I have never had a near-death experience, and I am not a medical professional. In matters of religion, I have not received the formal education of a professional theologian. I cannot recite religious scriptures from memory. In my personal behavior, I am definitely not a saint. I have made many moral mistakes, more than I can count. If you believe that any of these facts about me should disqualify the answers in this book, then now you know.
I have spent most of my career as a professional analyst investigating a variety of very complicated topics. Many involve human behavior, often extreme behaviors, and sometimes religious beliefs. Those topics include human history since ancient times, human cultures, religious mysticism, psychology and sociology, politics and ideologies, economics, group identities, criminal violence, terrorism, military warfare, mass murder and genocide, international relations and law, diplomacy and negotiations, scientific methods, modern technologies, and even nuclear weapons. I have lived an unusual life. And although I have analyzed some violent topics, I, as a person, have lived a mostly safe life. Instead of trying to entertain you with stories of danger or violence, I hope to persuade you with curiosity, compassion, and logical reasoning.
I respect all religions and all civilizations, but I am most familiar with Christianity and with Western civilization, and therefore this book reflects that. I apologize if that background has limited my perspective. I do not wish to offend anyone. Under the constraints I faced when I wrote this book, I did the best that I could.
In your own spiritual journey, I wish you love, joy, and progress.
They may give you comfort. They may give you courage.