Appendix A: Glossary of Key Discernment Terms

A Reference Vocabulary for Readers Engaging Near-Death and Deathbed Experiences

This glossary collects the key terms used throughout Testing the Spirits — technical terms (Greek and Hebrew words, theological categories, medical vocabulary) and popular ones (New Age phrases, NDE-movement language). All are defined in clear, simple language. Each entry includes a brief definition, the original-language form when relevant, and a cross-reference to the chapter where the term is most fully treated.

· · ·

A

After-Death Communication (ADC). A reported encounter in which a living person seems to be contacted by someone who has died — through a vivid dream, sensed presence, voice, touch, or unusual sign. ADCs are common in grief and often comforting. Discernment is still required: not every encounter is what it seems.¹ (See Chapter 3.)

Aftereffects. The lasting changes — spiritual, moral, psychological — that follow an NDE or DBE. Genuine experiences typically produce humility, increased love, stronger faith, and fearlessness about death. Aftereffects are diagnostic: a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:16). False or hybrid experiences often produce spiritual pride or syncretism. (See Chapters 11, 22.)

Anastasis (ἀνάστασις). Greek for "resurrection" — literally "a standing up again." The New Testament's preferred word for the bodily raising of the dead. Christian hope ultimately rests on bodily resurrection at Christ's return, not on the disembodied intermediate state. NDEs glimpse the intermediate state; they are not previews of resurrection. (See Chapter 8.)

Angel of Light. Paul's description of Satan in 2 Corinthians 11:14: "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." The Greek verb is metaschēmatizetai. The phrase is the biblical anchor for the entire discernment project. Spiritual brightness, peace, and love are not, by themselves, proof of divine origin. (See Chapter 7.)

Angelology and Demonology. The branches of theology that study angels and demons. Both are biblical categories: angels are God's messengers and ministers (Hebrews 1:14); demons are fallen angels in rebellion against God (Revelation 12:7-9). Discerning NDEs requires taking both seriously without becoming obsessed with either. (See Chapter 6.)

Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. The two foundational confessions of the church. The Apostles' Creed is the earliest baptismal summary, including the line "He descended to the dead," which confesses Christ's entry into the realm of the departed. The Nicene Creed (AD 325, refined 381) added the full deity of the Son ("of one substance with the Father") and of the Spirit. Any "Jesus" in an NDE who denies these is not the catholic Christ. (See Chapters 8, 14.)

Ascended Masters. A theosophical and New Age category: supposedly enlightened beings (sometimes including a counterfeit "Jesus") who have transcended physical incarnation and now guide humanity from higher planes. The concept is unbiblical. When NDE accounts speak of being taught by "masters" or "elders," readers should recognize the Hindu, Buddhist, and Theosophical heritage of the language.² (See Chapters 24, 28.)

Atman and Brahman. Hindu terms. Atman is the individual soul; Brahman is the impersonal absolute. In classical Hindu thought, salvation means realizing that atman equals Brahman — the self is God. NDE messages claiming "you are God" or "we are all one" reflect this worldview, not Christian theology. The Creator-creature distinction is non-negotiable. (See Chapter 28.)

AWARE Study. The "AWAreness during REsuscitation" study (and its successor AWARE II), led by Dr. Sam Parnia. The largest prospective hospital-based study of consciousness during cardiac arrest, designed to test whether patients can perceive verifiable details while clinically dead. (See Chapters 5, 12.)

· · ·

C

Cardiac Arrest / Clinical Death / Flatline EEG. Medical states in which heart activity, breathing, and (with flatline EEG) measurable brain electrical activity have ceased. NDEs frequently occur during these states. Lucid, structured, sometimes verifiable consciousness during a flatline poses a serious problem for materialist accounts of mind.³ (See Chapter 2.)

Chalcedonian Definition / Hypostatic Union. The Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) defined that Jesus Christ is one Person in two natures — fully God and fully man — without confusion, change, division, or separation. Any "Jesus" in an NDE who teaches that Christ is merely an enlightened human, an avatar, or a state of consciousness is not the Jesus of historic Christian faith.⁴ (See Chapter 14.)

Channeling. A practice in which a person allows a non-physical entity to speak through them, often in a trance state. In biblical terms, channeling is mediumship — explicitly forbidden in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. NDE-adjacent ministries that promote channeling have crossed a clear biblical line. (See Chapter 26.)

Charismatic / Cessationism. Two contrasting positions on the spiritual gifts. Charismatic theology affirms the continuing operation of all New Testament gifts (prophecy, tongues, healing, discerning of spirits) today. Cessationism holds that the more miraculous gifts ceased with the apostolic age. Both camps still need discernment about NDE/DBE phenomena; the gift of "discerning of spirits" (1 Corinthians 12:10) is itself a charismatic category. (See Chapter 6.)

Christ Consciousness / Universal Christ. A New Age repurposing of Christian vocabulary. "Christ" is redefined as a state of awakened consciousness available to anyone, not the unique person Jesus of Nazareth. When an NDE account uses "Christ" without "Jesus," readers should ask which Christ is meant. The biblical Christ is a Person, not a state of mind. (See Chapter 28.)

Christology. The doctrine of the person and work of Christ. Every NDE involving a Christ-figure raises christological questions: Is this the biblical Jesus? Does He bear the marks of crucifixion? Does He affirm the cross? Christology is the first and decisive test in evaluating NDE encounters with luminous beings. (See Chapters 13, 14.)

Communion of Saints. The biblical and creedal teaching that all believers — living and departed — are united in one body of Christ. The departed in Christ are not annihilated, not asleep, and not unreachable in a metaphysical sense, though Scripture forbids attempts to contact them through occult means. (See Chapter 15.)

Conditional Immortality. The view that immortality is not natural to humans but is given by God to those united with Christ; the unrepentant ultimately cease to exist (annihilationism) rather than suffering eternal conscious torment. A minority but historically attested view among evangelicals, compatible with substance dualism. (See Chapter 21.)

· · ·

D

Deathbed Experience (DBE) / Deathbed Vision (DBV). A vision occurring in the hours, days, or weeks before death, typically in conscious or semi-conscious patients. Usually involves seeing deceased loved ones, angels, or Christ; often accompanied by deep peace. DBEs are generally cleaner and more reliable than NDEs and align tightly with biblical themes.⁵ (See Chapter 3.)

Deceiving Spirits. Demonic beings whose work is doctrinal seduction, not crude harm. Paul warns of "deceitful spirits and teachings of demons" producing apostasy in the latter days (1 Timothy 4:1). Most demonic interference in NDEs is not horror-movie possession but subtle theological corruption. (See Chapter 7.)

Discerning of Spirits. A spiritual gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12:10 — the Spirit-given ability to recognize the source behind a spiritual claim or experience. The gift does not bypass Scripture; it works in submission to Scripture. NDE discernment requires both — biblical knowledge and Spirit-given perception. (See Chapters 4, 10.)

Distressing NDE / Inverse NDE. An NDE marked by fear, isolation, void, hellish imagery, or demonic encounter rather than peace and light. Researchers (Bush, Rommer, Greyson) propose several types. Not all distressing NDEs are demonic; not all are visits to hell. Some involve Hades, some demonic deception, some the experiencer's own terror, some divine discipline.⁶ (See Chapter 21.)

Dokimazō (δοκιμάζω). Greek verb meaning "to test, examine, prove" — the same word used for assaying precious metals. Found in 1 John 4:1 ("test the spirits"), 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ("test everything; hold fast what is good"), and Romans 12:2. The verb signals active, careful evaluation, not passive reception. (See Chapter 4.)

· · ·

E

Ecumenical Councils. Gatherings of bishops recognized as binding for the universal church. The first seven (Nicaea I through Nicaea II, AD 325-787) set the boundaries of Trinitarian and christological orthodoxy. Any "Jesus" in an NDE that contradicts the conciliar consensus is not the biblical Christ. (See Chapter 14.)

End-of-Life Experience (ELE) / Nearing-Death Awareness. Umbrella terms used in nursing and hospice literature for phenomena occurring near the end of life: deathbed visions, terminal lucidity, deceased-relative encounters, and unusual moments of clarity. Professionally neutral but describing biblically meaningful events. (See Chapter 3.)

Eschatology. The doctrine of last things — death, judgment, resurrection, the new heaven and new earth, eternal life. NDEs raise eschatological questions but cannot settle them. Eschatology must be drawn from Scripture, with NDE evidence playing a confirming, not foundational, role. (See Chapter 8.)

Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT). The traditional view that the unrepentant suffer endless conscious punishment in hell. The majority view in church history but contested by conditional immortality and universal reconciliation positions. NDE accounts of "hell" describe the intermediate experience of the unsaved (Hades), not necessarily the final state. (See Chapter 21.)

Evangelicalism. A historic Protestant movement marked by conviction about Scripture's authority, the centrality of the cross, the necessity of personal faith in Christ, and active mission. This book is written from within evangelicalism. (See Introduction; Chapter 1.)

· · ·

F

False Prophets. Persons who speak in God's name without God's authority, often producing impressive signs (Matthew 7:15-20; Deuteronomy 13:1-5). The category includes ancient false prophets, New Testament false teachers (2 Peter 2:1), and contemporary teachers whose message contradicts apostolic doctrine. (See Chapter 30.)

Final Judgment. The last public reckoning of all humanity before the throne of Christ (Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10), distinct from any preliminary judgment at death. NDE life reviews are best read as previews of, or analogues to, this final judgment. (See Chapter 16.)

· · ·

G

Gehenna and Lake of Fire. Gehenna (Greek geenna, from Hebrew ge-hinnom, "Valley of Hinnom") is Jesus' usual word for final judgment (Matthew 5:22; 10:28). Lake of Fire is Revelation's image for the same reality (Revelation 20:14). Both refer to the post-resurrection final state, not the intermediate Hades. (See Chapter 21.)

General and Special Revelation. God reveals Himself in two modes. General revelation goes to all people through creation, conscience, and providence (Romans 1-2). Special revelation comes through Scripture and supremely through Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). NDEs may carry general-revelation echoes; Scripture remains the standard. (See Chapter 8.)

Greyson NDE Scale. A 16-item questionnaire developed by Dr. Bruce Greyson (University of Virginia) to identify and quantify NDEs. A score of 7 or higher generally qualifies as a "true" NDE in the research literature. A standard tool throughout NDE studies.⁷ (See Chapter 2.)

· · ·

H

Hades and Sheol. Sheol (Hebrew שְׁאוֹל, šəʾôl) is the Old Testament's general realm of the dead. Hades (Greek ᾅδης, hadēs) is the New Testament equivalent. Jesus' parable in Luke 16 distinguishes a place of comfort from a place of torment within Hades. Hades is the temporary intermediate state of the unsaved, not the final Lake of Fire. (See Chapter 8.)

Hapax (ἅπαξ). Greek for "once" or "once for all." Used decisively in Hebrews 9:27-28: people die hapax, then come the judgment; Christ was offered hapax to bear sins. The word forecloses reincarnation and serial atonements. (See Chapter 23.)

Holistic Dualism. A version of substance dualism (defended notably by John Cooper) emphasizing that humans are a unified body-soul whole, even though the soul can survive the body's death. Preserves both biblical anthropology and the conscious intermediate state. The dominant view in this book.⁸ (See Chapter 9.)

· · ·

I

IANDS / NDERF. Two leading research and support organizations. IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies) is the oldest professional NDE society and hosts the Journal of Near-Death Studies. NDERF (Near-Death Experience Research Foundation), founded by Jeffrey Long, hosts the largest online repository of accounts. Both are mixed environments theologically. (See Chapter 5.)

Incarnation. The eternal Son's taking on of human nature — true God become true man — without ceasing to be God (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8). The incarnation is unique, historical, and unrepeatable. NDE messages that present Christ as one of many "incarnated masters" deny biblical incarnation. (See Chapter 14.)

Inerrancy. The doctrine that Scripture, in its original writings, is true and trustworthy in all that it teaches. Inerrancy does not mean Scripture answers every question; it means Scripture does not deceive on what it does address. The foundation for using Scripture as the test for any spiritual experience. (See Chapter 8.)

Intermediate State. The conscious existence of the soul between bodily death and bodily resurrection. Affirmed by Jesus (Luke 23:43; Luke 16:19-31), Paul (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23), and the Apostles' Creed. NDEs and DBEs are best understood as glimpses of this state. (See Chapter 9.)

· · ·

K – L

Karma, Samsara, Reincarnation. Linked Hindu and Buddhist concepts. Karma is the moral law of cause and effect across lives. Samsara is the cycle of rebirth. Reincarnation is the soul's repeated embodiment. All three contradict Hebrews 9:27 ("it is appointed for man to die once") and the gospel's logic of single life, single judgment, finished atonement. (See Chapter 23.)

Life Review. The phenomenon, frequent in NDEs, of seeing one's life replayed — often from multiple perspectives, with awareness of how one's actions affected others. Profoundly biblical in feel: every word will be accounted for (Matthew 12:36). They become problematic only when paired with universalist conclusions ("therefore everyone is fine"). (See Chapter 16.)

· · ·

M

Metaschēmatizetai (μετασχηματίζεται). Greek verb in 2 Corinthians 11:14 — "Satan disguises himself" or "transforms his outward appearance." Not a true change of being, but a change of schēma, of presentation. The biblical anchor for taking seriously the possibility of luminous demonic encounters. (See Chapter 7.)

Monism, Pantheism, Panentheism. Three related worldviews. Monism says all reality is one substance. Pantheism says all is God. Panentheism says all is in God (and God is more than all). Each erases the Creator-creature distinction in some way. NDE messages of cosmic oneness — "we are all God," "all is one consciousness" — reflect these worldviews, not biblical theism. (See Chapter 28.)

· · ·

N

Near-Death Experience (NDE). A reported lucid, structured experience occurring during clinical death, cardiac arrest, or other near-death crisis. Common features include out-of-body perception, a tunnel, a being of light, encounters with deceased loved ones, life review, a barrier, and return to the body. The Greyson Scale formalizes these features for research.⁹ (See Chapter 2.)

New Age Spirituality. A loose constellation of late-modern spiritual movements blending Eastern religion, Western occultism, and Romantic idealism. Marked by reincarnation, oneness teaching, "ascended masters," channeling, and a redefined "Christ." Many NDE accounts are interpreted through New Age categories. (See Chapters 27, 28.)

· · ·

O – P

Out-of-Body Experience (OBE). The perception, during an NDE or other crisis, of being outside one's physical body — often able to see one's body, the room, the medical team. Veridical OBEs (in which the experiencer accurately perceives details unavailable to the body) are some of the strongest NDE evidence for non-physicalist views of mind.¹⁰ (See Chapter 5.)

Past-Life Regression. A hypnotic technique purporting to recover memories of previous lives. Pseudoscientific and theologically incompatible with biblical anthropology. NDE-adjacent ministries that promote past-life regression have crossed into territory Scripture forbids. (See Chapter 23.)

Pharmakeia (φαρμακεία). Greek noun meaning "sorcery" or "magical drug-use," used in Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 9:21; 18:23. The root underlies modern "pharmacy" but in biblical usage names occult ritual practice, often involving altered states. The word reminds readers that drug-induced visions are not automatically divine revelation. (See Chapter 26.)

Phenomenology vs. Interpretation. Phenomenology is what an experiencer actually saw, heard, and felt. Interpretation is what they (or others) say it means. The distinction is critical: a person can have a genuine encounter and draw an unbiblical conclusion. (See Chapter 9.)

Physicalism. The view that human beings are wholly physical: no immaterial soul, no consciousness apart from brain. Often defended by Christian physicalists who locate continuity beyond death in resurrection alone. Cannot easily account for verified consciousness during flatline EEG.¹¹ (See Chapter 9.)

Pneuma and Ruach. Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) and Hebrew ruach (רוּחַ) both mean "wind, breath, spirit." Both can refer to the immaterial dimension of the human person and to the Spirit of God. Context determines which. NDE language about "spirit" should always be tested by biblical usage. (See Chapter 9.)

Postmortem Opportunity. The view that some persons who never had a meaningful chance to respond to Christ in this life may receive that opportunity at or after death. Held by a minority of evangelicals on the basis of texts like 1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:6 and the love-and-justice of God. The view is debated; it is not heretical. (See Chapter 21.)

Prospective vs. Retrospective Study. A prospective study enrolls patients before a cardiac event and tests for verifiable perception in real time. A retrospective study collects accounts after the fact. Prospective studies (Sabom's Atlanta Study; AWARE I and II) are stronger evidence because they reduce memory contamination.¹² (See Chapter 5.)

Psychē and Nephesh. Greek psychē (ψυχή) and Hebrew nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ) — usually translated "soul," but with a wider semantic range than English "soul." Both can mean "life," "self," or "the immaterial seat of personhood." Biblical anthropology is rich and resists simple body-soul-spirit charts. (See Chapter 9.)

· · ·

R – S

Resurrection. The bodily raising of the dead at Christ's return — the church's ultimate hope (1 Corinthians 15). Resurrection is not the same as the intermediate state. NDEs and DBEs glimpse the latter. The church awaits the former. Confusing the two distorts both. (See Chapter 8.)

Shared-Death Experience (SDE). An NDE-like experience reported by a healthy bystander at the moment of someone else's death — often a close family member. SDEs are theologically striking because they cannot be explained by the dying brain hypothesis: the bystander's brain is not dying. (See Chapter 5.)

Sōma (σῶμα). Greek for "body." Paul's most extended treatment is 1 Corinthians 15, where he argues for a resurrection body — a transformed, embodied future — not a disembodied permanent state. Christian eschatology is body-affirming. (See Chapter 8.)

Sola Scriptura. Latin for "Scripture alone." The Reformation principle that Scripture is the final, infallible authority for faith and practice; tradition, experience, and reason serve under Scripture. Sola Scriptura does not mean "Scripture only," ignoring tradition and reason; it means Scripture alone is the final court of appeal. The whole discernment project rests here. (See Chapter 8.)

Soul Contract / Council of Elders. NDE-literature claims that souls choose their parents, plan their lives, and meet with a "council of elders" before incarnating. The picture is reincarnationist and gnostic, not biblical. Scripture knows no pre-existent souls bargaining for life-circumstances. (See Chapter 24.)

Substance Dualism. The view that humans consist of two distinct substances — material body and immaterial soul — capable of existing in separation, though designed for unity. Defended classically by Aquinas and in contemporary form by Cooper, Farris, Moreland, and Wilkinson. The view this book defends.¹³ (See Chapter 9.)

Syncretism. The blending of incompatible religious systems into a single (often inconsistent) framework. Common in NDE-movement teaching, which often holds Jesus, karma, reincarnation, and universal love together as if they fit. They do not. (See Chapter 25.)

· · ·

T

Terminal Lucidity. An unexpected return of mental clarity in the final hours or days of dementia patients, sometimes accompanied by deathbed visions or theological speech. The phenomenon is well-documented and difficult to explain on a strict brain-as-mind model.¹⁴ (See Chapter 12.)

Testing the Spirits. The phrase from 1 John 4:1 that gives this book its title and shape. The command is to active, careful, biblical evaluation of every spiritual claim — not credulity, not cynicism. (See Chapter 4.)

Theopneustos (θεόπνευστος). Greek for "God-breathed," used in 2 Timothy 3:16 of Scripture. The word grounds Scripture's unique authority. NDE testimonies, however moving, are not theopneustos. They are evaluated by what is. (See Chapter 8.)

· · ·

U – V

Universal Reconciliation (UR). The view that, ultimately, all rational creatures will be reconciled to God in Christ — no eternal hell, no annihilation. Held in some form by a handful of church fathers (notably Gregory of Nyssa) and a minority of evangelicals today. Distinct from "all paths" pluralism: classical UR is Christ-centered. Debated, but in serious tension with major biblical streams.¹⁵ (See Chapter 21.)

Veridical NDE. An NDE in which the experiencer reports verifiable details — events, conversations, objects — that they could not normally have perceived from their physical position (often unconscious or clinically dead). The strongest empirical evidence that consciousness is not reducible to brain activity, and central to the dualism case.¹⁶ (See Chapter 5.)

· · ·

For deeper engagement with any term, follow the chapter cross-reference. For consolidated quick-reference evaluation tools, see Appendix B (the Discernment Checklist) and Appendix D (NDE Authors and Teachers — A Theological Orientation Guide).