Today is Day 7 of our 20-Day Easter Special
Each day from April 1 to April 20, we’re critically examining one aspect of the resurrection story—through the lens of evidence, logic, and human psychology. Today, we explore the powerful role grief plays in shaping religious visions, particularly claims of seeing the risen Jesus.
Were the Disciples Hallucinating?
One of the most compelling naturalistic explanations for the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus is psychological: the appearances weren’t literal events, but experiences shaped by grief, guilt, and expectation.
In other words, what if those early “sightings” were not visitations—but visions?
The Power of Grief
Bereavement hallucinations are surprisingly common. Studies show that up to 60% of widowed people report seeing, hearing, or feeling the presence of their deceased loved one in the weeks or months after death.
These experiences often feel very real and comforting, especially for people going through extreme emotional trauma or who are deeply religious.
Now consider the disciples:
- They had just watched their teacher die a humiliating death.
- They were frightened, scattered, and possibly ashamed of abandoning him.
- They desperately needed meaning and hope.
This is precisely the emotional context in which bereavement hallucinations thrive.
Group Hallucinations?
Some argue that hallucinations are personal—so how could multiple people experience the same thing?
That’s a fair question, but it assumes all resurrection experiences were simultaneous. They weren’t. According to the Gospels and Paul:
- Appearances happened individually (Mary, Peter),
- In small groups (Emmaus road, upper room),
- And possibly in larger gatherings (the “500” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15—though no details are given).
Social contagion, group reinforcement, and the human desire to “believe” can go a long way in explaining how a personal vision becomes a shared story over time—especially in tight-knit religious groups.
Expectation Shapes Perception
Cognitive science tells us that what we expect to see strongly influences what we think we do see.
If the disciples expected a resurrected Jesus—because he said he’d return, because they hoped he would—they were primed to interpret ambiguous experiences (dreams, shadows, inner voices) as real encounters.
This isn’t deceit—it’s human.
The God Question’s Core Philosophy Applied
✔ Does the resurrection rely on evidence or belief?
The post-resurrection stories offer no verifiable evidence—only subjective reports from believers.
✔ Are natural explanations considered?
Not in church—but they should be. Hallucinations, grief psychology, and confirmation bias are well-documented in both religious and secular contexts.
✔ Is the claim falsifiable?
No. If you believe Jesus appears to people supernaturally, there’s no way to disprove it—and that’s the problem.
✔ Does the supernatural explanation raise more questions than it answers?
Yes. Why did only followers see him? Why are their accounts contradictory? Why do similar visions occur in non-Christian religions?
Conclusion: Vision, Not Visitation
It’s not disrespectful to ask whether something really happened. In fact, it’s vital.
The resurrection stories—while moving—fit neatly into a psychological pattern we see throughout human history. People don’t want their leaders to be gone. So their minds fill the silence with presence.
Not because they’re lying.
But because they’re grieving.
📺 For Further Exploration:
Title: Grief Hallucinations
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Description: This video delves into the experiences of individuals who have reported sensing the presence of deceased loved ones, discussing the psychological aspects of such phenomena.
You can watch the video here:
This resource should provide valuable insights into the psychological experiences associated with grief and how they might relate to historical accounts of post-resurrection appearances.
God or Delusion? 