Called into Life by the Light [Hardcover]

Bernard J. Fleury (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 11, 2009

A non-fiction account of the human experience of light in theology, philosophy, physics, medicine, and near-death experiences. Light, the foundational stuff of all that exists, an elusive, pervasive something and someone calling each of us into life.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

The 9/11/2009 edition of Called into Life by the Light is considerably revised since the 2006 and earlier editions.  It has added print reviews and a summary of a video interview, (can be seen on  author's website), updated information especially under the Medicine of Light as well as other Chapters, and an Epilogue.  Its contents match the contents in the new 2011 Kindle edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Bernard J. Fleury, B.A. History and Classical Languages, Ed.D. Philosophy, Government, and Administration, former History, English, Latin teacher, and School Principal, is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Educational Administration. His administrative/teaching career spans more than five decades and three United States and Caribbean Colleges.

He has a lifelong interest in history and a firm belief in the synthesis of faith and reason (theology and science) as two aspects of a single reality.

He has authored two trade books: Called into Life by the Light and A Bee in His Bonnet, and two academic texts: What is Man? and Reform of Schooling.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: 1st Book Library (September 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403376557
• ISBN-13: 978-1403376558
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,259,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Who are we?, November 26, 2007

By 

Robert M. Pallotti "Rev. Dr." (Newington, Ct. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Called into Life by the Light (Hardcover)

Dr. Fleury's book is part of a larger discussion being carried on at present as to how to integrate the findings of spirituality, science and the human sciences in understanding what is the essence of reality. His thesis revolves around the phenomenon of "light". He develops this theme in his analysis of the theology of T. de Chardin,medicine, modern physics and the Near Death Experience. In every part of his discussion is the positive experience of light. Light can be perceived as an experience of spiritual "enlightenment", intellectual insight, encounter with the Divine. Also, light is being used for treatment of medical and emotional illness in people.

Dr. Fluery addresses the highly publicized characterisitics and effects of the Near Death Experience. He understands the essence of the experience as best as one can that has not gone through the experience. However, I would like to have seen a more detailed discussion dealing with NDEs that have a distressing content. Also, while many NDEs do describe light in an illuminative way, there are also experiences of a "dark and loving void", similar to the mystical experiences of John Von Ruysbroeck who described his experience of the Divine as a "dark light". This could use more discussion.

Dr. Fleury does raise two important aspects of the NDE, the experience of the life review and the effects of the NDE on the NDEer. The "life review" seems to act like an invitation to take responsibility for one's life in order use one's time to advance in love and knowledge. It reminds us that what we do with our lives is important! We do not live or die into nothingness! We are also reminded that what we do for love lives on in eternity.

The effects of the NDE usally takes about seven years to integrate in one's life. There are many positive effects, such as, a great majority of "experincers" no longer fear death, are less anxious in life, and often display new intellectual and psychic abilities. However, many have gone through great emotional upheavel, as does the family of an experiencer, if there in no one available to help the NDEer to re-integrate into "this worldly" experience and its demands.

Overall, this is a book I heartily recommend reading for it propels us into the discussion of modern science, medicine and spiritual seeking. As a Roman Catholic Clergy person and theologian I am intrigued by all of these developments pointing to the Divine reality of "light". Light is the first act of creation in Genesis, it is the Word being made Flesh in John's Gospel, it is the way St. Paul's experiences of the Risen Christ as described in Acts of the Aposltes. Light is the truest and most frequent expression for the ultimate purpose and future of humanity and the creation. We will need to meditate on these developments and its implications for the way we run our world. Who are we? People, creation, called into life by light!