Excellent post N2Him. You also make a good point that our friend rudenski didn't make it past the Judgement Seat. As I've been reading Rudy's experience I also see many things that do line up with Scripture. Having read many accounts of NDE's (and I think it's very significan't that he does not want to read others' experience for fear of diluting his own) many of the accounts in the other experiences are very similiar. Some people have had terrible experiences though, where they went through darkness and fire. Others have had an encounter with light and love. Perhaps Rudy wasn't meant to see and go through some horrible experience because having been known from the foundations of the earth to infinity, the choices he will ultimately make will allow him to spend eternity in complete peace, love and light. Others will not make such choices, even if afforded many opprtunities. His determination to make a contribution to the world by bringing a message of love is only the beginning of what is planned for him. :-)
It is unfortunate that so many people seem to think that the church today is still full of fiery brimstone preachers. Most churches today, and most especially the charismatic or Spirit filled churches, are looking to see the manifest power of an awsome God, who demonstrates His love to us here by healings, prophecy and deliverance. This is purely biblical, and yet there are still denominational churches that will stubbornly skip over these passages because it challenges their doctrine.
If the King Kames contains many errors, then that is the reason so many today are going straight to the greek and hebrew texts. My own pastor has been studying aramaic for many years and collaborated with an aramaic/english exegesis bible. He lately has been delving into the real meanings behind what King James calls fire and brimstone (sulphur) His word studies lead him to a position quite different from the tradition, but again, the important thing is to find the true meaning within the logos, but NEVER change it or twist it;
"I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in the book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall TAKE AWAY HIS PART FROM THE TREE OF LIFE AND FROM THE HOLY CITY, which are written in this book" Revelations 22:18,19
I believe what has rung bells for many reading the NDE forum is not rudinski's account itself, but rather the many musings and speculations that spin off from others as a result of the accounts. These clearly don't come within an inch of the word of God, and they leave out Jesus as saviour entirely. Now, the problem is that I personally dare say that only here, on this forum alone.
If they digress from a Christian standpoint, then this is the place to discuss it, but I believe the purpose of a Christian forum is not to be a battleground, but a place for us to discuss amongst ourselves the many various positions as they relate to the Word of God. It is not our right for us to go charging into other forums with our particular takes, as it is extremely intrusive when folks from all those other forums come in this one to battle and challenge our faith. Respect is the operative word here.
Dot did that at one point, but then she quickly apologized for having done so on her own and said we should restrict ourselves to the Christian forum. And by the way, I'm not Dot for sure, but reading past her posts I believe she never, ever meant to say that rudenski was a homosexual! As irritating as those statements may have been to some, I think it is very clear she meant it in general terms, not accusing rudenski in particular at all. Now I ask you to test the spirit of anything I have said.
Love,
Deena