We have had our raising of Lazarus from the dead experience here in Orem, Utah in 2003. Vincent (Vinney) Todd Tolman shares his well-documented story in this incredibly enlightening and well-written book. During the time he was dead and while being brought back to life, he had an amazing tour guide. Vinney’s Great-great-great Grandfather, Drake. Drake took him step-wise through ten heavenly realms. He teaches him ten life-changing principles while in the spirit world. And he teaches him of the significance of the world religions—including the atheistic “religion of darkness.” This book was life-changing for me.
These ten principles–most appropriate for our day and the–“End-Times” are:
1. Be authentic.
2. Understand the purpose of life.
3. Love everyone.
4. Listen to your inner voice.
5. Use technology responsibly.
6. Release prejudice.
7. Exercise the power of creation.
8. Avoid negative influences.
9. Understand the purpose of evil.
10. Know that we are all one.
Reading this short 162-page book, I learned some very valuable lessons. It was definitely a life-changing experience for me and for the better. I was so impressed with the book that I have written a book report—sharing some of my insights as well.
This book really resonated with me because I have had several life-changing spiritual experiences in my career path. Back in 1956, I took a five-hour missionary preparation class at BYU from Professor Ellsworth. Our text for the class was the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. This class also changed my life. I fell in love with these books and the author of them—our Creator, God.
This turned me into a praying physicist. Many of the inventions I am credited with bringing forth came as a result of an answer to prayer. Some of these are documented in the IEEE’s ORAL HISTORY of my life.
The New York Times best-selling author, Richard Paul Evans, wrote the forward to The Light After Death. He said the book was life changing for him as well. His The Christmas Box, novel has been turned into a movie by the same title. He sells Vinney’s book on his website. I have arranged for my publisher, Boyd Tuttle, to sell the book: digitalegend.com. It is also available on Amazon. I was so impressed with the book that I bought several copies for family and friends. As a result of reading the book, everyone worldwide is my friend!
In my 88th trip around the sun, this book is helping me in my fundamental goal in life—to help bring people to Christ. I know He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). The above ten principles are all Christ-centered. In my new book, Time & Eternity, the End-Times & Beyond Revealed, I share that all who accept Christ will make it into the millennium. I believe this book is helping people on that path. And all will have a chance to hear the fullness of the gospel before His Second Coming (D&C 90:11). Those who reject Him will be “cut off” at His Coming (JS-H 40).
Vinney’s spiritual sensitivity grew tremendously because of what he learned on the other side of the veil. He shares an inspiring example of his sensitivity to others’ needs on page 154. He and a friend were going to a cafe to have lunch. Vinney noticed a homeless man walking, who looked tired and hungry. He reached out in prayer for him.
“I sent my thoughts to the man’s guides and asked, ‘Is he going to the same cafe we are?'”
“I felt the reply, ‘No, he’s going to keep walking past it.'”
“Can you urge him to go inside?” It’s a hot day, and he can cool off for a minute.”
“Yes.”
When Vinney ordered he got another order for the homeless man. They sat down and when the homeless man walked in and sat down, Vinney took his tray of food and drink to him and said to him, “Here’s your lunch.” The homeless man looked at him with a puzzled look and with a smile of gratitude. Vinney’s friend sat there “in wide-eyed surprise at what had just happened.”
Vinney shares, “I have learned that the more we are mindful of the needs of those around us, the happier we are, and the fewer needs we feel for ourselves.”
Notice how Vinney honored the man’s agency (free choice).
David W. Allan – For The Detailed Book Report – Click Here (Scroll to the bottom of the page for a PDF copy)