Paranormal?

 

"Paranormal events are purported phenomena described in popular culture, folk, and other non-scientific bodies of knowledge, whose existence within these contexts is described as being beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. Notable paranormal beliefs include those that pertain to extrasensory perception (for example, telepathy), spiritualism, and the pseudosciences of ghost hunting, cryptozoology, and ufology.

Proposals regarding the paranormal are different from scientific hypotheses or speculations extrapolated from scientific evidence because scientific ideas are grounded in empirical observations and experimental data gained through the scientific method. In contrast, those who argue for the existence of the paranormal explicitly do not base their arguments on empirical evidence but rather on anecdotes, testimony, and suspicion. The standard scientific models give the explanation that what appears to be paranormal phenomena is usually a misinterpretation, misunderstanding, or anomalous variation of natural phenomena."

-- Wikipedia, "Paranormal"

 

"The standard scientific models give the explanation that what appears to be paranormal phenomena is usually a misinterpretation, misunderstanding, or anomalous variation of natural phenomena." For me, this is so much bullshit.  I have chased down a "shadow figure" in my bedroom.  I've known buildings were haunted before I knew the history. I've heard a spirit and confirmed through the elderly wife that the noise heard was the tapping of her dead husband's cane as he did his nightly constitutional around the house. She had never heard it.  I explained that my Dad had just poured a concrete patio around the back of the house.  She laughed that the metal tip of the cane could now be heard. The same sound was heard by the daughter of the people who bought the house. 

Just recently, something put their hand in mine and, several nights later, put a forefinger and thumb on my wrist.  The only reason for "misinterpretation, misunderstanding, or anomalous variation of natural phenomena" is that I'm losing my mind. Not so.  I debunk, consider other options, pinch myself, cuss, and then, when I've confirmed my suspicions, I go have a glass of bourbon.  I don't lose my mind.

What I do agree with, however, is the phenomena are "beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding." My recommendation to the scientific community?  If you can't explain it incontrovertibly, then shut up about it.  These are the same idiots that say UFOs are swamp gas.  The problem with the swamp gas "explanation" is that swamp gas stays in the swamp.  It doesn't rise into the air and fly off at five times the speed of a fighter jet.

I wish I could agree with "standard scientific models" but the models aren't that standard.  They keep changing as new information is discovered.  Science has spent so long poo-pooing people, they now have to cover up or make disappear any evidence that makes them look like idiots.  I wouldn't want to be a scientist, because everybody already knows they are idiots.  If not now, then soon. 

By the way, the U.S. Forest Service has already admitted the existence of Sasquatch in their field manuals, and the Pentagon is waffling back and forth on the existence of UFOs.  They want pilots to no longer think their career is over by reporting an Unidentified Flying Object.  Ghosts and shadow beings are caught on camera all the time, as are other cryptids. So why don't we just admit there is more happening around us than we have dared to admit? Nobody wants to comment, for fear they'll still be ostracized.

Well, I've been sensitive to this stuff since childhood.  I have five gun cases, 6"x16"x12", stacked in my home office, packed with paranormal equipment.  I took the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) Investigator test and aced it, but then, my parents started having health issues so I thought it best to bow out.  

Now, I'm approaching 70 years of life, and I've seen and experienced things that raise my eyebrows.  I don't scare easily.  I'm the nut that tried to chase down a shadow figure in the bedroom over my Moms's garage.  No fear. No filter. Bring it.

“I am perfectly convinced that I have both seen, and heard in a manner which should make unbelief impossible, things called spiritual which cannot be taken by a rational being to be capable of explanation by imposture, coincidence, or mistake.”

-- Augustus De Morgan

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions offered. After over twenty years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center. 

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com