Then what explains the near death experiences?
What explains dreams or hallucinations while taking LSD? Our brains and senses f*cking with us. I sometimes dream I can fly. Does that mean I can and, I'm just not trying hard enough?
NDR's are definitely odd and fascinating but, I don't see them as proof of an afterlife. Even if multiple people claim to have seen the same thing. A bright light etc. What if they are expecting to see it? Could that not be influencing their perception?
I read about a really tragic case actually once, when a patient died as they were having a brain scan. Awful for him- obviously but, it must have been useful to those witnessing it. Apparently, the brain displayed vigorous activity in certain areas. Especially those associated with memory. Hence, perhaps why people claim their life flashed before their eyes.
We know the brain/ body is capable of producing very potent hormones. We've likely all experienced an adrenaline rush. I can fully believe that at the end, the brain gets swamped with all sorts of natural chemicals. It wouldn't surprise me if it's like nothing we ever experienced before. That isn't necessarily proof that those things were real though- outside of our own bodies and brains.
It would be different (for me) if we didn't dream and we didn't hallucinate under certain conditions. Seeing as we are capable of both though, I just personally see NDE's an an extreme extension of that.
I just don't know about an afterlife. I'm hoping for nothing personally. I've already lived this life against my will. I don't fancy the next one being the same. Plus, if there is a creator behind this world, I don't want to be a part of anything else they've had their hands in. Either heaven or hell and, definitely not for eternity! I don't have a strong belief either way though. Only fear!