Here's a little bit of background about how I grew up as this has a bearing on how our perception and filters can and are defined by these early influences .My parents were Spiritualists- which is a Christian style religion- but with demonstrations of Mediumship in the service .

From what I can remember, my parents held these beliefs as my father lost his own father when he was relatively young and my mother had several near death experiences.
I'm not sure if my fathers family were also into this belief but I know my mothers family were as her father would have precognitive dreams about world events and would write letters to the pertaining countries leaders.
From what I can gather, he would be in regular touch with certain leaders but sadly, I've been unable to find these letters.

So there you go- I was brought up to believe in life after death but as I grew up & started to have my own experiences, I found there was much, much more to explore and question- far and beyond what my humble beginnings had shown me.