Podcast Summary: "When You Die, You See It" – Michael & Near-Death Experiences | Lee Strobel

Episode Information:

• Title: When You Die, You See It
• Podcast: The Michael Knowles Show
• Host: Michael Knowles
• Guest: Lee Strobel
• Release Date: June 28, 2025
• Description: In this engaging episode, Michael Knowles converses with Lee Strobel about near-death experiences (NDEs), supernatural encounters, and their implications on faith and the understanding of life after death.

Introduction to Near-Death Experiences

The episode begins with Lee Strobel sharing a profound personal experience that sets the stage for the discussion on near-death experiences. Strobel recounts observing his own body's resuscitation from a spiritual perspective:

Lee Strobel [00:30]: "I was watching from the ceiling of the room in the hospital as they were trying to resuscitate my body. [...] There's a sticker, a red sticker on the top of one of the blades."

This anecdote underscores the notion that consciousness persists even when the body is clinically dead, aligning with biblical teachings about the separation of spirit and body.

Exploring the Nature of Near-Death Experiences

Michael Knowles delves into the broader implications of NDEs, questioning their meaning and significance:

Michael Knowles [01:10]: "When you have these not just near death experiences, but even just broader numinous experience, you think you encounter an angel. What does it mean?"

Strobel acknowledges that some NDEs have a hellish component, adding depth to the conversation:

Lee Strobel [02:46]: "There is a certain percentage of people who go through a near death experience who have a hellish experience."

Corroborative Evidence in NDEs

Strobel emphasizes the importance of evidence and corroboration in validating NDEs. He shares two compelling cases where individuals reported accurate observations during their clinical death that were later verified:

1. Maria's Experience:

   Lee Strobel [04:06]: "She describes a sticker on the ceiling fan that no one in the room could see, but upon investigation, the sticker matched her description."

2. Katie's Canvas Drawing:

   Lee Strobel [05:15]: "A nine-year-old girl who drowned drew a detailed picture of the emergency room, including specifics about her family's activities, which were later confirmed to be accurate."

These cases demonstrate that consciousness can remain active and aware even when the body shows no signs of life, challenging materialistic views of the brain as the sole seat of consciousness.

Philosophical Implications and the Nature of the Intellect

The conversation shifts to philosophical underpinnings, referencing St. Thomas Aquinas' views on the intellect's immateriality:

Michael Knowles [09:11]: "St. Thomas Aquinas [...] says the intellect is immaterial and cannot receive immaterial forms, indicating that the intellect is distinct from the material brain."

Strobel adds a thought experiment introduced by neuroscientist Dr. Sharon Dirix to illustrate the limitations of a purely materialistic understanding of the mind:

Lee Strobel [10:45]: "Mary, a leading expert on vision, is blind. If she suddenly gains sight, she learns something new, indicating that consciousness or intellect is separate from the physical brain."

Personal Stories Highlighting Transformation

Strobel shares transformative personal stories that illustrate the profound impact of NDEs and supernatural encounters:

1. Howard Storm's Transformation:

   Lee Strobel [14:06]: "Howard, an atheist, experienced a terrifying encounter during his clinical death, leading him to convert to Christianity and become a pastor."

2. Michael Knowles' Experiences:

   Michael Knowles [31:05]: "Share two personal encounters with individuals who identified themselves as angels during critical moments."

These narratives highlight how such experiences can lead to significant life changes, reinforcing faith and altering personal beliefs.

Understanding Negative NDEs and Demonic Interactions

The discussion acknowledges that not all near-death experiences are positive. Strobel recounts Howard Storm's harrowing experience:

Lee Strobel [14:06]: "Howard was assaulted by malevolent beings during his clinical death, which ultimately prompted his conversion to faith."

Additionally, Strobel touches upon encounters with demonic forces, referencing biblical accounts and personal anecdotes:

Lee Strobel [63:04]: "John G. Paton, a Scottish missionary, believed he was protected by angels during a life-threatening situation."

These examples illustrate the dual nature of supernatural experiences and the importance of discernment in interpreting them.

Miracles and Scientific Validation

Strobel discusses documented miracles that have been scientifically validated, reinforcing the reality of the supernatural:

Lee Strobel [89:25]: "A woman blind for twelve years regained perfect vision after her husband prayed for her, a case studied and published in a medical journal."

He also references rigorous studies showing improvement in sensory impairments following prayer:

Lee Strobel [90:00]: "Research conducted in Mozambique and Brazil demonstrated significant improvements in vision and hearing after intercessory prayer, published in respected scientific journals."

These instances provide empirical support for the existence of miracles and the efficacy of faith-based prayers.

Private vs. Public Revelation

The conversation differentiates between private revelations (personal supernatural experiences) and public revelations (biblical teachings):

Lee Strobel [80:10]: "When assessing private revelations, it's crucial to measure them against Biblical teachings to determine their authenticity."

Strobel underscores the necessity of life transformation as evidence of genuine supernatural encounters:

Lee Strobel [82:37]: "Robert, a former narcissist, experienced a life-altering encounter that led to his radical transformation and eventual baptism."

This section highlights the criteria for validating personal supernatural experiences within a faith framework.

The Role of Angels and Supernatural Protectors

The duo explores the biblical basis for angelic protection and interactions:

Lee Strobel [74:30]: "Elisha's servant saw an angelic army protecting them, deepening his faith and providing courage."

Strobel shares his personal practice of praying for angelic protection, influenced by his studies and experiences:

Lee Strobel [58:44]: "I pray, 'God, send your angels to protect me,' and it's made a significant difference in my life."

This segment emphasizes the practical implications of believing in and seeking supernatural protection.

Conclusion: Affirming the Reality of the Supernatural

Wrapping up, Knowles and Strobel reaffirm the validity of supernatural experiences and their impact on faith:

Lee Strobel [93:26]: "The resurrection is one of the most well-attested events of the ancient world, supporting the truth of Christianity."

Michael Knowles [92:42]: "Reading accounts like these reminds us that God exists, His Son is incarnate, crucified, and resurrected for the forgiveness of sins."

The episode concludes with a call to listeners to explore these phenomena further, encouraging a deeper understanding of faith and the unseen world.

Notable Quotes:

• Lee Strobel [00:30]: "I was watching from the ceiling of the room in the hospital as they were trying to resuscitate my body. [...] There's a sticker, a red sticker on the top of one of the blades."

• Michael Knowles [01:10]: "When you have these not just near death experiences, but even just broader numinous experience, you think you encounter an angel. What does it mean?"

• Lee Strobel [10:45]: "Mary, a leading expert on vision, is blind. If she suddenly gains sight, she learns something new, indicating that consciousness or intellect is separate from the physical brain."

• Lee Strobel [14:06]: "Howard was assaulted by malevolent beings during his clinical death, which ultimately prompted his conversion to faith."

• Lee Strobel [89:25]: "A woman blind for twelve years regained perfect vision after her husband prayed for her, a case studied and published in a medical journal."

• Lee Strobel [82:37]: "Robert, a former narcissist, experienced a life-altering encounter that led to his radical transformation and eventual baptism."

Final Thoughts:

In "When You Die, You See It," Michael Knowles and Lee Strobel engage in a profound exploration of near-death experiences, miracles, and supernatural encounters. Through personal stories, philosophical discussions, and scientific evidence, they affirm the existence of an unseen world intertwined with human consciousness and faith. This episode serves as an insightful resource for listeners seeking to understand the complexities of life after death and the tangible impacts of faith-based experiences.