Thursday, August 23, 2012

Scientific vs. Spiritual

By Reverend J. Andrade

Paranormal research is not a recognized science. The reasons for this are many, but the most obvious reason is that numerous frauds have destroyed the credibility of paranormal phenomena as worthy of scientific endeavor. Before any comparison between science and paranormal phenomena can be explored, the following is a general description of what science is. The word ‘Science’ comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning, knowledge. Science explores a broad field of knowledge that deals with observed facts and the relationships existing among those facts. Scientific theories utilize general rules or laws that attempt to explain how and why something happens or happened. More specifically, scientific theory organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the natural world. Paranormal theories do not adhere to the rules and laws of scientific theory, and are at most, philosophical. There are numerous paranormal theories, each deserving greater attention, but some things will be mentioned here in order to provide a sense of how paranormal theories differ from scientific theories. As stated, paranormal theories often fall outside any of the rules or laws applied to scientific theory, although they are thought to have some scientific basis – for example: the theory that ghosts can generate Electro-Magnetic Fields (or EMF) that can be measured with EMF meters.

Now Balancing with the Scientific Method with Spiritual Method,when I do a walk-through, during a paranormal research, of a location, I give information as it's coming to me but also keep in mind the instruments my team members are using that may be able to capture and/or measure information validating the impressions I am getting. Remembering this during paranormal investigation is not only a good way to validate experiences from my stand point, but also helps the team in capturing possible evidence.
A big part of the job during a paranormal investigation is knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, regardless of what may be coming through at the moment. If the team is in the process of an EVP (electronic voice phenomena) session for example or trying other forms of communication through scientific methods, it's important to learn to wait and take a mental note of what you are feeling at that moment. and share it with the team at an appropriate time. This is to not only ensure the balance of the paranormal investigation, but also that even in the role you are helping the technical side by not getting in the way so to speak.

It would be a disservice to everyone if a medium just walked through a location talking the entire paranormal investigation disregarding the roles of his/her teammates. Just as it would be if the scientific side was to disregard their spiritual tools which can provide insights and information as well. Some teams have trouble finding this steady balance or choose to not use mediums at all, while other just seem to "click" naturally using all methods. Finding the right team to work with is important, and it can take some time, practice, and learning from one another on how to be the most efficient. Most importantly, everyone should feel equally involved in a paranormal investigation regardless of role.

Another great asset in having a medium as part of a paranormal investigation team is having one experienced in helping spirits to cross over, or can perform a blessing/cleansing if needed or requested. Especially in handling residential cases when most often a family is frightened and not sure what to do, which is why the call upon an investigation group to help in the first place. Even if the team captures scientific evidence for the client to review, what is really being done to help other then validating the family's claims? This is where the spiritual side of a team comes into play as well, providing not only information, but also a solution to the haunting.

On the flip side, I feel it is extremely important for mediums involved in paranormal research to be well versed in the scientific methods and uses of different instruments. Cross training mediums not only makes them an asset in being able to pick up instruments and help in scientific investigating. But also gives them a better knowledge of what his or her teammates are doing and what indicators they are looking for. A deep understanding of everyone's role and method of research is the key to success. I personally, find the use of scientific tools to be fascinating and enjoy going over evidence with the eye of a skeptic. It helps keep our field honest, mediums should take part and become experienced in all avenues of paranormal investigation.

This blog came from my friend Leo Martin Ryokan.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can you tell us more about this? I'd like to find out more details.
My web site - spiritual

Unknown said...

You can read more about this subject on my website on our Forum @Michael www.nightbreedparanormal.com :)

Unknown said...

Sorry there is no Michael ot just ahould be just www.nightbreedparanormal.com

Carl Spackler said...

here ya go here is where he copied it, I hear you're a student of a man named Pastor Frisbee who is a HU*GE plagiarizer, seems you are too

here is the real author, YOU can READ ORIGINAL WORK HERE

http://www.helium.com/items/1904771-paranormal-research-scientific-and-spiritual-methods-psychic-medium-paranormal-investigating

Unknown said...

I know Fr. Frisbee and no I'm not nor ever was a student of his.

.I've communicated with him via FB we had a difference of opinions and no longer speak.

As far as this link, no plagiarism has occurred be it my own head that it came from

Anonymous said...

funny it "came word for word" from your head? I don't think so

There are whole paragraphs you have stolen word for word

Google search, easy or go straight to a plagiarism checker drop the entire content in and voila, look dont get mad at me for pointing out something you did.

http://ocprstoronto.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/the-%E2%80%9Cscience%E2%80%9D-behind-paranormal-research-and-investigations/

and part here

http://www.helium.com/items/1904771-paranormal-research-scientific-and-spiritual-methods-psychic-medium-paranormal-investigating

http://www.alizons-psychic-secrets.com/paranormal-investigation.html

here ya go, when you write you can check and see for sure use this handy dandy little took its free

http://www.dustball.com/cs/plagiarism.checker/

Leo Ryokan said...

I am the original author and a good friend of Joe. He has my permission to post and quote my writings in his blog if he so chooses. I do thank you for your concern.

Anonymous said...

LOL,

Joe should have avoided the whole thing and gave credit for work used instead of being a total and complete LIAR and saying it came completely from "his head word for word"

Can't we even get honesty from a so called 'Reverend'?

nice article Mr. Ryokan

Anonymous said...

oh and btw, it was not just your article used Mr Ryokan, hopefully that OTHER author will also show up and be one of Joe's "great friends" who doesn't mind him plagiarizing an article and giving no credit; LOL

Count Malachi said...

(Pseudo) Scientific:
Run around with completely useless gadgetry utilizing unfounded protocols, baseless theories and junk technology.

Spiritual:
Much of the above minus the burden of manufacturing false evidence and lugging expensive, useless equipment.

X said...

@Count

LOL, I missed all the fun

KMorris said...

Reverend, on the subject of mediums, may I refer you to Deuteronomy 18: 10-12, King James Version, "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer,or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee." I'm no expert, but I believe a medium would fall into the category of "consulter with familiar spirits."

Acheul Hashneez said...

@KMorris

Ever consider the fact that you are quoting from a book that was written before anyone understood that having the gift to communicate with those who have passed was actually a gift? Maybe when it was written they did not realize these same people they were scared of would one day help law enforcement find missing children. This does not seem like the work of evil to me.

eyeontheparanormal said...

We all have the gift hat gift is to talk to GOD 24/7/365 he knows all sees all and will tell you all so why do we need to talk to the dad who cannot see all know all

yes people have the gift but if the gift is from GOD they ave to be right 100% of the time

Anonymous said...
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X said...

@
Acheul Hashneez said...

Ever consider the fact that you are quoting from a book that was written before anyone understood that having the gift to communicate with those who have passed was actually a gift? Maybe when it was written they did not realize these same people they were scared of would one day help law enforcement find missing children. This does not seem like the work of evil to me.


The bible was written by man but inspired by God so I guess that covers that. The word “gift” makes me cringe to hear it called that. The connotation of superiority is why that word is used like that. ‘Look here at my ‘gift’ don’t you have one too? Oh no? Then you’re not special, mister!’ -GAG-

Let me ask you this... oh great wise one. Just how many psychics have helped the police “find” someone missing (cop shows on TV don’t count) none-- that is how many, psychics don’t exist.

God called contact with any spirits an abomination unto him therefore he said “don’t do it” besides there have been no cases to prove otherwise.


Leviticus 20:6, "I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people."

People will seek their destruction with or without our help.

Anonymous said...

@X
"Let me ask you this... oh great wise one. Just how many psychics have helped the police “find” someone missing (cop shows on TV don’t count) none-- that is how many, psychics don’t exist."


You are wrong...that's all I need to say....