Good morning on this Saturday, August 13th. As you know I have been preaching a series of messages on Heaven. During the series I alluded to cardiologist, Dr. Maurice Rawlings', testimony about becoming a believer in Christ after hearing so many testimonies from his patients following resuscitation about what they experienced when they came back from the brink. Numerous other books, documentaries, and personal testimonies have focused upon the phenomenon of Near Death Experiences (NDE), and exactly what occurs when people have such experiences. There are many similarities in their accounts of floating above their bodies, moving toward a light source, seeing loved ones and angels, feelings of peace and tranquility, seeing Jesus, etc. Those believers who claim to have seen what lies beyond death's door seem to have no subsequent fear of death and in fact anticipate it with great satisfaction. There have been many scientific theories offered to attempt to debunk the spiritual significance of these experiences and prove they are not indicators of life after death and the existence of Heaven and Hell. In this and next week's blog, I'll explore and analyze each one.
The Hallucination Theory - Some scientists insist that during these Near Death Experiences, the brain secretes an abundant amount of endorphins which produce an effect similar to a runner's high and an elated state. It is also theorized the a ketamine-like substance is released in the body which accounts for the many of the reported features of Near Death Experiences. In all honesty, our research and understanding of the human brain is still in its infancy and there is so much about the brain and its functioning we do not yet know or understand. Perhaps a more thorough biological and scientific explanation will provide a naturalistic explanation of the features of the Near Death Experience, but that will not ultimately resolve the question of if it is the right one since it will never be the only plausible one.
The Temporal Lobe Theory - The temporal lobes of the brain are located under your temples and are involved in naming objects and faces, mood stability, processing of music and tone of voice, among other things. It has been implicated in spiritual experience and insight. When the lobes have been experimentally stimulated, especially the right temporal lobe, there is an increase in religious and spiritual feelings and experience. Thus by electrically stimulating this lobe there is a mimicking of some parts of Near Death Experiences. Although the number of stroke victims which have been affected in this part of the brain have fewer reported Near Death Experiences, many still do. Also, emotions created by stimulating these lobes include fear, sadness, and loneliness which are not present in those who experience a heavenly Near Death Experience. Even if temporal lobe changes account for some of the activity in Near Death Experiences, they may be identifying a brain mechanism associated with death not the experience itself. Next week we'll explore some of the non-neurological explanations.
Tomorrow's sermon is another on Heaven. Please plan on joining us.
Mel Brown