Fascinating – But No One Really Knows

The Medium And The Minister by Roger Straughan is a fascinating book studying the afterlife. The author produces evidence and viewpoints from both points of view. Ultimately it is up to the reader to decide what we choose to believe as no one really knows what happens after we die.

Roger Straughan shows the emergence of spiritualism from the mid nineteenth century. It had supporters in the British Prime Minister Arthur Balfour and author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is interesting to read their findings.

During World War I many strange phenomena happened to grieving relatives and soldiers still serving in the trenches, who claim to have seen those already passed on, but at the time the relatives and soldiers had no knowledge of the deaths. It is amazing to read, totally fascinating and unexplainable.

The author also presents the churches view of the afterlife as seen in the Bible and decided by academics. Gone is the view of forever burning in hell or singing eternal songs in heaven. We are presented with beliefs from a Christian viewpoint.

I was interested to read about Bishop Hugh Montifiore (of Birmingham in the late 1970’s, as living in Solihull with my parents meant I had seen Bishop Hugh on several occasions) and his beliefs. It felt like a personal connection to the book.

There are also sections on mediums and Near Death Experiences which seem to have grown up with the advent of television.

I found the whole book interesting, well laid out and fascinating. Ultimately none of us know what happens in the afterlife but as a Christian I put my hope and trust in Jesus, believing that I will spend eternity with Him.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON