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Friday May 9,2008

Can science duplicate the NDE

by Leroy Kattein

Can NDEs be duplicated by Scientists under controlled laboratory conditions?

Yes and No. As of this writing I know of no studies or experiments that have produced a full-blown Near Death Experience. By that, I mean a NDE that contains the essential element of a discussion between a "Spirit Being" and the Experiencer as to whether physical life will continue. Absence of this discussion excludes the experience from being labeled NDE, in my opinion. However, it does not exclude it from being a real spiritual event.

Near Death Experiences are only a small part of the very large field of metaphysics. But a very important part, since they prove life continues after death. Other elements of metaphysics include Out-of-Body experiences, Pre-Birth experiences, Miracles, Lucid Dreams, Visions, ESP in all its various forms, Reincarnation, After Death Communications, Spiritual Healings, experiencing the Creator's Love, Spiritual Justice and Morality, etc, etc. If one studies the field of metaphysics it soon becomes apparent these experiences all thread into the fabric of the Greater Spiritual Reality that is our real beginnings, our real home.

Keeping in mind that Near Death Experiences happen when the body ceases (dies) to function, we can examine scientific claims of duplication.

There are three basic types of experiments that I am aware of:

1. The use of mind/body altering drugs.

2. Stressing the body to the point of collapse, as in the Navy Airmen gravity testing by centrifuge.

3. Stimulation of the brain by electical, laser, chemical or other means.

The first two methods invoke stress, disorientation, interference with normal body functions, and even trauma in some cases. Too many drugs, or too much G-Force will cause the subject to die. The third method, brain stimulation, can not be considered proof of biological NDEs until science finds tangible biological proof that memory, consciousness, NDEs, etc. exist in the brain, see the Brain Thing for further explanation.

So, while some of these "body stress" experiments have produced certain "elements" found in the NDE it is understandable that they would. There is no biological argument for science because they can apply gravitation forces to the body that stop the blood flow to the brain which then causes a person to experience some "elements" of the NDE. Heart attacks do the same thing. It is just a difference of method, fortunately the centrifuge can be stopped quickly, a heart attack usually can not. None of these G-Force stresses have actually duplicated a full-blown NDE to my knowledge.

The only way science could (might) produce a real NDE is to take the subject into clinical death. I saw an account of this on television (A&E). A patient's body temperature was lowered to 50 degrees and the heart stopped so surgery could be done on a brain aneurism. The patient had an Out-of-Body Experience that surprised and changed her perspective of life. She left her body, looked down upon it, and observed the instrument being used in the operation.