Evelyn Elsaesser Valarino

Howard Storm, born in 1946, is an American minister, writer, and painter who formerly held a position as professor and chairman of the art department at Northern Kentucky University. His 2000 book, "My Descent Into Death," details a profound near-death experience he underwent in Paris in 1985. This experience, which involved a spiritual encounter after a severe medical emergency, has been a significant focus of his subsequent life and work. The book gained notable attention, including an endorsement from author Anne Rice and republication by Doubleday. Storm has shared his story across various media platforms, including television and radio programs.

Prior to his transformative experience, Storm identified as an atheist and described himself as an aggressive individual. His near-death event occurred after experiencing sudden, intense abdominal pain, leading to a diagnosis of a duodenal perforation requiring surgery. During this period, he reported an out-of-body experience, encounters with hostile entities, and a subsequent rescue by beings of light. He also described a life review and received spiritual insights regarding the state of the world and the nature of true religion. Following his recovery and profound spiritual awakening, Storm pursued theological studies and was ordained as a minister, serving churches in Ohio.

Howard Storm's early academic pursuits centered on the visual arts. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1969, followed by advanced degrees, including a Master of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts, from the University of California at Berkeley in 1970. His career in academia led him to Northern Kentucky University in 1972, where he joined the newly established art department. He progressed rapidly within the department, achieving tenure and serving for two decades. During this period, he was known for his aggressive demeanor and identified as an atheist, a stark contrast to his later life.

In June 1985, while on a European trip with students, Howard Storm experienced a medical crisis in Paris, suffering from a duodenal perforation that necessitated emergency surgery. While awaiting the procedure, he reported a profound near-death experience. He described leaving his physical body, encountering hostile, pale humanoid figures, and being attacked before hearing a voice instructing him to pray. Following this, he invoked Jesus and was rescued by luminous spiritual beings. He underwent a comprehensive life review and received messages about global spiritual shifts and the nature of divine connection, with the beings stating that the "correct religion" is one that "brings you closest to God."

The aftermath of his near-death experience marked a significant spiritual transformation for Howard Storm. He reported ongoing spiritual visitations and guidance, including instructions to disregard medical advice and return to the U.S. Despite facing severe post-operative health complications upon his return, including double pneumonia and a collapsed lung, he eventually recovered. This experience led him to embrace Christianity, pursue a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, and become an ordained minister. He served as a pastor for United Church of Christ congregations in Ohio for over a decade, sharing his spiritual journey and insights.