The myth of the near-death journey.
Journal of Near-Death Studies 1991 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-1991-10-1-p49-60 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the near-death experience functions as a prototype of the transcendent contact encounter and offers a model for an evolutionary theory of religion. Contends that NDEs can renew the mythic idea of death as a journey rather than a termination and may stimulate spiritual revolution. |
Abstract
Article examining the meaning and developmental potential of the near-death experience (NDE) as a stimulus to inner exploration. The NDE as a prototype of the transcendent contact encounter offers a model for an evolutionary theory of religion. The author's experiences and contemporary portrayals of NDEs suggest that the experience is a vehicle for the mythic renewal of our idea of death as a journey rather than as a termination, and may be a stimulus for spiritual revolution.