"The most important scholarly work on near-death experiences
in the last thirty years." -- Allan Kellehear
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Patrons at
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“Gregory Shushan has produced the most important scholarly work on near-death experiences in the last thirty years. He describes the process by which, despite regular attempts to marginalize its power, the NDE has been perhaps the most important shaper of religious creativity in human history. This is a journey and an argument as fascinating and as engrossing as the social history of mankind itself.” -- Allan Kellehear, Clinical Professor, University of Vermont.
“Near-Death Experience in Indigenous Religions is a tour de force. By comparing recorded cases from North America, Africa, and Oceania, Shushan presents a compelling argument for the centrality of near-death experiences to the development of religious ideas across time and culture. Any future discussions of NDEs and the origins of religion will need to take Shushan’s major contribution into account.” -- Fiona Bowie, Research Affiliate, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Oxford University; and founder of Afterlife Research Center
“Gregory Shushan’s new book provides a uniquely insightful and provocative analysis of near-death experiences that documents their formative influence on worldwide beliefs about an afterlife. His ethnological perspective results in a more comprehensive understanding of NDEs than a purely biological or psychological model can provide, and suggests that afterlife beliefs are rooted not in culture but in the universal human experience of NDEs. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand NDEs and their role in society.” -- Bruce Greyson, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia.
“This is a remarkable survey of near-death experiences gathered from reports across the world. Interested readers will be amazed at the data reported by the author in this erudite and intelligent inquiry.” -- Gavin Flood, Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion, Oxford University
“There is a weighty poignancy to this book, bearing witness to the value of studying historical records regarding the fundamental question ‘What happens to us when we die?’”
-- Mary L. Keller, Reading Religion.
“Shushan has advanced the study of non-Western NDEs immeasurably. He has done the field a tremendous service, and his book is not to be missed by anyone seriously concerned with NDEs.” -- James Matlock, Journal of Near-Death Studies.
“This book is a valuable addition to the literature of psychical research…. It should be on the bookshelf of every serious researcher into the literature of psychical research.” -- Journal of Scientific Exploration.
"James was well ahead of the times in his efforts to reconcile science and spirituality….We are reminded, the author says, 'that yesterday’s psychical research is often tomorrow’s mainstream science.' This book should be appreciated by any open-minded reader." Michael E. Tymn
"It’s quite a project to collect and reflect on writings on a theme often ignored because of associated discomfort in the work of such a key figure of western philosophical psychology. GregoryShushan has made a significant contribution to the critical appreciation of William James – Wendy Dossett, Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies University of Chester
“The brilliant introduction by Andreas Sommer and Shushan’s scholarly edition of James’s writings on psychical research is a wonderful contribution to the field.” -- Kenneth Joholske
The Next World:
Extraordinary Experiences of the Afterlife
“Advances our understanding of NDEs and of our own nature as few other books have. This truly is a remarkable book.” ~ Bruce Greyson, author of After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond.
“An original treatment of the subject, as wide-ranging in thought and feeling as it is rigorous and scholarly. Heartily recommended.” ~ Michael Grosso, Journal of Scientific Exploration.
“This fine new book by Gregory Shushan encapsulates his decades of painstaking ethnohistorical research on NDEs and various related phenomena, spanning a remarkable range of cultures and times. Strongly recommended!” ~ Edward F. Kelly, co-editor of Irreducible Mind, Beyond Physicalism.
“What a breathtaking tour of the expanse of human experience! It left me with a sense of wonder and admiration.” ~ Zofie Weaver, author of Other Realities? The Enigma of Franek Kluski’s Mediumship.
“Both academically accurate and highly entertaining, a remarkable combination. A brilliant book – fun to read!”
~ James McClenon, Ph.D, author of Wondrous Healing: Shamanism, Human Evolution.
"An extremely readable book, always balanced in tone and authoritative. The Next World is set to become a key item in the library of anyone seriously interested in religion and the big questions of individual survival and the purpose of life. A good read and I was reluctant to put it down!” ~
Fiona Bowie, author of the Anthropology of Religion
Also
available to
Patrons at
Patreon
About
Gregory Ortiz Shushan, PhD, is a historian of religions, an award-winning author, and the leading authority on near-death experiences and the afterlife across cultures and throughout history. His books include Near-Death Experience in Ancient Civilizations, Near-Death Experience in Indigenous Religions, and The Next World: Extraordinary Experiences of the Afterlife. He is also the editor of Mind Dust and White Crows: The Psychical Research of William James, and The Historical Anthology of Near-Death Experiences (forthcoming).
Dr. Shushan in currently researching near-death experience in Classical antiquity at Birmingham Newman and Liverpool Hope Universities, and has conducted research at University of Oxford's Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion, University College London's Institute of Archaeology, University of Wales Religious Experience Research Centre, and the Centro Incontri Umani (The Cross Cultural Centre) in Ascona, Switzerland. He has lectured at universities in the UK, USA, Ireland, and Switzerland, has given numerous talks on his research in nine countries, and has appeared on national television, radio, and dozens of podcasts.
His work has been generously supported by grants from the Perrott-Warrick Fund at Trinity College Cambridge, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK), Birmingham Newman University, the International Association for Near-Death Studies, the Cedar Creek Institute, the Alex Tanous Foundation for Scientific Research, the Parapsychology Foundation, the Society for Psychical Research, and readers like you. To support his work and to receive exclusive content and updates, please consider becoming a Patron from as little as $1 per month.
