Guests include Charles Tart, Richard Swinburne, Robert Park, James Tabor, and Keith Ward. They discuss topics such as consciousness, scientific tests, skepticism, religious perspectives, the afterlife in Judaism and Christianity, contrasting views on the afterlife, and different religious conceptions of the afterlife.
Scientific testing supports the possibility of survival beyond death through investigating experiences related to the soul and consciousness.
The resurrection of Jesus is considered a well-authenticated historical event, providing evidence for an afterlife based on faith.
Deep dives
Scientific Testing of Life After Death
Charles Tart, an expert in altered states of consciousness and parapsychology, challenges conventional wisdom by scientifically testing claims of life after death. Despite being initially skeptical, Tart acknowledges that there is enough evidence to not dismiss the possibility of survival beyond death. He emphasizes the importance of investigating experiences related to the soul and consciousness instead of simply discarding them as impossible.
Revelation and Resurrection in Christianity
Richard Swinburne, a Christian philosopher, asserts that evidence for an afterlife must come from revelation, particularly the resurrection of Jesus. He considers the resurrection as a well-authenticated historical event and the foundation of the Christian religion. Swinburne acknowledges that there may not be enough evidence to convince everyone, but he believes in the reality of an afterlife based on his faith in Jesus' resurrection.
Hebrew Views on Afterlife and Radical Incompleteness
James Tabor, a scholar of early Jewish and Christian beliefs, explores the historical development of afterlife concepts in the Hebrew Bible. He reveals that the Old Testament lacks explicit mentions of an afterlife, with the focus being on death as the end. However, the idea of resurrection emerged in Jewish thought, challenging the Greek concept of immortality of the soul. Tabor argues that resurrection, rather than an immortal soul, represents a more genuine response to the reality of death.
Do I disappear at death? My body? Sure, it's gone. But my awareness? Does my consciousness end forever? What could be more frightening! Is there any hope here?
Featuring interviews with Charles Tart, Richard Swinburne, Robert Park, James Tabor, and Keith Ward.