Cognitive Science and the New Testament A New Approach to Early Christian Research

expectations in subjective experience. Existing memories and cognitive sche-
mata will influence the emerging experience as well as determine the general
conceptual framework into which elements of the experience are integrated.

7.8 EXAMPLE: THE TOUR OF HEAVEN IN THE

ASCENSION OF ISAIAH

Let us see how the two-phase model sheds light on an actual tour of heaven by
taking a quick look at theAscension of Isaiah, an early Christian writing
(possibly based on a Jewish source) from the latefirst or early second century
(Nicklas, 2013). Thefirst part of the book (chapters 1–5) contains a historical
narrative that connects events during the lifetime of the Jewish prophet Isaiah to
the experience and apocalyptic expectations of an early Christian group.
Scholars have put forward a number of theories as to the identity and historical
context of the Christian group to which the text refers, the details of which do
not concern us in this chapter (Bremmer et al., 2015). The second half of the
book (chapters 6–11) describes Isaiah’s tour of heaven.
At the beginning of the tour, an angel takes Isaiah’s hand and leads him
upwards (7.2–3). It seems as though Isaiah has left behind his body, a clear
indication of an OBE (7.5, 8.11, 14). Feelings of joy, kindness, and peacefulness
are emphasized (7.6–7). The ascent through the“firmament”also means
leaving behind earthly reality, which the text says mirrors the envy and
struggle of the powers in thefirmament (7.9). This can be connected to the
easy penetration of physical boundaries and leaving behind earthly bounds in
the early phase of the awakening sequence. Beautiful singing is heard and glory
is seen as Isaiah passes through subsequent levels of heaven. Strong light (8.21)
is an equally important clue. Difficulties of rising higher are hinted at the“air
of the seventh” heaven, where a voice identifies Isaiah as an intruder

Table 7.1.Comparing McNamara’s and Marsh’s models

McNamara Marsh Note

Mechanism serotonergic and
dopaminergic systems

recovery from

hypoxia

SER/DA response not
regionally divided
Scope entheogens, with
implications for all religious
experience

extra-corporeal

experiences (ECE)

ECE not meant to explain

all religious experience

Structure 1. hallucinatory experience 1. early phase

2. insight 2. late phase
   Extras emotional and motivational
   aspects

social ties,

boundaries,

environment

Religious Experience 163