Question 97 – What does Christianity say about near-death experiences?
(Clinical death)
The existence of humanity is shrouded in many mysteries and enigmas. Among these is the question of dying and the afterlife. Death often serves as a symbolic dividing line between different belief groups. Some believe that death is the end of everything, while others are convinced that life continues beyond it. Which perspective should one lean towards? Many assume that belief in an afterlife is baseless and must be founded on blind faith. It's often implied that since no one has returned from death, we cannot reliably resolve this question.
However, there are millions of individuals who would disagree with this assertion, not due to ideological belief or religious affiliation, but because of personal experiences that extended beyond the boundaries of this life. These individuals have experienced what is known as a near-death experience (NDE).
What is an NDE?
This is a phenomenon yet unexplained by science, where people have experiences and encounters (of a supernatural nature) far removed from common human understanding. They predominantly occur during what is called clinical death (due to injuries, during surgeries, etc.), when reversible brain failure occurs due to cardiac and respiratory arrest. Such a person does not breathe, their heart does not work, and if connected to an electroencephalogram (EEG), the brain shows no electrical activity. There are known cases where these experiences occur under different circumstances (e.g., life-threatening situations).
The essence of NDE is the continuation of human consciousness even after the brain is de facto dead and non-functional—which is starkly contrary to the materialistic worldview that our life ends entirely with death. Some studies estimate that tens of millions of people worldwide have these experiences! Thousands have been documented, and it is evident that almost none of them are identical. This topic is vast and has numerous academic and biographical publications. Allow me a brief summary of the common features of NDEs:
They occur among people of all cultures and religions without distinction. They are not dependent on age, gender, or education. Especially in young children, it is evident that they often cannot fabricate such complex experiences. Atheists also have them.
Despite NDEs occurring among people worldwide (who cannot know each other), they share broadly similar experiences.
Only a small fraction of NDE experiences is comprehensive, containing all phases (see below); others have only partial experiences.
NDEs are perceived as reality, not dreams.
They may or may not be linked to an out-of-body experience (the person walks, perceives, speaks, and exists in their spiritual body, being fully aware of it, even though their physical body is elsewhere—e.g., on an operating table).
These experiences are unique in that people cannot find words to describe them.
People often hear declarations of their death, standing beside doctors and observing their body and surroundings from a distance. Doctors, relatives, and others do not perceive them. They often pass through a dark tunnel, valley, or cave.
At the end of the tunnel, they encounter a light being, surrounded by dazzling light emanating love and warmth. This being often delivers a message about life's purpose, primarily focused on love for others.
People also meet other beings, viewed as deceased acquaintances, spiritual guardians, angels, etc.
These experiences are often very positive. People describe an unknown sense of calm, peace, and joy. They are flooded with pleasant feelings, cease to feel pain, and sometimes hear strange sounds (pleasant or unpleasant). However, there are also many negative (hellish) experiences where people endure unimaginable, terrifying events, feel darkness and despair, encounter demons, etc.
People sometimes witness a "life review," where their entire life with all deeds is replayed in their mind. Its quality is measured by their love for others.
People often encounter a barrier they cannot cross. Sometimes they are told they cannot pass yet because their time hasn't come.
One of the final stages is a return to the body, often with reasons like unfinished work or the necessity to return to family. The reconnection with the physical body is preceded by a return journey through the dark tunnel.
People often wish to share their experiences but fear being considered insane.
These experiences result in a significant change in mindset and reevaluation of priorities. People focus more on spirituality, become kinder, and no longer fear death.
Though more details could illustrate this phenomenon and the experiences associated with it, I believe this brief overview is sufficient for illustration.
Possible Explanations for NDE
Various models and attempts exist to explain this mystery, yet none are entirely satisfactory.
1) Biological Explanation (Materialistic) – Given that modern society is largely atheistic and skeptical of anything supernatural, there are natural attempts to refute experiences and phenomena that point to a supernatural dimension of life. NDE is often explained as the effects of medicines and anesthetics affecting brain activity, or the hallucinogenic effects of substances like ketamine. There are also hypotheses regarding unknown effects of endorphins and other substances in our bodies, as well as brain hypoxia theories (lack of oxygen) or hallucination theories.
While it is true that many NDEs can generally be explained by biological theories, it must be noted that such theoretical explanations may have nothing to do with actual reality. On the contrary, it becomes apparent that biological explanations often fall short. Many individuals who experience NDEs do so without any medicines, anesthetics, ketamine, or similar substances. But this is not their main issue. Biological theories are completely helpless when explaining cases where those blind from birth see during these experiences, or when people vividly describe events happening around them or even in distant locations.
Many thus label NDE as a supernatural phenomenon, inexplicable from a materialistic perspective. Let's hear from the American neurosurgeon Eben Alexander, who was skeptical of these experiences and believed they could be explained by biological principles until he himself fell into a coma for several days, during which his brain was demonstrably non-functional. He writes:
"All the chief arguments against near-death experiences suggest that these experiences are the results of minimal, transient, or partial malfunctioning of the cortex. My near-death experience, however, took place not while my cortex was malfunctioning, but while it was simply off. This is clear from the severity and duration of my meningitis, and from the global cortical involvement documented by CT scans and neurological examinations. According to current medical understanding of the brain and mind, there is absolutely no way that I could have experienced even a dim and limited consciousness during my time in the coma, much less the hyper-vivid and completely coherent odyssey I underwent. " [17]
2) Spiritual Explanation – Human consciousness does not end with death. NDE experiences are glimpses behind the curtain of this world into the spiritual world. From this perspective, the human brain can be compared to a TV screen, serving merely as a receiver of our consciousness. Contrary to the materialistic belief, the brain does not produce consciousness; it simply maintains and receives it.
In my opinion, based on deeper interest in NDEs before becoming a Christian, many clues and evidence suggest that a spiritual explanation is the most probable. For now, I leave this conclusion untouched by religious views or Christian perspectives, which naturally include teachings on an afterlife. Regardless, if the second option is the correct one, its acceptance doesn't tell us which religion aligns with all NDE experiences. However, when examining this phenomenon and its impacts on those who experience it, astonishing facts are revealed.
Consequences and Reactions to the NDE Phenomenon
Many people wish to revisit these experiences and discover they can be induced artificially—through séances or occult practices.
There is a natural inclination towards occultism and spiritism.
Not everyone experiences positive life consequences; some develop severe psychological disorders, relationship issues, and often undergo divorces.
Some people gain supernatural abilities or see spirits following NDEs.
The light being is often perceived differently and associated with various gods or religious figures (in many cases even with Jesus). It seems to support the individual's beliefs (people meet religious figures they expect—but not always). Muslims are affirmed in their faith, Hindus in theirs, Buddhists, and many others likewise.
Beyond these individual repercussions, general consequences include:
Some have turned NDE into a standalone religion.
The variable behavior of the light being (or beings) regarding religious identity leads to religious universalism—meaning it does not matter what we believe, as all religions contain a piece of truth.
Many researchers interpret NDEs through the lens of New Age religious philosophy, including communication with spirits, spiritism, etc. There is also talk of a universal divine love accepting all indiscriminately, rendering how one has sinned immaterial.
The message from the light being often communicates: death is good, there is no judgment, no hell, no Satan; God accepts everyone without reservation. Occult practices are beneficial as they contribute to personal development.
The logical conclusion of all these experiences and the light being's messages is that the Bible is wrong and Jesus is not who Christians believe Him to be. The majority of NDE experiences align more closely with Eastern philosophies.
A Christian's Response
The answer may not be surprising to you—based on a closer study of the behavior of the light being and the consequences these experiences have for people, one can infer from a Christian perspective that in most cases, Satan and his demons are behind NDEs. Observing many lives post-NDEs, it's evident they frequently mirror the fates of occultists and spiritists. We also find that the messages from the light being are often starkly anti-Christian and deny Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. However, some have experiences where they meet Jesus, who offers messages different from those given by the light being to others. To add complexity, some undergo "hellish" and deeply depressive experiences, while others are persuaded that nothing of that kind exists. From a higher viewpoint, it becomes clear these beings often present dying individuals with contradictory messages and seemingly illogical conclusions regarding life's meaning and the truth of various religions.
All this does not imply that NDEs where people meet the true Lord Jesus do not exist—I believe such experiences are real as well. However, I am concerned that more frequently, these are experiences infiltrated by demons. For this reason, I strongly warn you against being too absorbed in this subject or accepting individual messages from those who have experienced NDEs without scrutiny. Often, they sound wonderful, beautiful, and mystical, yet that does not guarantee their truth. I also approach those claiming to have met Jesus cautiously. It is possible they did, but it is equally possible they were deceived and encountered only demons masquerading as Jesus.
In the Bible, the Lord Jesus introduces Himself (unlike the being that often does not introduce itself), calling people to repentance, life change, and speaks of judgment and hell. He does not condone or overlook sinful behavior. Yet, He offers grace and forgiveness to those who show contrition and wish to change. God also urges us in the Bible to test spirits and everything related to real life. This warning is coupled with God cautioning against the Antichrist and demonic deceptions. The Bible, among other things, states:
"And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)
and
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8)
The complexity of the NDE issue is further compounded by the fact that people do not choose what they want to experience. In occultism, those involved actively seek magic and the supernatural. In NDEs, while there is likely a connection between a person's spiritual condition and the likelihood of experiencing an NDE, they are mostly in a passive role. Satan then serves them certain experiences and philosophies to integrate and fulfill in their life.
How should one respond to such an experience? I believe it's quite challenging. When someone undergoes such an intense, supernatural, and often incredibly positive experience, there is a tendency to accept it uncritically as reality. Convincing the person that their experience was merely a massive deceit (regardless of its tangible reality) would be difficult. Nevertheless, I believe that whoever earnestly seeks God can find answers and guidance even in these challenging situations.
Many questions surround NDEs. Why do some experience them and not others? What determines whether experiences are positive or negative? Why does the true Jesus reveal Himself to some, while others are left vulnerable to deception? What role do a person's spiritual connections (e.g., due to occult practices) play in the occurrence of NDEs? Why…? I admit I don't have satisfactory answers to these questions. Although I understand a great deal about NDEs and can critically assess their origins, they remain a mystery to me.
In conclusion, here is some good advice for you—if you want to learn more about death and what lies beyond, read the words of Jesus—read the Bible. As the living God, Jesus has the authority to speak on the afterlife. He Himself is the creator of the spiritual realm and was also crucified in the human body. Yet, the grave could not hold Him, as He was resurrected and is the most qualified to speak about death and life. Moreover, He declared Himself to have the keys to death and hell. Hell, however, is the alternative Jesus came to save you from...
Summation
The mystery of NDE experiences is very exciting and appealing to many. As a phenomenon, it offers evidence of an afterlife in a non-religious argumentative frame. From a rational perspective, however, the messages of individual experiences are not unified and often contradict each other. From a Christian viewpoint, supernatural beings frequently convey messages that diverge from the Biblical message about life's purpose. This leads me to the conclusion that behind at least a significant portion of these experiences is a world of fallen angels that distract the dying and even the whole world from the living God and His gospel.