cover of episode You Might Also Like: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

You Might Also Like: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

2024/11/21
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Nobody Should Believe Me

Key Insights

Why do near-death experiences (NDEs) seem to have common elements across different cultures and times?

NDEs exhibit common elements globally, suggesting they are not culturally determined but possibly biologically or psychologically universal, or indicative of a shared aspect of reality.

How do near-death experiences affect people's attitudes and beliefs?

NDEs often lead to profound life changes, reducing fear of death, increasing spirituality, and fostering a sense of connection to something greater, which can influence behavior towards more compassionate and altruistic actions.

What role does the brain play in near-death experiences?

The brain appears to be a mediator or translator of NDEs, not the cause. It filters out non-physical information during normal functioning but allows access to it when shutting down, suggesting the brain constructs a filtered reality.

Are near-death experiences influenced by pre-existing beliefs or do they shape religious traditions?

NDEs may shape religious traditions as they share common elements with many world religions, suggesting they could inform spiritual beliefs rather than being influenced by them.

What are the psychological benefits of having a near-death experience?

Individuals who have NDEs are less likely to develop PTSD, anxiety, or depression after the event, and they often report improved coping mechanisms and a more positive outlook on life.

Can near-death experiences provide evidence of an afterlife?

NDEs offer compelling, yet unexplained, phenomena such as accurate knowledge of events beyond the person's sensory range, which challenges current scientific understanding and raises questions about consciousness beyond physical death.

How do people interpret common features of near-death experiences differently across cultures?

While the core features of NDEs are universal, cultural context influences interpretation; for example, Americans describe a 'tunnel,' while others use terms like 'cave' or 'well,' reflecting familiar cultural imagery.

What is the significance of life reviews in near-death experiences?

Life reviews in NDEs often include perspectives of others involved in the person's life, fostering empathy and a sense of interconnectedness, which can lead to significant personal growth and ethical behavior changes.

Chapters

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) are profound events that occur when individuals are close to death, sometimes even pronounced dead. These experiences often involve transcendental elements, such as leaving the body, communicating with deceased loved ones, reviewing one's life, and an overwhelming sense of peace. NDEs can profoundly impact people's lives, changing their attitudes, beliefs, and values in significant ways.
  • NDEs are profound events with transcendental elements.
  • NDEs can change people's lives significantly.
  • NDEs involve out-of-body experiences, communication with deceased loved ones, and life reviews.
  • NDEs often result in a sense of peace and well-being.

Shownotes Transcript

Introducing Near Death Experiences from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality.

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People have been having Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) all over the world for as long as we can look back into history. And the strange thing is… these experiences seem to have a lot in common. Why? Is it a look into the afterlife? Is it just our neurons firing in weird ways as the brain dies? 

We’ll talk to psychiatrist Bruce Greyson, one of the world’s leading experts on Near-Death Experiences, about the research that led him to rethink his understanding of the nature of life, death, and the continuity of consciousness. We’ll explore the science behind how these experiences can provide comfort, heal past trauma, and even create transcendent experiences that help us make as much sense of our lives as of impending death. And we’ll also consider the bigger question of what NDEs suggest, if anything, about our understanding of reality. 

Bruce Greyson, M.D. is the author of “After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond.” Find out more about his book, and his over 45 years of experience researching NDEs, on his website). 

Here are links to the recordings of people you heard talking about their NDEs throughout the episode: Sharon Stone), Dr. Mary Neal), Renee Pasarow), Cherie Aimee), Jayne Smith).

Here’s a video) of Dr. Gregory Shushan talking about his research on NDEs in ancient religions. 

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].