╨╧рб▒с>■  ]_■   \                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ье┴s ┐#6jbjb└ └ "Жкkкk#2      ]╪╪╪╪╪╪╪XXXXX dTX%*╘╘╘╘╘╘╘╘тфффффф,OЇCl╪╘╘╘╘╘p╪╪╘╘╘ppp╘j╪╘╪╘ть6"6╪╪╪╪╘тprpт╪╪т╕─еw╢XX>2тC.I.M. Outline #51 NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES I. Introduction A. The Experience She had just undergone a hysterectomy. She was wheeled to the recovery room, but alas, confusion among the nightshift nurses left her to hemorrhage. With no one by her side she "died." Five hours later she "returned to life." During this time she floated out of her body, went down a dark tunnel and was met by a beam of light. She was then embraced by a being she claimed was Jesus who then preceded to give her a guided tour of heaven interspersed with some religious teachings. The being she claimed was Jesus then reluctantly informed her that her time on earth was not yet over. She then was revived. Years later she wrote about her experience and it was published by an obscure publisher. She dedicated her book to "My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." It became a record-breaking best-seller (EMBRACING THE LIGHT). The author's name is Betty Eadie. Eadie's book, EMBRACING THE LIGHT, is a mixture of Mormon doctrine, Native American religion, and new age babble. For a good critique of this best-seller, see EMBRACED BY THE LIGHT AND THE BIBLE by Richard Abanes, and, DECEIVED BY THE LIGHT by Douglas Groothius. B. The Near Death Phenomenon Betty Eadie is not the only one who has claimed this strange experience. In an outdated, 1982 Gallop poll, 15% of Americans claimed to have had a mystical experience during a close brush with death. This translates into 23 million americans! While the experiences vary a great deal, many tell of coming out of their bodies, hovering over it for a while, then finding themselves going down a dark tunnel only to emerge into a bright place with intense color. Then they claim to telepathically communicate with a beam of light or some religious figure that expresses deep warmth and affection. Ultimately they are told they must return because their work on earth is not finished. The near death phenomenon first came to our attention in 1977, when READER'S DIGEST published in condensed form, the book, LIFE AFTER LIFE by psychiatrist, Dr. Raymond Moody. Consequently, the book went on to sell over 8 million copies. II. Relevance of the Topic: A. NDE's are causing a revival of interest in the age-old questions about death and the possibility of an after- life. The reigning worldview for much of the Twentieth Century in Western culture has been that of Darwinian naturalism (materialism). This worldview which does not accept the possibility of the supernatural or the spiritual dimension is now on the wane. Research into Near Death Experiences as well as other brain research is raising serious questions about the materialistic and monist views of human nature. (Monist: the nature of man is singular in dimension, that is, a purely natural being of an electro-chemical nature.) B. Studies have shown that those who have had an NDE undergo radical changes in worldview. Almost all claim indescribable joy, love, beauty, peace and harmony, belief that death is pleasant, and development of psychic powers. Millions of people who once weren't so sure are now convinced that death is a wonderful experience and that there is no hell. In the majority of cases, these changes are in stark contrast to traditional western worldviews, i.e. Christianity. Most end up following worldviews that more closely resemble eastern religions or what is now known as New Age. Some of these changes are: 1. Absolutes do not exist. Many report that the religious being they met approves of all religions. There is no right or wrong worldview. 2. The Subjective is valued over the Objective. Feelings and emotions are more important than truth or doctrine. What is important is "knowledge" of the mystical realm. 3. Universalism. Perhaps one of the most prevalent changes is the belief that all mankind will go to heaven, i.e., all will be saved. There is no judgement or hell. Many even report that the "beam of light" (or whatever) was totally uninterested or non-judgmental of any sins the person may have committed. Some even reported that the "being" had a sense of humor about their sins! 4. Mediumism (contacting the dead). Many, after their NDE, continued to have contact with departed spirits, or "spirit guides" as they are called. Many showed an increase in psychic ability. 5. The Acceptance of death as pleasant. An almost universal finding from the research is the total lack of any fear of death. Most did not want to return to this life and were sad when informed they had to return. 6. Dualism. All (even some who consider themselves to be atheists) viewed life and man as dualistic. There is both a spiritual reality as well as a physical reality. 7. The rejection of traditional religion. Another almost universal finding is an intense interest in religion but not in traditional western religions (Christianity or Judaism). In fact there is hostility toward traditional Christianity (read biblical) because of its teaching about hell and judgement. III. Major Explanations of the Phenomena: Questions of Cause From current research there is no one certain cause of the phenomenon of NDE. Several plausible explanations have been given: A. Physiological or neurological: Research has shown that stimulation of certain areas of the brain's limbic system can cause an out-of-body sensation. It is also known that oxygen or sensory deprivation, or high fevers can also cause the syndrome. Many conclude that it is simply a condition that occurs when the brain is under stress or is the process of shutting down. B. Psychological: Intense fear has been known to cause an out-of-body sensation. For example, people have reported floating out of their bodies when an automobile accident seemed imminent even though one never occurred. It also has been produced through hypnotic suggestion. C. Pharmacological: Certain drugs, depressants, or anesthetics have been known to cause an out-of-body sensation. Nitrous oxide used in some dental offices is frequently reported as causing the sensation. Illegal drugs such as LSD and marijuana are also causative. One study indicated that 44% of marijuana users have had an out-of-body experience. D. Paranormal or occultic origin: Contemporary occult groups and ancient mystical religions report and out- of-body experience with similar characteristics as the NDE using various forms of meditation and techniques derived from such ancient occult manuals as THE EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD, and THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD. IV. The Important Distinction between Death and Dying But were these people really dead? The answer is of course, no. They are resuscitations. Contained within the definition of death is the idea of irrevocability. While these people may have been "more dead" that any of us, they really were not dead. There was still some residual bodily function. What they were is near death. We must make a distinction between death and dying. Some of their vital signs had ceased such as breathing, heart beat, or even in some cases there was a flat EEG. The point is that they were revived. When the brain is undeniably dead there is no longer any possibility for consciousness (at least in this life). The problem comes in determining this exact state. EEG's are not always accurate and they can be misread. Certain anesthetics, drugs, and hypothermia can cause a flat EEG. Death is a process. It begins at the cellular level. For death to occur there must be an elapsed time of non-function of vital organs. V. The Bible and Death A. Biblical Definition of Death Biblically death occurs with the separation of the body from the soul(James 2:26). It is not possible for us to know precisely when this occurs. The Jews at the time of Christ believed that the soul hovered over the body for as long as three days. This is the importance of Jesus waiting till the fourth day to raise Lazarus from the dead (Jn.11). B. Christians have had NDE's without the occult trappings. Many contemporary Christians report having pleasant NDE's such as seeing loved ones, Jesus, or angelic beings. There are several persons who had an experience of the afterlife in the Bible, but strangely there is very little information given about what they might have experienced. For further study of NT examples, see Lazarus (Jn.11), Paul (IICor. 12), Stephen (Acts 7), Jarius' daughter (Mk.5), and the widow's son (Lk. 7). C. What NDE's do confirm is that Satan is eager to exploit a person's brush with death. He is described in the Bible as the angel of light (II Cor 11:4). The common conception (his deception) is that he is this hideous- looking creature with horns and a pitchfork. (For further information on the Bible and death see CIM Outline #34 "The Problem of Death and Resurrection.") VI. Some Implications of NDE and NDE Research A. What can function outside of the body before death can function outside the body after death. This is not proof of a soul or the afterlife, but it is the strong implication. How consciousness and personal identity can be maintained apart from the brain is still unexplained mystery but nevertheless a truth affirmed by Christians. B. There is startling evidence from NDE research that cannot be explained on a natural basis. Some having the experience (while supposedly unconscious) are able to report in specific detail what has transpired with loved ones in other rooms or even from a great distance while they were in that state. Some awoke knowing about events that had occurred miles away before even their attendants or those by their side knew about them. For examples of these see Habermas and Moreland, IMMORTALITY: THE OTHER SIDE OF DEATH, pp. 73-105. C. There is also much evidence of negative NDE's. Most of the literature. however, does not report this. One researcher has documented many cases during which people reported going to hell. See the work of Maurice Rawlings BEYOND DEATH'S DOOR. VIII. Conclusion The subject of death is bound to be a major area for Satanic confusion and deceit. From Eden to the present he is still telling people his original lie: "You shall not surely die." IX. For Further Study Abanes, Richard. EMBRACED BY THE LIGHT AND THE BIBLE. Anderson, J. Kerby. LIFE, DEATH AND BEYOND. Ankerberg, John, and Weldon, John. THE FACTS ON LIFE AFTER DEATH. Groothius, Douglas. DECEIVED BY THE LIGHT. Habermas, Gary R., and Moreland, J.P. IMMORTALITY: THE OTHER SIDE OF DEATH. Swihart, Phillip J. THE EDGE OF DEATH. Christian Information Ministries is a non-profit ministry and is dependent on gifts from God's people in order to operate. If you receive a benefit from our materials would you consider giving a tax-deductible gift to CIM. We suggest $25. a year minimum. Send to: Christian Information Ministries 2050 N. 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