What do you think of this?

Question

Rev. George Rodonaia underwent one of the most extended cases of a near-death experience ever recorded. Pronounced dead immediately after he was hit by a car in 1976, he was left for three days in the morgue. He did not "return to life" until a doctor began to make an incision in his abdomen as part of an autopsy procedure. Prior to his NDE he worked as a neuropathologist. He was also an avowed atheist. Yet after the experience, he devoted himself exclusively to the study of spirituality, taking a second doctorate in the psychology of religion. He then became an ordained priest in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He served as a pastor at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Baytown, Texas.

Rev. George Rodonaia held an M.D. and a Ph.D. in neuropathology, and a Ph.D. in the psychology of religion. He delivered a keynote address to the United Nations on the "Emerging Global Spirituality." Before emigrating to the United States from the Soviet Union in 1989, he worked as a research psychiatrist at the University of Moscow.

http://www.near-death.com/experiences/evidence10.html

Answer 1

I am so glad to see this question. I had never heard of George Rodonaia, and I intend to do much research into his life. I want to see if his story is as well documented as Dr. George Ritchie's near death experience.

I did go to visit Dr. George Ritchie at his home in Virginia, about 18-20 years ago, to ask him questions about his near death experience, which occurred in 1943 during World War I. His book, "Return From Tomorrow", had such an impact on me that I wrote him through his publisher. He asked me to visit him and his wife, Marguerite in his home. He was only "clinically dead" for nine minutes, a very short period of time compared to Rodonaia, but it is well documented. He told me it totally changed his life, and he is a living example of how such an experience changes one's life. He went to medical school after his experience, earning an M.D., and became a psychiatrist (no brain damage--you can't get through medical school with brain damage--it's difficult enough with a 150 IQ). He gave me much insight into Christianity and the Bible. He wrote his second book, "My Life After Dying", with statistics about head injury which I provided for him from my medical practice.

It is almost unbelievable to me that Rodonaia was in a state of death for three days before being revived, but I know that anything is possible because God/Jesus Christ/the Holy Spirit can do anything. I do want to look at the documentation, however. Many religious scholars say that "the soul hovers around the body for three days after death", hence, the unbelievable resurrection of Lazarus after four days of being dead. It is not surprising to me that Rodonaia would devote himself exclusively to the study of spirituality after his experience, (as did George Ritchie), and his taking a second doctorate in the psychology of religion mitigates against his having suffered brain damage! It's not surprising to me that he became a priest in the Eastern Orthodox Church. I am Orthodox, and I have learned more about religion, spirituality and the Bible since becoming Orthodox ten years ago than I ever have in my entire life! I am surprised that he was a pastor of the St. Paul United Methodist Church. Most Orthodox Priests don't do that. That's unusual--I can't understand it. Why wouldn't he remain an Orthodox priest?

You have opened up many questions to me. Why is this not publicised more? Is it well documented as you say? Is the documentation correct?

If the story is true, it's like the Holy Fire in Jerusalem, which has been occurring for many centuries. Why don't people talk openly about such things? Is it because there is no logical explanation, and many people are uncomfortable when something cannot be easily explained?

I plan to research this man's life. I may even talk with people at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Baytown Texas about this man. It's fascinating to me. Thank you for asking this question. It has opened up an entire new world of study for me.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What do you think of this?
Rev. George Rodonaia underwent one of the most extended cases of a near-death experience ever recorded. Pronounced dead immediately after he was hit by a car in 1976, he was left for three days in the morgue. He did not "return to life" until a doctor began to make an incision in his...

Answer 3

George Rodonaia

Answer 4

Near Death experiences affect people in different ways. The Rev. George found a need for organized religion - I found myself on an entirely different path, and we are both happy.
Spirituality, by the way, has nothing to do with religion, or any particular God. It's entirely within yourself.

Answer 5

This is not the first atheist that has converted to Christianity after a near death experience! How awesome! I wish we could ask him what he experienced that changed his mind? There are many like him and this is a fascinating topic!
I did not see the website till I got to the end of the page! Good information....thank you!

Answer 6

Well I think that maybe he was unconscious. It use to be that people were mistakenly buried alive because of this. I don't think this this quite the same as having your heart stop, but would be very scary for sure. Where can we read about this?

Answer 7

I had the privlidge of knowing this wonederful man. He was campas minister at the Wesley foundation at Lamar university in Beaumont,TX. The metjodist churxh brought him into the US as he was being targeted by the KGB for his beliefs. He was an amazing man and a good friend ti all that knew him.

Answer 8

If he was ordained Eastern Orthodox why would he be a pastor at a Methodist church? I think you're making this up.

Answer 9

Well, there you have it.
Scientific proof of an afterlife.

I think I'll disavow my allegiance to atheism and start believing in the bible.

Answer 10

Many people who had near death experience have become spiritual.