Life After Death: A Study of the Afterlife in World Religions [Paperback]

Farnaz Ma'sumian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1995

This volume looks in detail at the life-after-death doctrines of seven world religions and asks many questions such as: are there important parallels between the many accounts of near-death experiences, and what happens to us when we actually die?; is there a part of us that conquers death?; If so, will that entity have a personal or universal encounter with it's creator at some point? The author draws out many corresponding features in reported near-death experiences, and demonstrates the unity of all religions in their approach to death and the afterlife.

Product Details

• Paperback: 153 pages
• Publisher: Oneworld Pubns Ltd (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851680748
• ISBN-13: 978-1851680740
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #444,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent intro to religions and life after death, April 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Life After Death: A Study of the Afterlife in World Religions (Paperback)

You must be alive right now, otherwise why would need this book?

So for arguments sake, you're alive and you know someday you won't be. You would like to know what's on the other side. This book by Farnaz Ma'Sumian can provide you details on the beliefs of all the major religions in the world. The book offers an introductory overview of Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai.

Additionaly Ma'Sumian has researched Near-Death Experiences (NDE) quite well and offers a broad explanation of current theories to these experiences.

The book is fair, impartial and well written. For those seeking theological information on the subject of life after death this is a wonderful introduction.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life After Death, October 25, 2002

By 

K. R. Vincent "Ken R. Vincent" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Life After Death: A Study of the Afterlife in World Religions (Paperback)

Life After Death is true to its title. The book was first published in 1995 and has been reissued. The first seven chapters cover the religious ideas of afterlife in Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and the Bahai faiths. Farnaz Masumian goes on to discuss Reincarnation & Transmigration, the Near-Death Experience (NDE), and Religion & the NDE Phenomenon. The result is a treasure of information in 175 pages.

One of the most important features of the book is that, in discussing afterlife, she quotes "chapter and verse" from the sacred texts of each religion. Each chapter focusing on a religion includes the major writings of the religion, the primary concepts that relate to afterlife, the influence and/or similarities of that religion in relationship to other religions.

The big difference between religions of the East and West involves the concepts of reincarnation and transmigration which form the cornerstone of Eastern belief about afterlife but remain a minority position and esoteric idea in the West. The chapter on the Near-Death Experience (NDE) provides a standard and basic overview. She concludes that the most plausible explanation for NDE's is that they are, "universally available mystical experiences". The final chapter, "Religion and the NDE Phenomenon", is an excellent integration of the NDE into the literature of the world's religions.

All-in-all, Life After Death by Farnaz Masumian is an outstanding book. Having the Scripture and verse quotations from the world's religions alone is worth the price of the book. Added to this is her careful analysis of the concepts and contradictions both within and between the various religions. This book is a "must" for all students of life after death in general and the NDE in particular.