Ask Me Help Desk - Do you believe in paranormal phenomena

Do you believe in paranormal phenomena - all of it?

I have to admit that I'm pretty uptight right now after seeing recent posts in which an asker was badgered for asking their question about their ability to see ghosts. Actually, I'm more than uptight but I'm going to stay professional.

My question is... why on earth is there a paranormal category where askers can ask questions about the paranormal and then get hammered when asking about it? Is there anyone on this board who believes in ghosts or are we all so closed-minded that we can't conceive that it is possible?

This is the EXACT reason that I don't speak of this topic much. When people tell you that they have seen ghosts or demons or speak to them or hear them or feel them, at least give them decency and respect and understand that even if it is not a reality for you, it certainly is for them.

Peace...

What posts are you talking about? Most that answer here are sympathetic to paranormal. Im not understanding what your complaint is about.

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Originally Posted by califdadof3

What posts are you talking about? Most that answer here are sympathetic to paranormal. Im not understanding what your complaint is about.

It's done now. The thread closed.

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Originally Posted by mysticman72

That's over now. The thread closed.

You had seem to refer to something that I don't feel exists here. So if you find any let us know.

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Originally Posted by califdadof3

You had seem to refer to something that I dont feel exists here. So if you find any let us know.

This one:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/parano...nk-663666.html

I was in that thread and don't recall "hammering" the poster. I was curious as to what she thought her role was in helping ghosts "find the light" and finally get to God. Hauntinghelper (who is very sympathetic to paranoramal incidents) and I agreed that whatever as gong on with her was not a gift and that she didn't need to get herself all worked up over it. I was worried about what this activity was doing to her psyche.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I was in that thread and don't recall "hammering" the poster. I was curious as to what she thought her role was in helping ghosts "find the light" and finally get to God. Hauntinghelper (who is very sympathetic to paranoramal incidents) and I agreed that whatever as gong on with her was not a gift and that she didn't need to get herself all worked up over it. I was worried about what this activity was doing to her psyche.

I'm not going to re-hash the thread, delve into semantics, nor play a blame game, because it will probably just get this one closed. For the record though, just because you agreed with someone about the non-validity of the poster's situation, doesn't make it non-valid for the poster, nor does it mean that respect is not due to the poster. An example was asked and I gave it.

Back to my question - do you believe in this phenomena? If you don't believe in it, why don't you? What keeps you from believing it? If you believe in it, why?

Peace...

I can't see ghosts but have had enough weird things happen to me that my motto is "anything's possible." Yet, it flies in the face of Christianity and what I have been taught all these many years.

HH had said ghosts reveal themselves to a person; it's not a gift for that person to be able to see them. During the week after my dad died, my mom saw him several times. Did she really? Or was she just lost in a fog of missing him? Does she have a gift? (She's never ever seen another deceased person.) Was this a gift from God to allow her to see her husband a few more times? I don't know.

I can only speak for myself (but I know WG is open to paranormal experiences as well)...

I might turn the question around and say there isn't much I DON'T believe is possible in the spirit world. However, that does not mean everything is all well and good. Nobody was "hammered" in the thread and I wouldn't even say she was not taken seriously. But believing somebody and encouraging them are two different things. I believe wondergirl was simply trying to get this girl to take a step back and look at the situation. Having 11 year old girls ecouraged to help spirits cross would be a little irresponsible on our part. We don't know her parents beliefs or even if they knew she was on the internet.

I think for the most part those that contribute on the paranormal forum take the OPs posts seriously. Every now and again you get the know-it-all preteens and others who you know not to take seriously.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I can't see ghosts but have had enough weird things happen to me that my motto is "anything's possible." Yet, it flies in the face of Christianity and what I have been taught all these many years.

Of course it flies in the face of Christianity and what you've been taught. That applies to me as well. But my experience of these things are very real to me, whether people believe it is objectively "real".

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HH had said ghosts reveal themselves to a person; it's not a gift for that person to be able to see them. During the week after my dad died, my mom saw him several times. Did she really? Or was she just lost in a fog of missing him? Does she have a gift? (She's never ever seen another deceased person.) Was this a gift from God to allow her to see her husband a few more times? I don't know.

That's your opinion that it's not a gift. I didn't even have an opportunity to tell her what my opinion was. This kid (who I remind you is ELEVEN) will do more for the Kingdom of God than you realize or understand. And I just pray to GOD that she doesn't take the advice she was given. I would mentor this precious child, help her understand what she is seeing and lead her gently where she needs to go. Is it a gift? I don't know that it's a "gift" but in my reality, it is something that God uses to accomplish His work.

Let me say this... once upon a time I was raised devout Southern Baptist. However, I grew up and at the age of 30, I began to study Buddhism. I practiced Buddhism for four years, didn't believe in God anymore or spirit beings or faeries or anything. Then one day... I had a demon speak to me from a human being's mouth. As time went on, not only demons, but human spirits began to speak. I don't have time or space to give you details (you can find that on my blog).

I know where you are coming from. I know what it's like. I've been there. No matter what I do in my life from here on out, I can tell you without reservation, that the work I do and have done with spirits will far surpass my other earthly accomplishments. I can honestly go before the God of this universe, bow my head and say that I've done my best to bring people to Him. You don't understand... you just don't understand what's been done now. You don't understand the repercussions.

Peace...

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Originally Posted by hauntinghelper

I can only speak for myself (but I know WG is open to paranormal experiences as well)...

I might turn the question around and say there isn't much I DON'T believe is possible in the spirit world. However, that does not mean everything is all well and good. Nobody was "hammered" in the thread and I wouldn't even say she was not taken seriously. But believing somebody and encouraging them are two different things. I believe wondergirl was simply trying to get this girl to take a step back and look at the situation. Having 11 year old girls ecouraged to help spirits cross would be a little irresponsible on our part. We don't know her parents beliefs or even if they knew she was on the internet.

I think for the most part those that contribute on the paranormal forum take the OPs posts seriously. Every now and again you get the know-it-all preteens and others who you know not to take seriously.

I agree that the parents need to know their child is asking about these things on the internet and that the child needs to be dealing with her parents on this, but for the love of God, it's irresponsible in my opinion to question an eleven year old on the validity of what she believes she is doing for God. You know what... I don't want to talk about her anymore. I want to talk about the issues at hand. I want people to answer the questions I put forth because it lies at the very heart of what that little girl is going through.

Peace...

With all due respect, I do understand what was done... we did not encourage an 11 year old girl to seek after dabbling in the spirit world.

As wondergirl rightly brought up, what exactly is this girl doing FOR God? How is she helping anybody... especially the all-mighty God of the universe?

If she were leading living souls towards salvation and bringing Jesus Christ into people's lives... HEY, have at it kid... but that was not the subject at all. As I've said before, there is a reason the Word of God tells us to TEST spirits... because they are liars and deceptive.

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Originally Posted by mysticman72

for the love of God, it's irresponsible in my opinion to question an eleven year old on the validity of what she believes she is doing for God.

If you stick around here for a while, you will discover that the ages of 11-14 are prime time to be a pest/troll on an Internet site. They are especially active during school holidays and summertime. As a moderator, I'm part of a team that is very watchful of such users who tend to suck the energy out of various boards and discourage legitimate questions. My mod colleagues get quite impatient with me at times for wanting to give a (young) person the benefit of the doubt when they don't think there is any doubt at all. Thus my questioning of her, to try to find out what she was all about.

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Originally Posted by mysticman72

I don't want to talk about her anymore. I want to talk about the issues at hand. I want people to answer the questions I put forth because it lies at the very heart of what that little girl is going through.

Peace...

Here is the thing. Most of us that regularly answer questions on this board do believe in the paranormal at some level. But as you would expect from a room full of people we all have a different approach. In your eyes (as an adult) a door closing by itself isn't a ghost until otherwise known. To a child of 11 it can most certainly be a ghost that did it.

Sometimes getting to the root of the belief lends itself to the answer. As in your own path you have sought answers and have a belief system. Others here have their own systems and practices. That's what makes this place a great place to ask questions.

Now Im going to ask you a question: We have a section called "member discussions" would you like this thread moved there or would you prefer it stays here under paranormal ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hauntinghelper

With all due respect, I do understand what was done... we did not encourage an 11 year old girl to seek after dabbling in the spirit world.

Led correctly, she will do great things for God... leading wayward souls to God.

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As wondergirl rightly brought up, what exactly is this girl doing FOR God? How is she helping anybody... especially the all-mighty God of the universe?

We are the hands and feet of all-mighty God. He uses us to accomplish His will on this earth. What is she doing for God? Something that most people can't do... speak to the dead and help them leave this earth that they are imprisoned on.

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If she were leading living souls towards salvation and bringing Jesus Christ into people's lives... HEY, have at it kid... but that was not the subject at all. As I've said before, there is a reason the Word of God tells us to TEST spirits... because they are liars and deceptive.

Living souls? What about the "dead souls"? Who is going to help them? That's the point... the ability to see and/or speak to human souls who are still trapped on this earth give us the opportunity to help them leave their baggage behind and move into God's presence. This flies in the face (as WG put it) of mainstream Christianity and doctrines that are taught in church. The physical universe is simply a mirror of the underlying spiritual universe that God created whether early or modern Christians believe it or understand it.

Not all spirits are liars. They are just like living human beings - they have the capacity to be truthful or dishonest, to be angry or not to be angry. They still have choice. The Holy Bible is powerful and inspired by God. It was not written by God. The only thing written by God was the Decalogue. I do not worship a collection of books. I worship the God who inspired them.

Peace...

It's irresponsible to question an 11 year old girl? In certain subjects, the paranormal being one of them, it would be irresponsble NOT to question her about these things. We are not her parents, as we all know, but there are those here who do their best to offer not only accurate advice, but responsible advice as well.

I don't doubt at all what she is going through and young people dealing with this are at the very heart of why I want to help in this area... but she does not yet understand how the spirit world functions. In my opinion, telling her not only to continue in contact with these spirits but also to further develop this, would be like throwing her to the wolves.

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Originally Posted by mysticman72

Living souls? What about the "dead souls"? Who is going to help them?

An 11-year-old girl who really doesn't seem to understand who she is and what she is supposed to do?

I vote for moving this thread to Member Discussions, or it's going to get shut down.

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Originally Posted by califdadof3

Here is the thing. Most of us that regularly answer questions on this board do believe in the paranormal at some level. But as you would expect from a room full of people we all have a different approach. In your eyes (as an adult) a door closing by itself isn't a ghost until otherwise known. To a child of 11 it can most certainly be a ghost that did it.

I understand. But, based on what she said... I believe she was telling the truth.

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Sometimes getting to the root of the belief lends itself to the answer. As in your own path you have sought answers and have a belief system. Others here have their own systems and practices. That's what makes this place a great place to ask questions.

Yes, I absolutely agree. I value other people's viewpoints and belief systems. Heck, I've "owned" a few of them :) I'm very passionate about this topic and perhaps too passionate. I promise I'll try to be a good boy :)

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Now Im going to ask you a question: We have a section called "member discussions" would you like this thread moved there or would you prefer it stays here under paranormal ?

Whichever you think is appropriate. And for the record, thank you for your tactful approach.

Peace...

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

An 11-year-old girl who really doesn't seem to understand who she is and what she is supposed to do?

I vote for moving this thread to Member Discussions, or it's going to get shut down.

You underestimate the ability of God to lead a simple child to accomplish the task He set before them. She doesn't understand yet who she is, and she certainly won't if she takes some of the advice given to her.

Peace...

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Originally Posted by mysticman72

You underestimate the ability of God to lead a simple child to accomplish the task He set before them. She doesn't understand yet who she is, and she certainly won't if she takes some of the advice given to her.

No, I don't underestimate anyone's ability to accomplish God's will. But like someone said a few posts ago, encouraging an immature and clueless 11-year-old would be like throwing her to the wolves. She herself said she had no idea what to do and how to do it.

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Originally Posted by hauntinghelper

It's irresponsible to question an 11 year old girl? In certain subjects, the paranormal being one of them, it would be irresponsble NOT to question her about these things. We are not her parents, as we all know, but there are those here who do their best to offer not only accurate advice, but responsible advice as well.

If she is not in communication with her parents about this issue then that is a major problem. And, had I been given a chance to share that with her, I would have done so. I completely know and trust that in your heart and in WG's heart, you are giving the advice that you believe is appropriate and correct. I don't doubt that at all. My sorrow comes from not being able to tell her the things she needed to hear. My soul is grieved... you have no idea.

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I don't doubt at all what she is going through and young people dealing with this are at the very heart of why I want to help in this area... but she does not yet understand how the spirit world functions. In my opinion, telling her not only to continue in contact with these spirits but also to further develop this, would be like throwing her to the wolves.

Of course... she doesn't understand how it works and that's why you and me are here, at this God-given moment discussing this issue. She wasn't calling up spirits. They were coming to her, as they come to me. It's not her fault. She didn't seem to go after them. It's the other way around. My point is that given direction, this child will banish demons and help so many souls.

Peace...

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Originally Posted by mysticman72

She wasn't calling up spirits. They were coming to her

Or was she even telling the truth -- and just has an very active imagination, as many 11-year-olds have? That's what I was trying to find out. My allegiance is to this site and its integrity, not to a young girl whom I do not know, have never encountered before this, and who may or may not be a troll with time on her hands and a computer in front of her.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Or was she even telling the truth -- and just has an very active imagination, as many 11-year-olds have? That's what I was trying to find out. My allegiance is to this site and its integrity, not to a young girl whom I do not know, have never encountered before this, and who may or may not be a troll with time on her hands and a computer in front of her.

I respect you and your belief.

Peace...

Tell you what... with moderators' permission... I would be willing to answer any question you have about my view of the spiritual world. Use me as test subject. Think of me as an alien that just landed from the other side of normal. I will only give you my experiential views. I will not appeal to Scripture. I will not appeal to a church authority. And I can tell you that it is only my view. Only God knows the ultimate truth anyway.

So... moderators... it's up to you.

Peace...

Ah. The freedom of the discussion boards :)

This board is open to anyone. And religion can enter the discussion now that It has been moved to a discussion board. Have at it!

OK mystic... what is your view and experiences with the spirit world?

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Originally Posted by hauntinghelper

OK mystic...what is your view and experiences with the spirit world?

That's a bit broad. Think of this like an interrogation. Ask a question and I'll tell you what my experience is.

When did you first realize you had a connection to the spirit world?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

When did you first realize you had a connection to the spirit world?

My connection is not like that of a medium or psychic. It's a bit complicated. Put simply... spiritual beings have found me through using other living human beings. When in an altered state of mind, whether induced by me or done spontaneously, both departed human spirits, evil spirits and fallen angels have spoken to me and me to them. This all began about 4 years ago.

Ok, more specifically then... by your experiences and beliefs... where does God fall into the whole spiritual mix of things... and where does your idea of God come from?

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Originally Posted by hauntinghelper

Ok, more specifically then....by your experiences and beliefs...where does God fall into the whole spiritual mix of things...and where does your idea of God come from?

God is the Creator. He loves the life He created and therefore is always at work with that life, whether that life is encased in a form body or formless body. He balances the equations in the universe. Where there is lowliness.. he exalts. Where there is height... he tears down. You get the picture.

My idea about God comes from my direct experience with Him and the life that He created whether it is angelic, human or something else. He and I have had some rough times over the past several years but I have come to terms with my experiences. I have accepted the fact that things are the way they are for reasons I still don't completely understand. At the end of the day, I have to trust Him.

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Originally Posted by mysticman72

I have to admit that I'm pretty uptight right now after seeing recent posts in which an asker was badgered for asking their question about their ability to see ghosts. Actually, I'm more than uptight but I'm going to stay professional.

My question is....why on earth is there a paranormal category where askers can ask questions about the paranormal and then get hammered when asking about it? Is there anyone on this board who believes in ghosts or are we all so closed-minded that we can't conceive that it is possible?

This is the EXACT reason that I don't speak of this topic much. When people tell you that they have seen ghosts or demons or speak to them or hear them or feel them, at least give them decency and respect and understand that even if it is not a reality for you, it certainly is for them.

Peace...

I believe in ghosts. Always have. Everything is possible in this strange, wonderful and beautiful life we live.

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Originally Posted by CoruptedAngel

I believe in ghosts. Always have. Everything is possible in this strange, wonderful and beautiful life we live.

Yes... it certainly is all those things and more.

Mystic - your response was, for the most part, a very biblical one. Where then does the Bible fit in to the puzzle?

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Originally Posted by hauntinghelper

Mystic - your response was, for the most part, a very biblical one. Where then does the Bible fit in to the puzzle?

At the age of 30, I shed all belief in the supernatural, God, the Bible... everything. In fact, at the time these things began to happen, I was a practicing Chan/Pure Land Buddhist. So, you can imagine my dilemma. I didn't go back to where I left off before 30. I started over from ground zero. I learned that some of what I was taught as a child was true, but some of it was not.

Scripture has to be put into perspective here. It is a guide. It was inspired by God and is powerful against the forces of darkness, being full of light. It does not, nor was it designed to be, the object of our affection or contain ultimate truth - God Himself being the ultimate source with direct experience being the only true path to reach Him. Put it this way, if Scripture does not match my direct experience or vice-versa, I rely on my direct experience to guide me. That's why I consider myself a mystic. :)

Peace...

Does anyone mind if I jump in here?
This is a subject that has always interested me but one that I have not understood,
Hence, the interest I think.
I've read many of the paranormal posts out of curiosity and get the underlying gist (I think) that spirits or entities manifest themselves to the living if they are for some reason open to it?
What opens them to it? Is it that they are dabbling in things that they shouldn't or are some simply predisposed by way of keeping an open mind?
Being raised by a devoutly Christian mother and being in church A LOT, I witnessed once as a child a church member being "rid" if you will, of what the pastor referred to as a "spirit of oppression" I distinctly remember the change in this mans' face and most noticeably his eyes afterward.
So naturally I do believe in these things, but have never experienced them personally.
Unless you count that after the death of my beloved Pa (granddad) I awoke one night to his voice telling me "all was well" (I was 8 months pregnant when he passed)
I chalked it up to me missing him so badly and dismissed it.
But from some postings I'm gathering that it could have been any number of "beings" simply using my sadness as a doorway?
I'm glad you guys are having this discussion and sorry to interrupt I'm looking forward to following this thread and maybe gain a little more understanding.

Nope, don't believe in paranormal phenomena.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Nope, don't believe in paranormal phenomena.

Not trying to argue by any means, but, none, not on any level?
That's precisely the reason I'm reading this-different views.
I've never delved into or dabbled in it.
Why do you not believe?
Again no argument here, just curious as to your opinion.

Nope. It seems it's only the religious that gets these "visits" so I'm likely to believe that it's related to their faith.