Light from the Other Side: The Paranormal as Friend and Familiar (Real Life Experiences of a Spiritual Pilgrim)

This volume presents the narrative of the author's personal spiritual journey, which is marked by numerous constructive life-changing paranormal experiences that can only be accounted for as special initiates of the divine spirit providing intimations and illuminations. These events are set in the context of the rich literature available, which reports similar events in the lives of many other persons, under both normal and extreme circumstances. The author, a clinical psychologist and pastoral theologian, interprets this broad panoply of psycho-spiritual data in terms of psychological science and biblical perspectives. He concludes that the divine spirit is pervasive throughout the universe and present in all the dynamics of life forms, constantly endeavoring to communicate with humans. Thus, the paranormal may well be more normal than the normal human experience and the veil between time and eternity, between the mundane and transcendent worlds, and between life and the life to come is apparently more permeable in both directions than we suppose.

"From a life rich in the realm of the numinous, Harold Ellens reminds us forcefully that major life decisions are often made in concert with the great rhizome underneath us all."
--Martin Seligman
author of Flourish

"Having J. Harold Ellens as a friend has been the greatest gift I have ever received in life. He has taught me to 'set my sails to the wind' and rejoice in the many joys and wonders around me. I now know I am not alone, and that I am loved by a divine presence. I am sure you will discover the same thing just reading his book. This book will change your life!"
--Virginia Ingram
graduate student, Murdoch University, Perth

"In these well-crafted pages J. Harold Ellens reports vividly on how he has experienced Divine Love over the course of a lifetime from youth to old age in intuition, illuminating mystical moments, and guidance. Light from the Other Side shines through as an honest self-report of spirituality in the tradition of an everyday mysticism grounded in a God of Unlimited Love. This is a bold and refreshing book written to show us all that God is alive and active in our lives, especially when things get tough. Bravo!
--Stephen G. Post
President, Institute for Research on Unlimited Love

"Dr. Ellens' intriguing book reveals deeply personal 'moments of the spirit' that led him on a journey from childhood in western Michigan to a distinguished career as pastor, Army Chaplain, scholar, author, and clinical psychologist. He discusses ESP, intuition, near-death experiences, and other illuminations. Many of these are more normal than generally acknowledged, meriting vigorous scientific study. His insights are compelling. Readers wishing to explore their own spiritual experiences will find this book challenging and inspiring."
--Beuna Coburn Carlson
Church Administrator, Retired

J. Harold Ellens is a retired professor of philosophy and psychology, who spent the last decade and a half as Research Scholar at the University of Michigan. He is the author of Probing the Frontiers of Biblical Studies and Honest Faith in Our Time (both with Pickwick Publications).