By Donnie Yance

“There isn’t anything about a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.” 

                                                 –Buckminster Fuller

The parallels between near-death experiences (NDEs) and the core narrative of Easter in Christian theology are both striking and profound. Easter commemorates Christ’s resurrection—the ultimate transition from death to new life—which resonates deeply with NDE accounts. Many experiencers report feelings of transcendence, encounters with a loving presence, and a sense of passing through darkness into brilliant light, mirroring the Passion and Resurrection story central to Christian faith.

The neural phenomena observed during NDEs, particularly the surge in brain activity before death and the reorganization of consciousness¹, may offer a scientific lens through which to contemplate the mystery of resurrection. Just as Christ’s resurrection represents transformation rather than mere resuscitation, NDEs often transform individuals’ perspectives on life, death, and spirituality. Many return with diminished fear of death, increased compassion, and a profound sense of purpose; these are all outcomes that align with the Easter message of hope and spiritual renewal.

Moreover, both NDEs and the Easter narrative challenge our conventional understanding of death’s finality. The Christian belief that death is not the end but a threshold to something greater finds interesting parallels in neurobiological research suggesting consciousness may persist or transform even as the brain undergoes the process of shutting down. While science cannot validate theological claims about an afterlife, these neurological findings offer an intriguing framework for contemplating Easter’s promise of life beyond physical death.

For many Christians, Easter represents the ultimate victory of life over death, a theme powerfully echoed in the testimonies of those who have glimpsed what might lie beyond life’s threshold through their near-death experiences. This convergence of scientific inquiry and spiritual tradition may enrich both our neurobiological understanding and our theological contemplation of life’s greatest mystery.

“The essential function of religion is to radically connect us with everything (Re-ligio = to re-ligament or reconnect).”   –Richard Rohr

Science & Religion: Are They Two Sides Of The Same Coin?

Sajid Khan wrote an interesting piece, entitled “Science and Religion: Two sides of the same coin or One Entity?” (February 21, 2009). Within this paper, Khan explains that science approaches every inquiry with a question mark, while religion presents its tenets as established law. Yet beneath this apparent dichotomy lies a compelling convergence. When we examine religion’s core objective, the manifestation of the divine soul, we find a parallel in modern scientific pursuits. Though this domain remains somewhat undefined in scientific terms, mind sciences increasingly focus on actualizing human potential through the development of emotional intelligence to what might be called a “super mature” level. This quest for human flourishing mirrors religion’s aim to nurture the divine essence within humanity, both ultimately seeking to cultivate love and compassion in all people.

In matters of wisdom, religion confidently directs followers toward time-tested wise pathways. This approach makes sense considering mainstream science has largely sidestepped the formal study and definition of wisdom. Religion may indeed have an advantage in this realm. Perhaps prophetic figures understood that until humanity could independently discover and define wisdom, wise behaviors needed codification through religious law. This perspective offers a compelling rationale for religion’s approach.

The Conscious Plasma Hypothesis

In the book, A New Science of Heaven, Robert Temple synthesizes decades of research into plasma science, presenting readers with a comprehensive history of this field, profiles of its pioneering scientists, and an analysis of groundbreaking recent discoveries. Temple’s work is particularly focused on the remarkable Kordylewski dusty plasma clouds situated within the Earth-Moon system at Lagrangian points L4 and L5.

University of Washington/SRI

These extraordinary formations are truly massive—each cloud measures approximately four and a half times the size of Earth—and possess distinctly organized internal structures (as illustrated in the image above). What makes Temple’s research especially provocative is his assertion that dusty plasma exhibits emergent properties suggesting a form of intelligence. He boldly proposes that “the Kordylewski Clouds hovering over the Earth may well be vastly more intelligent than human beings.”

The Levengood Connection

This hypothesis resonates with the work of Dr. William Levengood, a biophysicist who made significant contributions to crop circle research before his death. In conversations with researcher Penny Kelly, Levengood notably claimed that “plasma is conscious, and it responds to consciousness.” His pioneering investigations led him to propose that ion plasma vortices were the most likely mechanism responsible for crop circle formation, a theory that suggests plasma may interact with or respond to conscious intent.

Implications for Consciousness Studies

The intersection of plasma physics and consciousness studies opens fascinating avenues for scientific exploration. If plasma can indeed exhibit properties associated with consciousness or respond to conscious intent, this could fundamentally alter our understanding of consciousness itself. Some researchers speculate that plasma might serve as a medium through which consciousness operates or manifests in physical reality.

The organized complexity observed in dusty plasma clouds and their behavior has led some theorists to suggest these formations might represent a form of intelligence fundamentally different from our carbon-based consciousness, perhaps operating at scales and timeframes vastly different from human perception.

While these theories remain speculative and controversial within mainstream science, they highlight the rich potential for interdisciplinary research between physics, consciousness studies, potentially even astrobiology, and finally theology.

“The Greatest Obstacle to Discovery Is Not Ignorance—It Is the Illusion of Knowledge”            –Daniel J. Boorstin

Phronesis: Wisdom in Life, Death, and Resurrection

Phronesis, often translated as “practical wisdom” or “prudence,” is a key concept in Aristotelian ethics. It represents the ability to know how to achieve a certain end and to determine what action is best in a particular situation. Unlike theoretical wisdom, phronesis is concerned with action rather than knowledge for its own sake. It involves making good decisions based on experience, moral virtue, ethics and rational deliberation. For Aristotle, phronesis was essential to living a good life, as it enables individuals to navigate complex ethical situations by finding the appropriate middle ground between extremes.

Phronesis illuminates our understanding of Easter’s profound message. In life’s paradoxes, phronesis guides us to discern meaning beyond mere knowledge. Easter embodies this wisdom: death transforms into renewal, suffering into redemption. When we apply phronesis to our mortality, we recognize that endings create beginnings. The Easter narrative invites us to embrace this wisdom—seeing that our finite existence acquires meaning precisely through its limitations, just as resurrection becomes possible only after death. By cultivating phronesis, we learn to navigate life’s complexities with discernment, finding purpose in both our celebrations and sufferings.

Phronesis can be acquired through multiple avenues: a nurturing upbringing, dedicated wisdom education, or the gradual erosion of ignorance through decades of confronting reality and truth. Alternatively, one can adopt phronesis behaviors and follow established wisdom traditions. Given these complexities, religion’s approach of encouraging wise behavior through moral frameworks seems not only reasonable but perhaps necessary.

So, we return to our initial question: are science and religion two distinct sides of the same coin, or might they be the same entity viewed through different lenses? Perhaps they represent complementary approaches to our shared human quest for understanding, growth, and fulfillment.

My Journey Through Mussar: Finding Personal Growth in Ancient Jewish Wisdom

Mussar stands as one of Judaism’s most profound yet often overlooked spiritual practices—a transformative disciplinary approach that emerged through the integration of Kabbalistic wisdom, ethical teachings, and contemplative practice. This ancient wisdom tradition, dating back to 10th century Babylonia but formalized in 19th century Lithuania, offers a structured path toward ethical and spiritual refinement that continues to resonate with seekers across diverse backgrounds.

At its core, Mussar provides practical methods for cultivating middot (character traits, or what Christians refer to as virtues) through consistent self-reflection, textual study, and mindful action. Unlike purely theoretical approaches to ethics, Mussar emphasizes the lived experience of virtue, challenging practitioners to identify and address their unique spiritual challenges while developing greater awareness of their innate Divine potential.

Mussar offers a profound spiritual framework that provides guidance and wisdom for all dimensions of human experience—from our most intimate family relationships to our professional endeavors and social interactions. As an ancient Jewish spiritual practice focused on ethical and character development, Mussar presents a systematic approach to personal growth that transcends religious boundaries.

The practice engages multiple dimensions of human psychology, including critical existential reflection, development of personal meaning systems, transcendent awareness, and expanded consciousness. This holistic approach nurtures our capacity for profound self-understanding and ethical growth. As we deepen this practice, we gradually embody our highest potential—what some traditions might call our Divine nature—and express it authentically in daily life.

The symbolism of Easter resonates deeply with this transformative journey, representing renewal, resurrection, and the triumph of light over darkness. Just as Easter celebrates the possibility of rebirth and transcendence, our spiritual practices invite us to continuously die to old limitations and rise into expanded states of being and consciousness. This sacred process of death and rebirth mirrors the eternal cycles we witness in nature and throughout spiritual traditions.

This journey is not merely philosophical but transformative, enabling us to manifest compassion, wisdom, and purpose in all our interactions. Through consistent engagement with these practices, we create ripples of positive change that extend beyond ourselves, ultimately contributing to a more conscious, connected, and loving world. The path may be challenging, but the rewards, for ourselves and all beings, are immeasurable. 

About the Author:

Donald R. Yance is the founder of the Mederi Center. A Clinical Master Herbalist and Certified Nutritionist, Donnie is renowned for his extraordinary knowledge and deep understanding of the healing properties of plants and nutrition, as well as of epigenetics, laboratory medicine, oncologic pathology, and molecular oncology. He is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, National Association of Nutrition Professionals, Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, and the Society for Integrative Oncology.

References:

 ¹ Martial, C., Fritz, P., Gosseries, O. et al. A neuroscientific model of near-death experiences. Nat Rev Neurol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-025-01072-z