Exploring the Role of Bereavement Hallucinations in Early Christian Resurrection Beliefs

This manuscript investigates the hypothesis that the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, as described in the New Testament, could be understood as bereavement hallucinations or collective delusions, rather than as bodily resurrection events. By integrating insights from modern psychological and anthropological studies on bereavement, sensory experiences and attachment theory, the study critically examines the nature and frequency of bereavement hallucinations and their potential influence on the early Christian community’s experiences. The analysis suggests that the cultural and psychological context of first-century Palestine may have facilitated such phenomena, providing an alternative explanation for the disciples’ experiences that aligns with established interdisciplinary research. This approach offers a different perspective on the origins of resurrection beliefs, challenging traditional interpretations and prompting further scholarly dialogue on the interface between psychology and religious studies.