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336
NDERF 475 Barry C NDE 1037
5
Weak Evidence
7
Low Compatibility
death prediction abilities, impersonal divine force
While the light and love elements could reflect divine attributes, significant concerns exist. The impersonal nature of the light being "indifferent" to identity contradicts the personal God who knows us by name (Isaiah 43:1). Claimed ability to predict deaths resembles divination prohibited in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. The absence of moral accountability in a suicide attempt context is troubling. Universal knowledge that cannot be retained and orbiting the light "like a planet" suggests new age cosmology rather than biblical theology. The experience lacks personal relationship, repentance, or transformation toward holiness.
Barry attempted suicide by taking many medications on February 2, 1981, and while unconscious experienced an NDE. He found himself in perfect blackness - not a tunnel but a velvet-like deep darkness with space around him. In front appeared a very bright but non-blinding light that grew larger as he approached. The light became a great ball around which he began to orbit like a planet. This light ball radiated love, tolerance, masculine power, and complete indifference to who he was or what he had done - only that he existed mattered. Despite being very close and desperately wanting to enter the light, he could not get inside it. The light contained wisdom, acceptance, love, and creative power. He experienced a blissful state of weightlessness and flying with amazement and joy. He suddenly understood everything about the universe, knowing answers to all questions, though he cannot remember the specific knowledge now. The experience taught him that near the light, identity doesn't matter - only existence itself is important. He knew he had to return without choice and felt loss at leaving. Since the experience, he has become peaceful and stoical according to family and friends, and sometimes can predict future events, especially deaths, and believes he has a small healing gift.
--- Biblical Summary --- Biblical elements: The experience of divine light radiating love and acceptance could align with biblical descriptions of God's nature as light (1 John 1:5) and love. The complete acceptance regardless of past actions might reflect divine grace. The transformation resulting in peace and the development of spiritual gifts could be seen as fruits of a spiritual encounter. Unbiblical elements: The description of orbiting the light "like a planet" and the masculine power being indifferent to identity suggests an impersonal force rather than the personal God of scripture. The temporary universal knowledge and predictive abilities, especially regarding death, lean toward occult practices warned against in scripture. The context of suicide attempt without mention of repentance or moral reckoning is concerning from a biblical perspective. |