Okay, so ‘paranormality’ isn’t actually a word, it’s true. But I'm going to use it anyway. After some powerful stories and moments shared, I’ve been reflecting on what is normally driven as “truth” according to normality especially when it comes to paranormal or supernatural activity.
Last week, a group of us sat together sharing haunting stories of peculiar happenings (drawers opening, deadbolts locking, pictures in frames and pieces of paper gliding across floors, minor possession, and cd’s being paused, to name a few) and a few days later I found myself touring around the rather frightening grounds of an abandoned ‘mental hospital.’
After everything we had heard and witnessed, Robbie and I began discussing what it all was and what we believed. For us, what it really came down to was: “I cannot argue with physical evidence, I can only analyze perspectives on evidence; I cannot argue with experience, I can only assist with reactions to experience. I must respect that which I do not know.” A person will either ignore that crazy stuff can happen and disagree with some sort of force or realm beyond what the average person sees and experiences or a person will believe that it is true and allow for “something else”.
Last week, a group of us sat together sharing haunting stories of peculiar happenings (drawers opening, deadbolts locking, pictures in frames and pieces of paper gliding across floors, minor possession, and cd’s being paused, to name a few) and a few days later I found myself touring around the rather frightening grounds of an abandoned ‘mental hospital.’
After everything we had heard and witnessed, Robbie and I began discussing what it all was and what we believed. For us, what it really came down to was: “I cannot argue with physical evidence, I can only analyze perspectives on evidence; I cannot argue with experience, I can only assist with reactions to experience. I must respect that which I do not know.” A person will either ignore that crazy stuff can happen and disagree with some sort of force or realm beyond what the average person sees and experiences or a person will believe that it is true and allow for “something else”.
Christians can allow for the supernatural because of the mystical world of god, angels, demons, saints, and the ‘great cloud of witnesses.’ Those who believe in reincarnation have room for the supernatural in the spirits of those not yet returning in a form of whatever/whomever else (pardon if I am misunderstanding here). One who does not believe in god may still allow the supernatural because the natural world offers no answers and yet the physical proofs are obvious and undeniable.
And yet, despite all of this, individuals deny, ignore, and passionately fight against the idea that there may be some mischievous spirits/energies in our midst. Perhaps it is out of fear – a lack of control – or perhaps it’s just because certain individuals are not ‘in tune’ or simply have not experienced something. It again makes me sad that on another topic; there are those who are choosing to ignore and fight experience because of past beliefs and presuppositions. Can we not move beyond our pride, our current beliefs, our cultural tendencies, and allow for something else to exist? Even if – have mercy – we don’t actually know what the answer is? I’m not arguing for the existence of a supreme deity and I am not arguing for the existence of heaven, hell, or shaol. I am simply urging for open minds.
And yet, despite all of this, individuals deny, ignore, and passionately fight against the idea that there may be some mischievous spirits/energies in our midst. Perhaps it is out of fear – a lack of control – or perhaps it’s just because certain individuals are not ‘in tune’ or simply have not experienced something. It again makes me sad that on another topic; there are those who are choosing to ignore and fight experience because of past beliefs and presuppositions. Can we not move beyond our pride, our current beliefs, our cultural tendencies, and allow for something else to exist? Even if – have mercy – we don’t actually know what the answer is? I’m not arguing for the existence of a supreme deity and I am not arguing for the existence of heaven, hell, or shaol. I am simply urging for open minds.
May we live experiencing everything that we witness in each day: allowing things to exist as they are even if we don’t understand them, listening to stories from lives around us, feeling with the hearts of those beating near us, and searching – always searching – to learn and grow in human goodness.
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