|
2161
quantitative
webpage
NDERF 2905 Lars N NDE 5387
https://nderf.org/Experiences/1lars_n_nde.html
1990
2011
M
As a teenager in 1990, Lars participated in a dangerous game at a public outdoor pool with friends. The game involved crossing arms across the chest while another person held the hands from behind, holding breath for 5-10 seconds, then having a third person push against the chest, causing unconsciousness. When Lars tried it, he suddenly found himself floating above the pool at the height of the 10-meter diving board, about 30 feet in the air, though far from the actual board. He experienced complete contentment and joy, describing it as the best feeling of his entire life. From this elevated position, he observed the leaves swaying in wind, birds flying, the sky above, and many people below. He noticed people kneeling around a person on the ground and recognized that person as himself. Despite recognizing his own body, he felt no association with it, no fear or distress. He watched with interest as his brother repeatedly slapped his face. Without warning, his perspective suddenly shifted and he opened his eyes looking up at the sun from the ground, feeling pain from the face slapping. His brother estimated he had been unconscious for only a few minutes. Lars felt the experience was very personal and never spoke of it again with others, though he looks forward to experiencing that wonderful feeling again.
BIBLICAL ASSESSMENT: This experience exhibits classic out-of-body phenomena that align with biblical concepts of consciousness existing independently of the physical body. The separation of consciousness from the physical form supports the dualist understanding of human nature found throughout scripture, where humans possess both body and spirit (Ecclesiastes 12:7, 2 Corinthians 5:6-8). The elevated perspective and ability to observe earthly events from above parallels biblical accounts of spiritual visions and experiences. The overwhelming feelings of joy and contentment could reflect a brief glimpse of the peace that transcends understanding mentioned in Philippians 4:7. The experience lacks many elements typically associated with biblical accounts of the afterlife - no divine beings, no heaven or hell, no life review or judgment, no deceased relatives, and no spiritual messages or revelations. From a conservative evangelical perspective, while the OBE itself doesn't contradict scripture, the absence of any God-centered content or spiritual transformation is notable. The dangerous game that induced the experience would be viewed as reckless endangerment of life, which conflicts with the biblical principle that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and should not be deliberately harmed.
5
Other
3
12
17
Moderate Evidence
2
Dangerous breath-holding game causing unconsciousness
Detailed observations from elevated perspective including seeing his own body surrounded by people
written_account
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
5/25/2025
1
1
|