Got Faith?
Whether you're an Evangelical Christian or Orthodox Jew, Hindu or Wiccan, a nun or even a confirmed atheist, Got Faith is a page for everyone to voice their thoughts on God, religion, spirituality, mysticism and issues that make an impact on you and your faith.
Quote for this week:
“Find joy in simplicity, self respect, and indifference to what lies between virtue and vice. Love the human race. Follow the divine...”-- Marcus Aurelius
Hey people! I hope everyone enjoys the article this week. Remember to submit!
Near-Death Experiences, Part 2
Previously we looked at all the basic information concerning near-death experiences - possible causes, cases, statistics and much more. If you missed the first part, please check the Archive!
This week we're digging deeper. Near-death experiences aren't as simple as they appear to be. There are psychological, religious and mental factors to consider, which leads us to the question: Are NDEs really mystical, or are we underestimating the astonishing power of the mind?
Near-Death Experiences
Are NDEs in or out of the body?
We cannot know! However, many people have theories, and many scientists claim that NDEs can be explained by non-mystical elements such as neurochemistry and physiology. Some believe that certain medicines induce NDEs. Here is a short list of theories:
So, we cannot be sure how NDEs come about, but we know for a fact that NDEs are powerful experiences that change lives.
What are some of the effects of near-death experiences on people's lives?
Although many feel reluctant to talk about their experiences due to skepticism, it has been reported that many feel that a difference in their lives after experiencing and NDE. Some claim that they have:
There are some that struggle with dealing with the experience, but many reportedly live happier lives afterwards.
Religion and near-death experiences: how are these two connected?
For many, NDEs are considered ''proof'' of the afterlife. Jody Long, a near-death researcher, claims that "one of the near-death experience truths is that each person integrates their near-death experience into their own pre-existing belief system''. To back up her statement, a study out of 267 individuals with NDEs reported that 55.1% went through some kind of change, but only became more spiritual instead of changing religions.
''After having a NDE, religious observance may increase or lessen, but a deepened belief in God, or a Higher Power, is almost certain. People say, "Before, I believed; now I know." ''
Quite a few near-death experiences with religious connections can be found at Near Death.
Well, now we have come to the end of our two part NDE series! I hope all of you have enjoyed the articles as much as I enjoyed writing them. If you're interested in learning more, here are some links!
International Association of Near-Death Studies
A Study of NDEs
Spiritual Travel: NDEs
Amazon: Complete Idiot's Guide to NDEs
This week we're digging deeper. Near-death experiences aren't as simple as they appear to be. There are psychological, religious and mental factors to consider, which leads us to the question: Are NDEs really mystical, or are we underestimating the astonishing power of the mind?
Near-Death Experiences
Part II
Are NDEs in or out of the body?
We cannot know! However, many people have theories, and many scientists claim that NDEs can be explained by non-mystical elements such as neurochemistry and physiology. Some believe that certain medicines induce NDEs. Here is a short list of theories:
- Lack of oxygen to the brain
- Ketamine: Dr. Karl Jansen claimed that the effects of Ketamine are the same as the as the reported experiences of those who had NDEs. Read more about this study here.
- The temporal lobe theory: it has been reported that some of the features of NDEs can be induced by epilepsy associated with damage to the temporal lobe of the brain. Researchers suggest that the stress of being near death causes stimulation of this lobe. However, those who claim that NDEs are outer body experiences, believe that this theory only describes the aspect of dying that deals with the brain.
- Hallucinations: many scientists suggest that NDEs are pure hallucinations, and can be drug induced. Yet those who believe NDEs are mystical, suggests that ''normal'' NDEs and drug induced NDEs are not the same.
So, we cannot be sure how NDEs come about, but we know for a fact that NDEs are powerful experiences that change lives.
What are some of the effects of near-death experiences on people's lives?
Although many feel reluctant to talk about their experiences due to skepticism, it has been reported that many feel that a difference in their lives after experiencing and NDE. Some claim that they have:
- become more spiritual, increased their interest in spirituality
- become more compassionate and more appreciative of life
- a decreased fear of death
- become more intuitive
- heightened physical sensitivity
- a ''happier'' and more fulfilled feeling
There are some that struggle with dealing with the experience, but many reportedly live happier lives afterwards.
Religion and near-death experiences: how are these two connected?
For many, NDEs are considered ''proof'' of the afterlife. Jody Long, a near-death researcher, claims that "one of the near-death experience truths is that each person integrates their near-death experience into their own pre-existing belief system''. To back up her statement, a study out of 267 individuals with NDEs reported that 55.1% went through some kind of change, but only became more spiritual instead of changing religions.
''After having a NDE, religious observance may increase or lessen, but a deepened belief in God, or a Higher Power, is almost certain. People say, "Before, I believed; now I know." ''
Quite a few near-death experiences with religious connections can be found at Near Death.
Well, now we have come to the end of our two part NDE series! I hope all of you have enjoyed the articles as much as I enjoyed writing them. If you're interested in learning more, here are some links!
International Association of Near-Death Studies
A Study of NDEs
Spiritual Travel: NDEs
Amazon: Complete Idiot's Guide to NDEs
A Little Bit Of Humour On The Side
Haha, the NDE in Ice Age is totally that squirrel with the acorn... He gets to acorn heaven and then realizes it's not real and that he was dreaming it. Poor squirrel...
Reader Comments!
I just wanted to let you know that I found the last update really interesting. Good job with the page!! 
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Next Time on Got Faith...
What do I have planned for next time? It's a surprise!. That means you'll just have to wait and see. So send in all your comments, themes, questions and opinions, cause next week I want a bumper update. I'll do my best to answer any of your spiritual questions, and I can't wait to hear what you have to say! Anything and absolutely everything - so SUBMIT!
Lana's comment: Hah, yeah, that's it! Poor squirrel indeed!