New Church Life May/Jun 2014 | Page 72

n e w c h u r c h l i f e : m ay / j u n e 2 0 1 4 time offering optional Zumba, yoga, martial arts, choir, bell ringing, knitting and even free chiropractic sessions.” Next year’s camp is already scheduled for Phillip Island, near Melbourne, December 29 to January 4. (See photos on page 275.) the awakening of eben alexander Dr. Eben Alexander, the neurosurgeon who wrote the runaway best-seller, Proof of Heaven, after a unique near death experience, is convinced that everything that happened to him was “for a reason.” Part of that reason, obviously, is to tell people how his experience transformed him from scientific denier into a man of faith – and to have a positive spiritual influence in their lives. His near death experience really was “proof of heaven” to him because the part of his brain that could give rise to illusions was completely shut down during a seven-day coma. Now his account of that “proof ” is opening hearts and minds all over the world. (His book has been translated into 40 languages.) The fame he now enjoys also brought him to Bryn Athyn April 6 for a presentation before 1,100 – including many visitors – in the Asplundh Field House. His lecture, Religion and Spirituality in the 21st Century – How They Complement Modern Science – was sponsored by Bryn Athyn College, the Academy Secondary Schools and New Church LIVE. The New Church LIVE service that morning featured several people talking about their near death experiences. The event also included a series of related sessions in the College, a special dinner at Glencairn Museum, a book signing and many discussion groups – before and after the evening lecture. Four public sessions were offered in the Doering Center at Bryn Athyn College that afternoon, which attracted more than 100 people and which were continued – due to demand – the following Sunday. Each session had a mix of people familiar with and new to New Church teachings. The sessions included: Are near death e \