I just finished a really cool book… Spook – Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach. It should find its way onto everyone’s nightstand reading pile.
Mary Roach takes a hard look at the paranormal from all aspects, exploring the science (or non-science) of ghost hunting, psychic, quantum, ectoplasmic and even near death experience. Her sense of humor pointedly illuminates the shortfalls of what we come to believe as “proof” of ghosts or hauntings.
In no way does she completely tear down the field of paranormal research, however she forces us to really take a hard look at what we consider evidence. Our methods perhaps need more meat behind them to be considered accurate ways to detecting spirit activity, etc.
Personally, the field needs refinement. We head out on a wing and a prayer that electromagnetic energy is an indication of spirit activity, when we really don’t know that for sure. Are the electronic voice phenomena we pick up from disembodied spirits or some radio show in Outer Mongolia?
It doesn’t hurt to hard line a bit. I tend to be open-minded about most things… perhaps too accepting at times. However, one doesn’t want to close the doors to the unknown to the point where we do not recognize it. There is a balance that needs to be established.
Can we prove the spiritual through the physical? So far, I have my doubts. The spiritual is whatever the physical is not from what we have gathered. To bring physical science into a position of proof, may prove impossible. Yet, we may be on the cusp of a new level of understanding that goes beyond science.
Either way, this is an amazing point to be at this time. We are on the verge of discovery. It’s part of the journey, so let’s enjoy it!
Tj
JOIN IN ON TOPIC TUESDAY…
Tomorrow I’ll be available on an all day discussion called Topic Tuesday with North Central Paranormal’s Steve Edwards on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=233379288653
I will join Steve Edwards on topic with paranormal humor, comics and various supernatural thoughts. Type in and visit!
Once again you are proving to be comically psychic! I happen to have just picked up this book from the library and started reading it and plan on finishing it this week.