Evidence of Life After Death: A Casebook for the Tough-Minded

Is there life after death? Science says there is not. But what about those constant reports of paranormal phenomena supposedly proving life after death, such as near-death experiences that give people glimpses of another world? We must understand that not all paranormal phenomena, whether the near-death experience, messages from the dead, apparitions or other kinds, are evidence of an afterlife. Arthur S. Berger’s aim, as symbolized by the book cover picture of Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker as he sits in deep contemplation, is to encourage us to think critically about these phenomena. A veteran researcher, Berger shows us the right questions to ask and the possible explanations to consider. His book is aimed at the “tough-minded” reader who is open-minded and wants to form balanced judgments based on facts, reasoning and consideration of explanations pro and con. Berger presents 30 different cases that illustrate a variety of the mental, mediumistic and physical phenomena claimed as “proof” of life after death. Following each case, notes encourage readers to think critically about the case because they offer arguments and counterarguments, some that interpret the case in favor of life after death, some that interpret the facts in an another way, perhaps showing fraud or ESP, for example. Readers are called upon to consider the facts, evaluate which explanation best accounts for all of them, and arrive at a balanced judgment. Is the evidence convincing enough to support a belief in life after death? A separate chapter is devoted to the distinction between evidence and proof. The book also discusses what the standard of proof should be. The Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research said, “this book is one to recommend…a valuable one …as an introduction to the art of thinking critically about anomalous phenomena, it should serve many readers very well.” The Journal of Parapsychology said “Berger takes pains to show the whole range of laypersons’ reports, from the very weak and ridiculous to the best classics in the literature. This is useful for the lay-reader, who needs to realize the degree to which misconceptions exist amid the well-intentioned reports…Berger’s book serves a useful purpose.” Michael E. Tymn, Editor of the Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies and noted authority on research into life after death, described the book as “a very informative and interesting read.”