 pm

   I was very impressed with how they dealt with the theme of death. Since I’ve volunteered for hospice, this book gave me a clear insight to the life of death.
   Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5