Comparing the Holy Spirit in the Gospels with the Being of Light in Near–Death Experiences
Thomas Fuhrmann
European Journal of Theology and Philosophy May 16, 2025 DOI: 10.24018/theology.2025.5.3.157 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Key points | Argues that the Holy Spirit described in the Gospels and the "Being of Light" reported in near-death experiences are different descriptions of the same divine being, based on similarities in the encounter, the radiated divine love, communication of God's knowledge, guidance, and rebirth in the spirit. |
Abstract
The Holy Spirit is still one of the biggest mysteries within the Christian belief in God. This mystery is controversially discussed between the different confessions. Neither a commonly accepted general understanding of the nature nor an exact knowledge about the origin is achieved. This article gives a new interpretation of the Holy Spirit by comparing this personification of God as told by Jesus Christ in the Gospels with the Being of Light, which is reported by many people after their Near-Death Experiences. Very clear similarities in several aspects are found. These include the encounters with the Holy Spirit and the Being of Light, the radiated divine love, the communication of God’s knowledge to people, the help and guidance to people, and the rebirth in the spirit. This investigation sees clear indications that the Holy Spirit and the Being of Light are different descriptions of the same Divine Being.