Bilder vom Leben danach. Jenseitsvorstellungen und Nahtoderfahrungen

Birgit Heller

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Bilder vom Leben danach. Jenseitsvorstellungen und Nahtoderfahrungen

Images of the Afterlife: Notions of the Afterlife and Near-death Experiences

In: Taking Seriously, Not Taking Sides

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Birgit Heller

Birgit Heller
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 65–84

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.30965/9783657796601_005

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Abstract

An indispensable element of modern spirituality is people’s need to have their own authentic experience, with near-death experiences (NDEs) fulfilling that human need. Additionally, visual experiences surrounding death are always borderline experiences between life and death – and often beyond. From the perspective of religious studies, NDEs can be interpreted as transcendental experiences within the subjective experience of being close to death. Both the frequent occurrence and the broad public interest render NDEs the most popular transcendental experiences of modern times. In the crisis situation of the (subjective) encounter with death, a relatively large number of people immerse themselves in a spiritual/religious/ethical dimension that often has a lasting effect on their attitude towards life and death. In view of the abundance of religious ideas about the afterlife, the question arises as to what extent NDEs are characterised by them and in what ways they are linked to them. The contextualisation of this phenomenon in the history of religion aims to reveal common motifs, structures, and patterns of imagination despite varying cultural-religious emphases.

Abstract

Nahtoderfahrungen (NTE) erfüllen das Bedürfnis des modernen Menschen nach eigenem, authentischem Erleben, das ein unabdingbares Element der modernen Spiritualität bildet. Bildhafte Erfahrungen rund um den Tod sind immer auch Grenz-Erfahrungen, Erfahrungen an der Grenze zwischen Leben und Tod und oft darüber hinaus. Aus religionswissenschaftlicher Perspektive sind NTE als Transzendenzerfahrungen in subjektiv erlebter Todesnähe zu interpretieren. Sowohl das häufige Auftreten als auch das breite öffentliche Interesse machen NTE zu den populärsten Transzendenzerfahrungen der Moderne. In der Krisensituation der (subjektiven) Todesbegegnung tauchen relativ viele Menschen in eine spirituell/religiös-ethische Dimension ein, die ihre Einstellung zum Leben und zum Tod oft nachhaltig beeinflusst. Angesichts der Fülle religiöser Vorstellungen vom Leben danach, stellt sich die Frage, inwiefern NTE davon geprägt sind bzw. in welcher Weise sie daran anknüpfen. Die Kontextualisierung dieses Phänomens in der Religionsgeschichte hat das Ziel trotz spezifischer kulturell-religiöser Akzentsetzungen gemeinsame Motive, Strukturen und Vorstellungsmuster sichtbar zu machen.

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Taking Seriously, Not Taking Sides

Challenges and Perspectives in the Study of Religions

Series: Religion and Transformation in Contemporary European Society, Volume: 31

Cover Taking Seriously, Not Taking Sides

E-Book ISBN:: 9783657796601

Publisher:: Brill | Schöningh

Print Publication Date:: 09 Aug 2024

Subjects
- Theology and World Christianity
  - General

Front Matter

Part I Debates and Issues in Religious Studies

Part II Dimensions of Ritual

Part III Philosophy of Religion and Aesthetics

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Bilder vom Leben danach. Jenseitsvorstellungen und Nahtoderfahrungen

Images of the Afterlife: Notions of the Afterlife and Near-death Experiences

Abstract

Abstract

Citation Info

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Taking Seriously, Not Taking Sides

Challenges and Perspectives in the Study of Religions

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