I don't want to risk inviting a debate here about the shape of the earth, but I think the idea that the ancients thought it was flat has been overblown. There's evidence from the ancient world that they knew it wasn't flat. Considering they didn't have pollution, screens and whatnot destroying brain cells and attention spans, I think they were probably more intelligent and much better at observing their surroundings and at processing and retaining information than we are.
Thanks for reading, Tony. I never thought I'd be a big enough Bible nerd to fangirl over certain Bible scholars, but I'm definitely a Heiser fangirl. I'm still so sad about his passing, but he left behind a rich body of work that really helped to transform my relationship with scripture.
I had a frightening personal encounter with a ghostly being. I’m so practical if it hadn’t happened to me I would doubt this happens at all. I’ve found no way to explain this. This was years ago in a house my sister and her husband purchased. We were young and always getting together to hang out. Most of our friends in the group had an encounter. I appreciate your looking at this phenomenon in light of scripture.
Many eons ago, humanity had the theory the Earth was flat and many were convinced that if you sailed to the edge, you’d fall off, never to be seen again. I think it was their way of explaining a ship lost at sea, who knows. Whatever the reason, it was a belief of many for a long time. Until someone with a different idea came along. Fast forward and now we know the Earth is in fact round (though there are still some who dispute this).
My point is, do I believe in ghosts? Not really. But, I’m also open to the possibility of being wrong. I think the chance of being reconnected to our lost loved ones is a very appealing idea, and every theory is open to interpretation. I do like the notion of being able to know what it’s like on the other side.
This was a fascinating read! I have not found many essays or articles talking about ghosts and hauntings from an Evangelical perspective, so I found this really interesting! As a Catholic, the concept of Purgatory opens the door for further speculation about the nature of ghosts. I’m not an expert in this, by any means, but the Catholic perspective holds with much of what you discussed in regard to God allowing souls in Heaven or Hell to appear on Earth.
Your comment about souls not necessary immediately going straight to Heaven or Hell was interesting to me, as that is the essential idea of the Catholic concept of Purgatory, that some souls may need time to prepare, recover from a traumatic death, spiritually heal, etc., before being ready to embrace their entrance to Heaven. Not trying to incite a debate, just trying to explain the perspective. 😊
Some Catholics approach ghostly apparitions from this perspective, that some of the occurrences may be caused by souls in Purgatory, in addition to what you mentioned about souls in Heaven or Hell. I have a couple resources I could share if you would like to hear about it from someone more eloquent and educated in the topic than I am!
I also find place hauntings fascinating and would love to learn more about them!
This was so interesting! I don't usually see the Christian perspective on this topic, and as a spiritual person myself, it was a great read. My mindset on the possibility of ghosts has always been "anything is possible." I also was able to learn some new stuff from this, so thank you!
I don't have a fascination per say, but thanks Jean for bringing clarity to this subject. It shed light on some questions I had. Your writing never disappoints. ❤️
Big believer, right here! 👋🏼 I don't hear or see ghosts/spectral activity (thank goodness). I have more of a clairsentience sort of thing going on. I really appreciated your POV on this subject, especially since I have not studied the Bible in any sort of way since college.
And if you ever want to talk more ghosts, or maybe talk to my cousin who works as a psychic and medium, let me know! 🤗🙏🏼
Thanks for the clarification, Jean Marie! I was wondering. I think Heiser was on to something, and will spend some time with him... people ask me what I think about what happens when we die, and it seems you and I largely agree. =)
Consciousness is definitely one of the most compelling arguments for the existence of God/the supernatural. Descartes' Meditations is a must-read regarding that issue. Fun article!
An awesome read. I'm nowhere close to being religious so learning about ghosts from biblical perspective was a first for me. But it was really cool!
On the "Do you believe" question. I've always been on the fence. Despite not being religious I still think there are some forces at play in the universe that we haven't discovered yet (and maybe never will) and some of them can maybe trap your spirit or soul to the ghost form when you die. Who knows. I simultaniously really like and dislike the idea they might exist. Their existence scare me and at the same time I feel like the world would get a bit more boring if there was no shot of them ever being here with us.
I don't want to risk inviting a debate here about the shape of the earth, but I think the idea that the ancients thought it was flat has been overblown. There's evidence from the ancient world that they knew it wasn't flat. Considering they didn't have pollution, screens and whatnot destroying brain cells and attention spans, I think they were probably more intelligent and much better at observing their surroundings and at processing and retaining information than we are.
Thanks for reading, Tony. I never thought I'd be a big enough Bible nerd to fangirl over certain Bible scholars, but I'm definitely a Heiser fangirl. I'm still so sad about his passing, but he left behind a rich body of work that really helped to transform my relationship with scripture.
I had a frightening personal encounter with a ghostly being. I’m so practical if it hadn’t happened to me I would doubt this happens at all. I’ve found no way to explain this. This was years ago in a house my sister and her husband purchased. We were young and always getting together to hang out. Most of our friends in the group had an encounter. I appreciate your looking at this phenomenon in light of scripture.
Many eons ago, humanity had the theory the Earth was flat and many were convinced that if you sailed to the edge, you’d fall off, never to be seen again. I think it was their way of explaining a ship lost at sea, who knows. Whatever the reason, it was a belief of many for a long time. Until someone with a different idea came along. Fast forward and now we know the Earth is in fact round (though there are still some who dispute this).
My point is, do I believe in ghosts? Not really. But, I’m also open to the possibility of being wrong. I think the chance of being reconnected to our lost loved ones is a very appealing idea, and every theory is open to interpretation. I do like the notion of being able to know what it’s like on the other side.
This was a fascinating read! I have not found many essays or articles talking about ghosts and hauntings from an Evangelical perspective, so I found this really interesting! As a Catholic, the concept of Purgatory opens the door for further speculation about the nature of ghosts. I’m not an expert in this, by any means, but the Catholic perspective holds with much of what you discussed in regard to God allowing souls in Heaven or Hell to appear on Earth.
Your comment about souls not necessary immediately going straight to Heaven or Hell was interesting to me, as that is the essential idea of the Catholic concept of Purgatory, that some souls may need time to prepare, recover from a traumatic death, spiritually heal, etc., before being ready to embrace their entrance to Heaven. Not trying to incite a debate, just trying to explain the perspective. 😊
Some Catholics approach ghostly apparitions from this perspective, that some of the occurrences may be caused by souls in Purgatory, in addition to what you mentioned about souls in Heaven or Hell. I have a couple resources I could share if you would like to hear about it from someone more eloquent and educated in the topic than I am!
I also find place hauntings fascinating and would love to learn more about them!
This was so interesting! I don't usually see the Christian perspective on this topic, and as a spiritual person myself, it was a great read. My mindset on the possibility of ghosts has always been "anything is possible." I also was able to learn some new stuff from this, so thank you!
I don't have a fascination per say, but thanks Jean for bringing clarity to this subject. It shed light on some questions I had. Your writing never disappoints. ❤️
Big believer, right here! 👋🏼 I don't hear or see ghosts/spectral activity (thank goodness). I have more of a clairsentience sort of thing going on. I really appreciated your POV on this subject, especially since I have not studied the Bible in any sort of way since college.
And if you ever want to talk more ghosts, or maybe talk to my cousin who works as a psychic and medium, let me know! 🤗🙏🏼
Not only do I believe in them. I am one.
HAHA This was a great read and right up my thought alley. Thanks. Hitting the sub now.
Thanks for the clarification, Jean Marie! I was wondering. I think Heiser was on to something, and will spend some time with him... people ask me what I think about what happens when we die, and it seems you and I largely agree. =)
Consciousness is definitely one of the most compelling arguments for the existence of God/the supernatural. Descartes' Meditations is a must-read regarding that issue. Fun article!
An awesome read. I'm nowhere close to being religious so learning about ghosts from biblical perspective was a first for me. But it was really cool!
On the "Do you believe" question. I've always been on the fence. Despite not being religious I still think there are some forces at play in the universe that we haven't discovered yet (and maybe never will) and some of them can maybe trap your spirit or soul to the ghost form when you die. Who knows. I simultaniously really like and dislike the idea they might exist. Their existence scare me and at the same time I feel like the world would get a bit more boring if there was no shot of them ever being here with us.