Discussion Questions
Use our LitLovers Book Club Resources; they can help with discussions for any book:
• How to Discuss a Book (helpful discussion tips)
• Generic Discussion Questions—Fiction and Nonfiction
• Read-Think-Talk (a guided reading chart)
Also, consider these LitLovers talking points to help start a discussion on Proof of Heaven:
1. Alexander opens the chapter "A Final Dilemma" with a quotation from Einstein: "I must be willing to give up what I am in order to become what I will be." Why has he included the quote and what is its significance to the book?
2. What do you make of Alexander's experience of heaven—the butterflies, clouds, sounds, and beings? What about the beautiful woman's message to him, that he is loved, he should not fear, and he can do no wrong? If you've read other accounts of NDEs, how is his experience of heaven different from, or similar to, the experiences others have written about?
3. Talk about Alexander's transformation following his NDE. How has his experience changed his life?
4. Does Alexander's medical background bolster his claims for having experienced heaven? In other words, does the fact that he is a man of science accord him more credibility than others who have had mystical NDEs?
5. Why did Alexander decide to publish Proof of Heaven knowing that he would be subjected to cricticism and would possibly risk his medical reputation?
6. Do you envy individuals like Eben Alexander and others who have had powerful religious encounters during NDEs? Have you ever had a similar mystical experience, near death or not?
7. Have you read any of the criticism directed toward Alexander after publishing Proof of Heaven? (See the author bio above.) What would you say to these critics?
(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)
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