An out of body experience, also known as astral projection, is a phenomenon where someone feels as if their consciousness or soul has left their physical body and is observing things from an outside perspective. This often occurs during sleep, meditation, near-death experiences, or psychedelic drug use. While scientifically explained as disturbances in brain activity, some believe astral projection allows the soul to travel to spiritual realms. But what does the Bible have to say about this? Here is an in-depth 9000 word look at out of body experiences from a biblical perspective.
Accounts of Out of Body Experiences in the Bible
There are a few biblical accounts that resemble out of body experiences or astral projection. One is in 2 Corinthians 12, where Paul speaks of a man (presumably himself) who was caught up into the third heaven and paradise: “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows” (2 Corinthians 12:2-3). Paul wasn’t sure if this vision occurred in or out of the man’s body.
Another possible out of body experience is when Ezekiel sees visions of God and angels, including seeing God’s glory depart from the temple (Ezekiel 1, 8-11). Ezekiel described being transported by the Spirit to various places in his visions. There is also John’s vision in Revelation 4 where he is called up to heaven “in the Spirit” and has vivid visual experiences.
While these accounts share similarities with modern out of body or astral projection claims, there are also key differences. In the Bible, these visions were initiated by God, not controlled by the person. They involved actual spiritual experiences of heaven, not just the physical realm. And there was uncertainty at times if they occurred in or out of the body.
Soul and Spirit in the Bible
To understand the biblical view of out of body experiences, we need to first look at what the Bible says about the soul and spirit. In Genesis 2:7, Scripture states that man was created by God breathing life into dust to make a “living soul” or being. Our soul is essentially our physical life and consciousness. In Job 33:4 it states, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” This affirms that it is God’s Spirit that gives us life. When combined with a body, a living soul is created.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 describes human beings having a spirit, soul, and body: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Here the spirit and soul are distinguished rather than being synonymous terms.
The spirit refers to the immaterial part of us that connects with God. Romans 8:16 states that “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” It is with our spirit that we can pray, discern God’s voice, and have intuition of divine truths. The spirit is eternal, returning to God at death (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Meanwhile, the soul is associated more with the mind, will, and emotions of our physical bodily existence (Matthew 26:38, Luke 1:46, Philippians 1:27). Our soul derives life from our spirit’s connection to God, which animates our physical body.
Can the Spirit Leave the Body?
If the spirit is the eternal, immortal part of human beings while the soul is who we are in earthly physical form, can the spirit ever separate from the body during life? Several biblical passages indicate the spirit remains connected to the body until the point of death.
In James 2:26 it states that “the body apart from the spirit is dead.” This implies that the spirit departs the body at death, not prior to it during any out of body experiences. Ecclesiastes 12:7 also says at death, “the spirit returns to God who gave it.” And Jesus in Matthew 10:28 said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Here Jesus distinguishes between the human body that can be killed and the eternal spirit/soul that lives past death.
When Stephen was martyred in Acts 7:59-60, he prayed “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” as he died. This indicates he believed his spirit would leave his body, going to be with Christ at the moment of physical death rather than during any prior out of body experiences.
While the Bible does not specifically talk about “astral projection,” the concept of the spirit completely leaving the living human body is never described and seems contrary to Scripture. Our body, soul, and spirit are interconnected in life and distinguished only in death.
Biblical Views on Out of Body Experiences
Though the spirit does not actually leave the body during life based on Scripture, what are some possible biblical explanations for out of body experiences?
1. Visions and Dreams from God
As referenced earlier, there are cases like Ezekiel, John, and Paul where God gave them spiritual visions and experiences that resembled out of body episodes. While extremely rare today, God may still be able to give people dreams or visions to accomplish His purposes.
However, these would be initiated by God and include visions of divine things like heaven, not just the physical realm. They may involve scenes beyond our normal senses, not actual spirit travel. And those having visions should have a lifestyle of prayerfully seeking God, like the prophets and apostles did.
2. Hallucinations or Brain Malfunctions
Scientifically, many out of body experiences can be attributed to disturbances in the temporal or parietal lobe areas of the brain that process sensory information. Essentially they are hallucinations or illusions that seem real but have no basis in reality.
While feeling profound or spiritual to the person experiencing them, biblically we have no evidence these represent actual separation of the spirit from the body. They have natural, physical explanations in how the brain misfires or misinterprets information.
3. Demonic Deceptions
Given that genuine out of body experiences seem to contradict Scripture’s descriptions of the human spirit, some could also be deceptions from Satan and demons. Scripture warns that demons can perform wonders and try to deceive people (2 Thessalonians 2:9, Revelation 16:14). Satan often tries to imitate or counterfeit the miraculous things of God, like visions.
In Matthew 24:24 Jesus warned that “false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Attempting to induce out of body experiences could potentially be used by demonic forces to confuse people or steer them away from biblical truth.
4. New Age or Occult Influences
Seeking out of body experiences often involves New Age, spiritist, or occult practices that open demonic doorways. Methods of trying to induce astral projection include hypnosis, meditation, chanting, and using psychedelic drugs. These can expose one to deceiving spirits rather than the true Holy Spirit.
The Bible strictly forbids occult practices like witchcraft, sorcery, astrology, and communication with spirits (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Mystical New Age techniques meant to manipulate the spiritual realm contradict God’s warnings in Scripture.
Dangers of Astral Projection and the Occult
Delving into astral projection and occult practices like it can lead one into very dangerous spiritual territory. Here are some hazards based on Scripture:
1. Opens Demonic Doorways
As mentioned, attempting astral projection often utilizes occult methods that can invite demonic spirits and deception. Even if no demons manifest at first, it creates doorways for them to operate through later on. This gives Satan legal rights that can lead to demonic oppression, attacks, and possession in people’s lives.
2. Spiritual Blindness and Deception
Practices like astral projection promise mystical experiences and hidden spiritual knowledge. But ultimately they lead to spiritual blindness and ignorance of the truth. People can become convinced they are having profound experiences, but be completely deceived. 2 Corinthians 4:4 warns that Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers.
3. Distracts People from God
Astral projection shifts focus to mystical experiences and supposed spiritual powers rather than developing an everyday relationship with God. No matter what feelings or experiences it creates, it ultimately distracts from the grace and truth offered to us through Jesus Christ. It’s a form of idolatry, worshipping spiritual experiences rather than the one true God.
4. Preys on Spiritual Thirst
Many people try astral projection because they have deep spiritual thirsts and longings inside. But the occult offers counterfeit fulfillment of these needs versus finding them in Jesus Christ. People searching for love, meaning, excitement or power get ensnared by the false promises of New Age practices. But real hope and purpose only come through the gospel and relationship with God.
5. Addictive and Harmful
Astral projection and occult practices tend to be highly addictive as people chase elusive experiences. And they can impact mental health, sometimes triggering psychotic episodes or suicidal tendencies. The dark spiritual realm is not meant to be tampered with. But only relying on the Holy Spirit brings peace and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Bible Warning Signs
Here are some warning signs from Scripture that an out of body or astral projection experience may be spiritually dangerous or demonically deceptive:
1. Focus on Experience, Mysticism, and Special Knowledge
Does it involve seeking profound mystical experiences, visions, or hidden spiritual knowledge? The Bible discourages relying on experiences, signs, and mysteries for faith. Scripture instead calls us to childlike trust based on the open revelation of Jesus Christ and God’s word (Matthew 18:3, Romans 10:17).
2. Using Means God Has Not Sanctioned
Astral projection methods often involve occult rituals, psychedelic drugs, hypnosis, meditation techniques, chanting mantras, controlled breathing, andvisualizing images. These are not disciplines God prescribes in the Bible, but instead can open demonic doorways.
3. Focus on Human Ability and Control
Does it emphasize new spiritual powers, human potential, or gaining control over situations? The occult deceives people into thinking they can manipulate the spiritual realm and gain special powers. But the Bible calls us to surrender our lives to God’s will and abilities, not seek spiritual shortcuts or control.
4. Contradicts Teachings of Scripture
As shown earlier, the actual separation of one’s spirit from their living body contradicts what the Bible reveals about the human soul and spirit. Scripture should be our ultimate authority on all spiritual matters, superseding any spiritual experiences.
5. Strange Physical Symptoms
In some cases, seeking astral projection causes unusual physical symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, visions of frightening entities, homicidal thoughts, and more. While not always, this can indicate demonic influence as Satan seeks to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10).
6. Becomes an Obsession
Astral projection often becomes an addiction, as people continually seek to reconnect with elusive experiences and feelings it evokes. This obsession distracts from a patient and steadfast relationship with God. We are to seek God first, not mystical experiences (Matthew 6:33).
Alternatives from a Biblical Perspective
For those drawn to astral projection or mystical spiritual experiences in general, the Bible offers healthier responses that can meet our inner longings in God-honoring ways:
1. Seek God First and Foremost
Rather than chasing spiritual highs, we are to focus on knowing God intimately and cultivating a relationship with Him. Experiences come and go, but God remains forever. He promises us abundant and righteous living through walking with Him by faith (Matthew 6:33, John 10:10).
2. Fill Your Spirit with God’s Presence
Instead of using meditation techniques meant to “detach” our spirit from the physical realm, call upon Jesus to fill you continually with His Holy Spirit’s presence. As we worship God, pray, read Scripture, and surrender daily to Him, our spirit will naturally overflow with His presence and peace.
3. Renew Your Mind with Scripture
The Bible renews our minds as we meditate on God’s truth (Romans 12:2). Instead of emptying our mind or repeating mantras aimlessly, we can fill our mind with God’s Word and biblically-based wisdom.
4. Gain Revelation through Wisdom and Discernment
Rather than seeking hidden mystical insights through questionable spiritual practices, ask God for discernment, wisdom and revelation knowledge grounded in Scripture. God promises to give wisdom liberally when we ask in faith and seek to understand and apply His Word.
5. Experience God’s Presence in Christian Community
We are designed to experience and worship God together with other believers, not only individually. Being part of a church provides support, encourages spiritual growth, and gives opportunities to experience God’s presence in community.
6. Serve Others with Christ’s Love
Another key way to experience meaning and God’s presence is by serving and blessing others in Jesus’ name. As we pour into people’s lives spiritually, emotionally, and physically, we receive joy and fulfillment in return.
7. Wait on Divine Visions Patiently
While still possible today, we don’t need to seek visions and supernatural experiences. As we wait on God faithfully, He may occasionally grant them for His purposes. But we must test them carefully against Scripture and gain wisdom from mature Christians.
Closing Thoughts
Though intriguing, out of body experiences and astral projection are spiritually risky and provide false fulfillment compared to relationship with Jesus Christ. Our spirit and soul were designed to connect with God, not detach from our body. While we may occasionally have dreams, visions, or impressions from the Spirit, we don’t need to generate or control supernatural experiences. The Bible encourages childlike faith in God over chasing mystical insights. By walking closely with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, community and service, our deep spiritual thirsts can be filled with His enduring presence and abundant life.
