Reading the near-death experience from an African perspective
HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies January 27, 2016 DOI: 10.4102/hts.v71i1.2898 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractNear-death experiences (NDEs) are typically studied as phenomena that do not provide evidence for an afterlife. However, from an African perspective, NDEs can be seen as supporting traditional beliefs about death and resurrection. Drawing on Ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs and those of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, the author argues that in African contexts, NDE percipients are not viewed as merely coming close to death but as having truly died. This research aims to initiate an African-centered debate on NDEs and provide background knowledge for counselors working with African NDE percipients.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Afterlife beliefs Culture Mind Near-death Soul |
| Key finding | Argues that near-death experiences, interpreted through African traditional beliefs, support the idea that percipients truly died, contrary to scientific views that NDEs do not evidence life after death. |
Abstract
The scientific study of near-death experience (NDE) teaches that NDE does not entail evidence for life after death, but a study of NDE from an African perspective implies that NDE could serve as a yardstick which supports African traditional beliefs concerning death and resurrection. Using references from Ancient-Egyptian afterlife beliefs and those of the Yorubas of Nigeria, I argue that, for Africans, the percipients of NDE did not only come close to death but are regarded as having truly died. The purpose of this research is to initiate an African debate on the subject and to provide background-knowledge about NDE in Africa for counsellors who counsel NDE percipients that are Africans.