She Says She Died For 9 Minutes & Had a Conversation With God? (Conversation Revealed)

In recent times, stories about near-death experiences (NDEs) have fascinated many. Individuals claim to have visited heaven, met God, or seen deceased loved ones. For Catholics, these accounts often raise questions about the afterlife and how they align or conflict with Church teachings. One such story currently circulating claims that a woman “died” for 9 minutes and had a conversation with God. So, what does the Catholic Church have to say about such narratives?

What Does the Church Say About Afterlife Experiences?

The Catholic Church is cautious about validating individual experiences that claim to reveal truths about the afterlife. While the Church does not outright reject the possibility of NDEs offering a genuine glimpse of the afterlife, these accounts are subject to scrutiny. The Church maintains that God’s ultimate revelation has been fully realized in Jesus Christ, and anything that contradicts this is not in line with Catholic teaching.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Only Jesus Christ, who is God, knows and judges. He will repay each one according to his works, and they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (CCC 679). This quote emphasizes that the ultimate knowledge and judgment belong to Jesus Christ, not individual human experiences.

Is She a Prophet?

If someone claims to have had a direct conversation with God, it’s natural to wonder if this person is a prophet. The Church has strict criteria for evaluating alleged private revelations. A crucial point is that private revelations do not add anything new to the faith; they are not considered equal to the revelation given through Scripture and Tradition.

The Bible says, “In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2, NIV). Thus, no new revelations can surpass the importance of Jesus Christ and the teachings already preserved by the Church.

Testing the Spirits

St. John’s admonition to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1) also applies here. Even if the woman genuinely believes she had an experience, it needs to be evaluated against the teachings of the Church. If it aligns, it could be considered a private revelation that may strengthen faith but is not universally binding.

The Risk of Sensationalism

The Church also warns against sensationalism. The Catechism notes, “Before Christ’s second coming, the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers” (CCC 675). This time will also include phenomena that could “deceive even the elect” (CCC 675). It would be wise to not let intriguing stories divert attention from the essence of faith—following Jesus Christ.

God’s Omnipotence and Human Experiences

It’s crucial to remember that God is not restricted in how He can reveal Himself. He is all-powerful, and nothing is impossible for Him. “For with God, nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

However, while God can certainly manifest Himself in many ways, that doesn’t mean that every claimed experience of God is valid. Again, it has to align with what has been definitively revealed in Jesus Christ and through His Church.

Theological Opinions

At this point, it’s good to distinguish between universal Church teachings and theological opinions. The Church’s position on the afterlife, Judgment, and the criteria for evaluating private revelations are universal teachings. However, whether a specific account of a near-death experience genuinely reflects an encounter with the divine falls under theological opinion.

What Should a Faithful Catholic Do?

Upon encountering such a story, a faithful Catholic should:

1. Test Against Doctrine: Ensure the experience doesn’t contradict the teachings of the Church.
2. Seek Guidance: Talk to a spiritual advisor or trusted clergy member about the account.
3. Focus on the Core: Don’t let such stories become a distraction from the core of the faith, which is Jesus Christ.

The allure of near-death experiences and similar accounts can be strong. Yet, it’s important to approach them with both openness and caution. In doing so, one safeguards the integrity of one’s faith while remaining open to the myriad ways God’s grace can manifest in the world.

🙏 Your PayPal Donation Appreciated

• donate monthly
• donate once only

Select a Donation Option (USD)

$1.00 (p/m) $10.00 (p/m) $20.00 (p/m) Other (p/m)

Enter Donation Amount (USD)

Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you.

Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.