Near Death Experiences and the implications for the individual and Religious Studies
Dr Shirley Firth, Honorary Fellow
In this session we considered the reported experiences themselves rather than looking into
the reductionist explanations for why they might have happened. It was noted that these
experiences have been reported throughout history and to illustrate this point we saw a
painting by the 15th Century artist Hieronymus Bosch (Paradise – Ascent of the Blessed)
which seems to illustrate the tunnel experience.
Common elements of an NDE may include:
Feeling of peace and unity
Seeing a beautiful place
Meeting a being of light
Light
Colours
A sense of being loved unconditionally
Seeing relatives/ people who have passed away
Out of body experience
Review of life – non-judgmental
Tunnel of light
Of reaching a barrier/ point of return.
Research
It is noticeable that there are many more instances of doctors (especially neurosurgeons)
and psychiatrists researching in this area over recent years, with an enormous increase in
interest over the last 30 years. However some writers still seem to be more interested in
‘explaining’ the situation, rather than discussing the experiences themselves and discussing
how/ if the experience has affected the individual in any way.
Assessment scales were developed by Ring and Greyson in an attempt to assess the validity
and depth of an NDE. They allocate a score on different aspects of an individual’s reported
experience and would be expected to include a number of the above mentioned elements.
Notable contributors to the research have included Moody’s ground-breaking study, further
developments by Sabom, Ring, Greyson, Satori, Parnia and the Dutch Cardiologist Pim van
Lommel.
Van Lommel’s research is particularly interesting because he conducted a prospective study
which was able to record full medical details of each patient, and because he also had a
longitudinal study, interviewing cardiac arrest survivors 2 years and then 8 years after the
NDE. This enabled him to explore and note how the people involved have been affected by
that experience and how it might have changed their attitudes towards religion, society and
death. Statistical analysis reported changes in attitude to organised religion (far less
interest), whereas the majority feel a greater sense of spiritual awareness.
The Return
For some NDE survivors the return to their bodies after the experience has been very
difficult to accept. Many express a sense of not-belonging, a sadness at being back in a body
which was ailing - perhaps even painful and requiring a long recuperation period.
Relationships can also be affected and there is a higher instance of divorce in couples where
a NDE has been experienced by a spouse.
Positive outcomes
These have been reported as follows:
A sense of optimism
Contented
Spiritual awareness
Enhanced paranormal experience
Healing abilities
Supernatural hearing
Living for the present
An enhanced drive to gain new knowledge and skills
No fear of dying
All of the above have been reported by people who have had NDEs
Implications for the individual and Religious Studies
Should NDE’s be considered as religious experiences?
What implications would that have for traditional theology? i.e. the notion of final
judgement, a resurrection (Christian and Muslim), the after-life, re-incarnation.
What is requirement for faith? If ‘experiencers’ just know from their experience
(may want to refer to Jungian philosophy)
What can it tell us about death? Can it help inform and support those involved with
caring for the dying?
Recommend reading:
The Wisdom of Near-death Experiences:
How understanding NDEs can help us live more fully. Penny Satori, 2014, Oxford, Watkins
Publishing Ltd.. ISBN 978-1-78028-565-8
Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife
Eben Alexander, 2013, London: Piatkus
Lessons from the Light: What We Can Learn from the Near-Death Experience (Paperback)
Kenneth Ring , 1998, London, Insight Books.
Closer to the Light: Learning from the Near-Death Experiences of Children (Paperback)
Melvin Morse, New York, 1990
What Happens When We Die?: A Groundbreaking Study into the Nature of Life and Death
by Sam Parnia 2007 Hay House ISBN1401907113
Recollections of Death: An Investigation Revealing Striking New Evidence of Life After Death
(Paperback)
by Michael B. Sabom , 1982, London, Corgi
The Truth in the Light: an Investigation of Over 300 Near-death Experiences.
Peter and Elizabeth Fenwick, 1995, London. Headline Book Publishing, ISBN 0-7472-4668-8