This is a subject that interests me. As to whether we have a spirit.
Due to an experience as a child I have always been interested in Near Death Experiences. I am a nurse and have heard of people that have been successfuly resuscitated (the unsuccesful ones strangely remain quiet on the subject) that have recounted experiences that are interesting though I could explain using a scientific approach. An article that I read that I find difficult to explain was that of a casualty doctor in America who put posters on top of cupboards and occasionally people that were resuscitated would ask why they were.
I tend to agree with you jomifl, that it's most likely the brain playing tricks, especially as they often seem to follow the same template, which everyone knows. So maybe we see what we expect to see.
What I do know is, I don't want to find out myself any time soon!
OG, thanks for posting that. Professor Christopher French, who looks into paranormal experiences at Goldsmith College, London, and is a sceptic, says "we ought to carry on studying these experiences and taking them seriously." I hope he does. It's a fascinating subject.
I don't believe in spirits. My understanding of spirit according to the Bible would be the life force given at the creation of Adam. I also don't believe in near death experiences.