Culture Watch: Television & Demonaphobia

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

This blog was originally posted on December 7, 2012.

The deception began with a bang. The DT crew (Destination Truth) went to the Mayan ruins, which was the site of untold number of human sacrifices to idols—which as the bible tells us is participating in demons. In light of this, one would have thought they would have put demons at least on their possible suspect list for the accelerated paranormal activity there; they didn’t. Instead, team DT posited, before even went there, that the recent accelerated activity was either due to the sacrificial victims or the Mayan warriors. Even though scared to death at points, demons were not even an option.

I try to stay in touch with popular culture, so I watch as many of the haunted TV shows as I can. What I am sharing is based on what I witnessed over the last month of watching the following shows: Destination Truth, Ghost Adventures, Haunted Collector, A Haunting, The Dead Files, Paranormal Witness, Haunted Highway, and one more about hauntings at colleges but I can’t for the life of me remember the name.  Sheesh. That is eight shows on three nights of the week (Tues., Wed., Friday). People’s beliefs and worldviews are unconsciously shaped by exposure to this much haunted TV, but this is but a tip of the paranormal iceberg on TV. One list had about fifty shows, which in some form or fashion, focus on the assumed reality of ghosts. FIFTY!  Of course they are not all on the same season schedule, and a few on the list are now cancelled—but as with The Ghost Whisperer or Charmed, re-runs are current with a number of these. That is an incredible number of shows, which reveals how we are witnessing a paradigm shift in our understanding of spirituality (topic for another day). This phenomenon is both a shaper of culture as well as a reflection of it.

My purpose in watching all these shows was in part to answer this question: is TV phobic regarding demons? The undeniable answer is “yes”; the vast majority of these shows avoid fingering demons as the cause of supernatural activity in homes or businesses. Whether it is the individuals or the networks (or both) that are demonaphobic, the reality is that the phobia is ubiquitous. As with the opening scene with DT, it is astounding how hesitant folks are on these shows to assign the blame on demons for even the most despicable activity. For varying reasons, the almost monolithic consensus of investigators is that demonic encounters are rare. So, in that regard the TV shows are mirroring current beliefs in this field. One quick example. The much respected John Zaffis is called in to assuage the fears of a young mom. There has been verbal threats and physical violence, to the point she is terrified. During an EVP session (red flag!) John asks the spirit if it is angry with the family, and child’s voice answered, "no". Based almost entirely on this captured EVP, John interprets all of this scratching, pushing, and threats as an expression of trust that this child ghost feels with the young mom. A touching scene follows, and I am feeling nauseous. That is baloney sir. Do you always trust children’s voices? What would you think of a living child who scratched and pushed people and threatened them? I would have had my rear-end whipped good as a child if I did half of what that demon did to those people. That is calling wrong…. right-something the bible condemns. On another episode his tech, Brian, got a long triple scratch down his back, and demons were not mentioned at all—not amongst themselves (that we know of) or with the client. Does anybody else find that problematic? Two per show… that makes eight hair raising episodes in a month, in which a world famous, professing Christian demonologist does not even mention demons.

While watching Paranormal Witness tonight I thought that, finally, they will call a spade a spade. Two or three deputies are witness to some hair raising activity in an old theatre. After what he called demon like activity, one of them quit. It seemed that, given all the focus on the sheer evil of this entity, that a demon was going to be the culprit. Wrong. By the end, it was reported that a young man had died in a fire there and all the activity was then viewed through that prism. So, in all those shows I watched, I do not recall a demon being seen as the cause of the supernatural activity. Moreover, most of the time, demons were not even mentioned. We are talking several dozen episodes. THAT frequency and repetition is clearly influencing people’s views regarding both ghosts and the demonic.  It makes me weep.

I find this very troubling because it is only reinforcing in the audience’s minds that ghosts are the only plausible explanation for supernatural activity. It is shaping their view of supernatural reality…millions of people. “Yes demons are real, but rare”. Sound familiar?  It should, because demonic rarity is the majority view of investigators. Sure it happens but even the most “negative” (grown to really dislike that word) entities are almost always viewed as irregular humans or possibly some whacked out dimensional being (eg energy vampires—demons can mimic that). If it smells like sulfur, levitation is occurring, tables are flying across the room, apportation, extreme aversion to blessed objects, client speaking backwards in Latin, and people are being hurt, THEN folks will discuss the possibility of demonic presence. Sheeesh….(OK, a bit exaggerated) Once you introduce the concept of ghosts (including poltergeist and residual), then identifying demons is hopelessly subjective.

Stop! Everyone believes that demons are deceptive, so why the almost fervent hesitancy to label something demonic unless all the aforementioned is present? Even veteran, biblical demonologists fall prey to this faulty logic when they assume they will always feel heaviness in the air if there is a demonic infestation. If you have a strong gift of discernment (there are gradations of sensitivity), then that is a horse of a different color. But generally, demons can leave a palpable sense of peace and love. That is certainly an implicate of the angel of light principle, and there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence to support this. They can control the vibe of a house. How convincing is an angel-cloaked demon going to be if everyone has the heeby-jeebies around them or feel nauseous and so on? Back to the fervent hesitancy.

Satan is not omnipotent, but he is showing considerable power in how he has promoted this demonaphobia. The issue is not what you personally believe—the issue is, what is the message coming across the TV? This was an experiment to observe. The bottom line is that if the angel of light principle is real—and it is—then there is no way to make a list of criteria for demonic presence; they can and do break all the rules and all the stereotypes. And to rule out from the get-go the possibility of demonic activity is not science, it is ideological assumptions. (REPEAT) It is the opposite of true science…destination untruth. 

Demonaphobia….that is what is plastered all over TV these days. This is a call to all bible believing Christians to be salt and light for the glory of God.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Ghosts of Shepherdstown--New Paranormal TV Series

Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia, and is best known for the local arts scene, the historic attractions, and the university. Now, this community of 1,750 people will become known for something else entirely different. According to Real Screen, a recent surge in supernatural activity has forced the town’s chief of police, Michael King, to turn to a team of paranormal investigators for answers.

Shepherdstown’s five-man police department has been busy responding to several 911 calls where residents are claiming that their emergency is not criminal in nature, but paranormal. King decides to bring in paranormal experts Nick Groff (Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Lockdown), billed as America’s leading paranormal investigator; Elizabeth Saint (A Man Possessed, Reaper), a paranormal sensitive; and Bill Hartley (Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal, The R.I.P. Files), the team’s technical guru. Together, this Ghosts of Shepherdstown team will work to uncover the truth behind the disturbances and investigate the reports of disembodied voices, shadowy figures, physical attacks, and objects that seem to disappear right into thin air.

Let me address an issue from the outset—paranormal snobbery. It goes in both directions. Some so-called ‘para-celebs’ act as if they are better than others. They have listened to all the positive hype about themselves. As far as I’m concerned, nobody is an expert regarding the spirit realm, but some sure seem to come across as they are. However, snobbery can run in the opposite direction. Those of us who have little recognition can become embittered toward those who have attained some measure of fame.The result is that, in their minds, ALL paranormal TV shows are lumped together as worthless and ‘scripted nonsense’. And so, along comes this show about Shepherdstown replete with para-celebs, and the tendency is to reject all of it as nonsense. We need to see that both attitudes are snobbery, and be discerning of what is real and what is not. Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. There are varying degrees of ‘form and freedom’, or scripted and spontaneity, in these shows, but even the most scripted show can be derailed by the intrusion of the demonic. One sarcastic criticism I kept reading was that Elizabeth was a lousy actor. Did the thought ever occur that she might be a lousy actor because she was not acting? We need to avoid extremes in both directions—whether they are the best thing since sliced bread or that they are nothing but worthless playacting.

Without being gullible, we must realize that Satan has a deeply vested interest in the success of these shows because they are deceiving millions of people. The reality is that more people watch TV than read substantive books…I know this from experience! Consequently, the astute observer can learn much about demonic collusion and the schemes of the devil in making these shows work and bring some kind of non-Christian ‘resolution’ to these paranormal trials. Which results in deceiving many, many people who are not discerning of supernatural evil. We’ll see this shortly as the “resolution” unfolds in this tiny town in West Virginia.

What is collusion? “A secret agreement or cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose.” (Webster's). Collusion can explain much demonic activity.

Agreement amongst fellow demons to bring about the success of a diabolical purpose is the essence of spiritual warfare, helps explain Satan’s schemes, and collusion has much explanatory power when trying to understand the demonic purpose behind a TV show or an infestation. Demonic collusion almost always includes humans (witting or unwitting) in some form or fashion—working with human psychics and mediums is a classic example. Since Satan and his minions control the psychic airwaves, they can make the medium experience whatever they wish—anything that will paint a very convincing deceptive picture of what is going on in the spirit realm.They are masters of collusion that deceives humans. Another way to put it, is that demons engage in intelligent, coordinated attacks in spiritual warfare. Again, demonic collusion helps to explain so much demonic strategy in so many varied circumstances.

Since they are finite creatures they can only be in one place, but collusion greatly enhances their reach as well the convincing nature of their varied deceptions…including Shepherdstown.

The only reason I watched, and am writing, on this six-part series is because it garnered a lot of attention and is affecting many people—Christians and non-Christians alike. Anybody called by God to pull down strongholds of erroneous belief/behavior (2 Corinthians 10) have to PRAYERFULLY watch these paranormal shows in order to understand Satan’s schemes. And I prayed that the Lord would help me to see why this phenomenon happened in Shepherdstown.

What has caused all the exploding activity in this town? For hundreds of years this sleepy little town, though it had its share of tragedies, was asleep paranormally speaking.

It has been my conviction that overt demonic activity has been on the increase since the 1960’s, with the mass introduction of the Eastern/pagan worldview. That this entire city was overrun with a demonic infestation seems to be consistent with the ever-increasing paganization of our country and the resultant flinging open of doors to the demonic. What if this is the beginning of large-scale spiritual terrorist attacks? Have we reached a critical mass of evil in God’s eyes that the floodgates are being opened before the end? In the span of just a few decades, activity that was once considered vices is now viewed as virtues. There has also been a sweeping change in belief—Nature or the Universe is now seen as ultimate reality instead of the infinite/personal God of the bible. The Creator and creation has been merged, with horrible consequences. (see Romans 1).

I’m not going to summarize each episode, for the sake of time. Each show begins with a frantic call to the police department which is not criminal in nature but paranormal. Recently, out of the blue, the police department started being deluged with calls of people being freaked out by paranormal activity. This was not a few isolated incidences. The WHOLE town seemed to be under siege and the residents were becoming hysterical.

I was intensely curious as to WHY a whole town would suddenly come under demonic attack. To summarize biblical teaching: all paranormal activity is demonic activity…contrary to some vocal Christians who claim that this view is simplistic and it allegedly does not do justice to the biblical data. I will fight to my dying day, by God’s grace, to deal honestly with the biblical view of God and the afterlife.

All paranormal activity is demonic activity. Hence, all paranormal activity must be seen as very serious, no matter how seemingly innocuous.

At the end of each episode the team seemed to bring resolution to individuals, but the overall activity kept growing. They tried to find a common denominator, like the town run, which is the water source…and they theorized that a ‘negative’ entity was using the town run (since it was water) as a means of moving about and affecting both humans and other spirits.

In every investigation they used the standard equipment and method…chief of which is always some form of EVP or communicating with the dead. The bible is very clear that contacting the dead is an abomination to Him (Deuteronomy 18). By the way, one person has stated that God would not forbid us to do something unless we were able to do it. In other words, why would God tell us to not attempt communication with the dead unless we were able to? Following this strange logic consistently, God forbidding us from worshipping or communicating with other gods, must imply that there are other gods! And we know from the bible that there is no God but the Living God! (Isaiah 40-48) So, the logic of our friend is flawed and unpersuasive.

The point is that attempting to communicate with the dead in an investigation, only opens doors wider to the demonic. Short of outright Satanism or blood sacrifice, I don’t know of a quicker way to open doors to the demonic than attempting to communicate with the dead. Inadvertently, most paranormal investigators make their clients' home much worse since they use methods which are detestable to God. And so, every investigation which happened in Shepherdstown (since they attempted to speak to dead) only worsened the situation, even though Satan was happy to oblige a ‘resolution’ (for a brief while) in order to validate his deception, not only in this city, but in the eyes of the millions watching. Satan knows that the notion of ghosts is one of his most successful and effective deceptive schemes. Hence, that is why he will do all he can to make sure these TV shows WORK. That is why I cannot agree with my friends who are dismissive of all paranormal TV shows. I am convinced that the devil is involved in all of them to some extent, and is spreading a fog of deception over our land through them. Again, if I were the devil, I would do all I could to make these shows work sensationally. We are losing our ability to be spiritually discerning due to a pragmatic view of truth (does it seem to work) and addiction to the sensational.

Some interesting video evidence was captured. In the last episode, unless one is willing to say that everyone was lying, we were shown a horrible display of what some call poltergeist activity. The point is that, while in the basement, demons destroyed their kitchen. The young pregnant mom heard infant cries coming from pipes, as well as what seemed to be the baby’s mother. They contacted the medium which they had used in several episodes, and it seems apparent that she has a familiar spirit because she psychically observed all that they had unearthed via their investigations. This is demonic collusion…feeding her relevant information which seemingly validates HER abilities as well as the ghost scenarios she was painting.

There were numerous instances in which the medium displayed an uncanny accuracy regarding historical events that the town historian had uncovered. This is where collusion is so helpful in explaining the data or the phenomena.

According to this team, as well as the medium, a colonial age woman, who lived at this last location, was falsely accused of being a witch and poisoning the town water and killing numerous infants. The team historian asserted that there was a physical explanation for the deadly water. They drowned the ‘witch’ and left her baby in the woods to starve to death. Both were said to be heard at the last location…looking for each other. That was the medium's explanation.

Consider this scenario for a moment…...

An infant is earthbound for about 300 years. The mother, who is getting increasingly angry, has cast a spell in her spirit state on city. This is where the demonic collusion becomes increasingly evident. The team just happens to find a medium who explains how the whole town had become ‘paranormal’ overnight. The young pregnant mom allegedly reminded the witch of her situation and she blew a gasket, and this caused the massive haunting. She started becoming in the spirit realm what they had falsely accused her of…a witch. She cast a spell on the city and all its inhabitants.

However, the medium to the rescue! She discerns all this. Not demons, but rather a 300 year old baby and spirit witch. By the way, after watching all 6 episodes I don’t recall them ever mentioning demons as a possible explanation for the negative entity they kept encountering. That is called demonic influence. When the situation clearly was revealing an evil entity, the demons quietly persuaded them that it was not demons! The demons all worked together to make sure that neither the investigative team nor the medium mentioned the D word. Which is pretty astonishing in light of the evil things they came across, like upside down crosses in the woods.

I can’t continue without commenting on how preposterous the notion is of an infant being left here for about 300 years. The classic biblical teaching regarding infants is that ALL infants immediately go to heaven after death. Not only that, but the spirit mom and baby are searching for each other for about 300 years! Why didn’t they find each other…..its a small town?! Hebrews 9:27 says that all people appear before God for judgment immediately after death. What kind of God is going to leave AN INFANT in the same spirit realm in which demons reside, and allegedly mass murders according to many in paranormal community. The baby was crying…how infant-ish was this spirit infant? Simply going on observation and sound, this infant was an infant for 300 years. How horrific!

Again, the medium to the rescue! She perceives why the whole city was under siege, and why so abruptly. How? The 300-year-old earthbound woman told her. The solution was to hold a ceremony at the spot where she was drowned. After a few words declaring the woman and child free, she encouraged those present to toss a memento into the river with an encouraging word. It was a thoroughly non-Christian ceremony. No mention of Jesus or the Holy Trinity. It was a pagan ritual.

The team and medium release mother and the baby (reunite them) by a pagan ritual. The series ends with the police chief saying that virtually all paranormal activity stopped overnight. Wow! Demonic collusion. Learn it…it is what makes The Dead Files work too. But what is the result in people’s minds unless they are very discerning? That mediums work. That EVP’s work. That pagan rituals work. That an entire city was saved apart from the God of the Bible. The pagan worldview is being entrenched deeper in the psyche of Americans. We must weep, pray, educate, and work to be God’s agents of change in this dark and broken world.

Read about demonic collusion and THE DEAD FILES.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.  

Residual Haunts & Six Forms of Energy

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

One reader told me that they thought I made a plausible case, BUT are there other forms of unknown energy which may account for the residual phenomenon? That is an excellent question, and I think by attempting to answer it we may further enrich our understanding of this topic. Let me remind you that the category known as "residual haunt" is thought to be the most common cause of paranormal activity.If for only that reason, it is important that we analyze it and try to get at the truth. More than usual, this newsletter builds on the foundation laid in the last one.

One other preliminary comment--please note that the ultimate court of appeal for truth is God's special revelation...His personal Word to us in the Bible. Science (part of what is called general revelation), when properly understood, will always concur with scripture, but it must not be seen as an autonomous activity. God's inerrant, written revelation to us has primacy of authority...science must not be seen as an equal in terms of authority. It would be an act of impiety to pursue scientific truth as if it were more "true" than the bible. When the bible speaks, God speaks with full authority over our lives, but general revelation cannot claim implicit obedience because the "assured results of science" often turn out to be not so sure! We must presuppose God and His word first, or all of reality, including science, will be meaningless and incoherent.

I had an "aha" moment recently while watching Ghost Adventures. Mr. Bagans was explaining the mechanics of r h (residual haunt) and he said that a murder would cause a wave of emotionalized energy to be imprinted in the environment. Two points stand out as clearly in error: energy CANNOT be imprinted in an environment ( this is discussed last time and today); and energy cannot be emotionalized. A salient aspect of of being human is emotions...it is part of being a person.  To anthropopathize (assign human emotions) to an impersonal entity like energy is clearly fallacious reasoning. Energy is emotionless...inanimate. There is no precedent in the natural realm of any form of energy expressing emotions.  If these two notions are debunked, then the whole r h house of cards comes crashing down.

Let me review some basic physical science first. There are two types of energy--kinetic and potential. It seems that scientists really do not know how to describe what energy IS...all they can do is give a functional definition (the ability to do work) or a mathematical equation--E=mc2, but a truly ontological definition remains elusive. That does not bother me because in God's world we should expect mysteries. However, in addition to the two types of energy (kinetic/potential) there are six forms which energy takes--chemical energy, electrical energy, radiant energy (light),  mechanical energy, nuclear energy, and thermal energy.

The question put to me was: is it possible that there is some form of unknown energy that can explain residual paranormal activity?  First, if it is an unknown form of energy, then how are we to talk of it? The burden of proof lies on those who would entertain the notion that the paranormal realm has forms of energy unknown to us. Let me explain... What is true in the natural realm can and should  be extrapolated into the supernatural realm . The paranormal/invisible realm here on Earth is part of the same space/time continuum that the normal or visible realm is.part of--and is subject to all the laws of God which He has interwoven into space/time. It seems apparent to me that there is simply a dimensional veil separating the two, and they don't exist or function like two distinct water-tight compartments....they "bleed " into each other and occupy the same space. Put another way, the same six forms of energy found in the visible realm on Earth, exist and function in the invisible realm on Earth. How do I know this? Because it is still the Earth (albeit invisible) and because energy itself is usually invisible...its effects are what is visible. Our eternal home will be here--right here... a renewed Earth which is perfect. We cannot escape time and its flow, even in eternity...the 'ravages" of time will be done away with.

Here are the six known forms of energy again--chemical, electrical, radiant, mechanical, nuclear, and thermal energies.I won't take the time to examine each one, but take a moment to picture in your mind each of these six forms of energy in action. The form that is most germane to our discussion is electrical because the body and brain do have electrical energy. In fact, it has become common to determine death by means of cessation of electrical activity in the brain, instead of the old way of heartbeat (which has electrical activity as well...I know this because I have a pace/defib in my chest!) There are other forms of energy active but electrical is primary I think.

Let me shift gears and state that none of the six known forms of energy can do what residual haunt (r h) requires. An r h is said to have energy that remains clustered in the environment for years.Also, this clustered potential energy summons itself to begin a sound and light show that may include--multiple moving apparitions, sounds, smells and so on.It is important to note that we have no precedent for this kind of activity in the natural realm (please read that again). Try to grasp how involved this process would have to be--impersonal electrical energy (similar to what is flowing to the light in my room) would be expelled from human body and remain virtually unchanged for decades or longer.(any notion of the environment reacting and stirring up energy due to one's violent death seems implausible to me) Then this potential electrical energy is able to recognize certain cues which causes this energy to manifest and loop. And not just loop but to energize an ultra hologram which science has not been able to create yet. An example would be the soldiers at Gettysburg walking about.

As I stated last time, some material conducts energy better than others but (and this is key) nobody has ever observed any of these six forms of energy putting on a visual, auditory, or olfactory demonstration similar to what is claimed in the residual haunt phenomenon.(we could spend an entire article merely on how extravagant this display of intelligent non-intelligent energy  becomes) Even nuclear energy, which stores energy for a long time in radioactive isotopes,has never been observed doing what we have come to know as residual activity...looping. The burden of proof is on those who believe in these anomalous events to prove that there is a form of energy in the paranormal realm which has no know counterpart in the natural realm.

The only energy that I'm aware of that is released into the environment when one dies is the small amount of electrical activity in brain and heart. Electrical energy is electrical energy is electrical energy! For heavens sake, if a billion volts from an average lightning strike dissipates immediately after impact, then the minuscule voltage in a human body (1.5 volts?) is not going to "hang around.". It is outta here! (because it is not the soul...we need special revelation for that knowledge).

In summary, none of the six forms of known energy have ever been observed functioning like an r h. We can posit all sorts of ideas but Ockham's Razor would heavily favor a model of reality that is symmetrical--six forms of energy on both sides of thin, permeable veil. An unknown paranormal form of energy would make reality asymmetrical. At this point, it is clear to me that positing an unknown form of energy would be an act of special pleading.

I have become convinced that fascination with the paranormal in general, and ghosts in particular, is one of Satan’s most effective and successful deceptions. It is a powerful door-opener to the demonic. We have also noted that residual energy/haunts is very popular in the paranormal community, and is bleeding over into general culture. Hence, if I were the devil (no comment!) then I would do all I could to make this notion of residual energy as plausible and popular as possible. Or, I would use my considerable arsenal to make as many hauntings as possible appear residual. Why? Because since they are allegedly non-intelligent, then people will tend to see them as not as serious. The last thing Satan wants are godly exorcists snooping around his strongholds. So, all he has to do is make his demons act non-intelligent by not replying intelligently to an EVP session…and the investigators will likely tell the client that they are safe. A residual haunt is not likely to be confronted in the Name of Jesus because IT IS MERELY ENERGY….NOT A SPIRIT.

Does that make sense? Another thing. Have you noticed how quickly many folks (many other are much more cautious) come to the conclusion that a haunt is residual? With perhaps an EVP or 2 that SEEM stupid or non-intelligent, the decision is made: this is residual. Additionally, many folks assume in advance  that most real activity is residual in nature. Hence, they will have an unconscious tendency to PERCEIVE activity as non-intelligent, with only a small amount of evidence. How much data does one need before it is prudent to claim that a haunting is residual? Remember the clients welfare is linked to an accurate ‘diagnosis’. Given the deception in the spirit realm, do we not need to be cautious and not jump to conclusions?

I am quite sure that Satan is milking this notion for all its worth. If only these alleged non-intelligent residual energies were confronted in Jesus’ Name, they would suddenly become very intelligent and reveal their true demonic nature. I know because I’ve done it many times and urge you to find a competent person to do it for you as well.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.  

What is Demonic Collusion?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

EDITOR'S NOTE: This blog was originally posted on March 20, 2014. Mark will have a new blog next week.

"...so that we might not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs." (2 Corinthians 2:11)

COLLUSION--secret cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose. (Webster's Dictionary)

"Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced (ridiculous as the expression may seem) more true than truth itself." (Irenaeus,  Against Heresies 1.2)

Corruptio optimi pessimum est (the corruption of the best is the worst).

As I was sitting and watching, a strong wave of panic rushed over me...I was watching last week's Ghost Adventures in which a young man dressed up as Satan began to read Satanic incantations (this was part of a Halloween factory they were investigating), BUT thankfully, they put a strong warning on the screen and muted his words entirely.These guys are known for doing whatever they can to stir the "hornet's nest" but I was petrified that millions of people were going to hear stuff they really, really do NOT need to hear. So, my hat goes off to the GA trio for making a very wise choice in this matter. Did you also notice the adult content warning at the outset? Good for them.

As many of you know, the TV show which follows GA is the Dead Files. My forte is not that of an investigative reporter, in which Amy Allan's credentials are put under scrutiny. Kirby does that exceptionally well, so my focus is elsewhere. In the text quoted above, we are told that we need--like Paul--to be aware of Satan's schemes...the way he operates. We must be aware, acutely aware, of certain diabolical strategies which are used over and over.

COLLUSION--is one such strategy which we must be aware of so that we are not misled by Satan's deceptions. It is defined as, "Secret cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose." (Webster) Forgive the repetition regarding the Dead Files, but I personally think it is THE show which most clearly showcases this particular diabolical scheme.

Suppose there was a car accident which four different individuals were eyewitnesses to....all from different angles. Let me ask this--what would you think if all four eyewitnesses agreed on EVERY single detail, in their reports to the police? They even used the exact same words to describe certain details of the accident. There would be something fishy about that, wouldn't there? The investigating officer might begin to wonder how much they had talked afterwards...and tried to make their stories sound alike. This certainly happens in other scenarios, and too much agreement can be as problematic as too little agreement amongst witnesses.When there is intentional behind the scene working to make stories line up with each other, it is known as collusion. People can be very creative in how they do this in order to haul in some cash. However, the true masters of collusion are Satan and his band of demons.

And as I have alluded to before, I do not know of a TV show which showcases this diabolical collusion more masterfully than the Dead Files. The result is a very, very convincing deception, which looks "truer than the truth." (Irenaeus) Please bear with me on this, because I well remember how deeply troubling it was for me when I first encountered demonic collusion of this kind. It almost threatened to overcome what I knew to be absolute verity/truth. I NEVER want to lose my sensitivity to what seekers experience when they are overcome with dizzying displays of complex collusion, as witnessed on the Dead Files. Feel free to disagree, but I am convinced that there is an immense amount of serious demonic scheming and activity going on during this show.

If you have the potential to deceive millions, then one would expect there to be exceptional demonic strategizing. This past week was no exception. Sure the producers cut and paste between Amy and Steve, but there is ALWAYS a string of scenes where both are coming to the exact same conclusion, "independently" of each other regarding a remarkable array of historical detail.However, the sad fact is that this former homicide detective is being "collusively played" just as much as his partner, Amy.The net result is that, unless you are experienced at spotting collusion, it will deceive you--it is perhaps the most effective diabolical lying strategy being employed against us.It is simply organized lying to accomplish a larger goal.

Once they have come to the reveal, then collusion has everyone in its infernal grip. Of course it is Aunt Hilda making all the ruckus...they even have an independent artist sketch of her! And by then it is impossible to accurately identify the true culprits (demons) because, unless it serves some purpose to self--reveal their demonic identity, then they will conceal it most of the time.

BTW, it was sad that, starting from herself (not dependent upon divine revelation) Amy came to the conclusion that the folks should move because she had no idea who shadow people were--only that they were powerful and dangerous--and she had no success in getting rid of them. The reality is these shadow entities are demonic, and are quite common, contrary to what Amy says regarding their rarity.

In closing, my advice is to keep your eyes open to the potential of demonic collusion, so that we might be equipped to effectively overcome our Adversary.

Addendum--one strong piece of evidence of the reliability of the eyewitness accounts of the gospels is the manifestly obvious lack of any collusion between Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

"Seeing Ghosts through God's Eyes" (also in a Kindle edition)...please consider purchasing my book which uses science, logic, and the bible to analyze the true source of power behind paranormal activity.

Innocent Ghost Tours Can Lead To Real Attachment

I know I have said this already in the past...I apologize that my blog subjects are regurgitated however, I spent most of the weekend dealing (and still dealing) trying to handle this situation. This person had a demon attach to them during a innocent sight seeing "trolley ghost tour " here in the city of St Augustine, Florida. It was one of those tours where they would stop at some places and actually go inside while the driver facilitates a walk thru explaining the history of the haunted location. The client did touch quite a few items in areas where they had signs telling tour guests to "stay behind the yellow line" for example. In Saint Augustine there's quite a few different tours and even the most innocent of things something can easily happen especially if you're not in the right state of mind such as maybe being depressed over a break up or you're sick or anything like that. It truly weakens your armor and unfortunately that stands out to these entities like a red flag. The weakest link type of thing. Or if someone thinks they want to be a big shot and show off by taunting and using provocation and what they don't realize they very well may get an attachment and like I've said many times, demons are very patient they may not do it right when you ask they may just wait until it's the lowest point in your life and then pounce on you. They will make every attempt to oppress you then we know it the next step is......possession.

What Is Demonic Oppression?

Demonic oppression is the work of evil spiritual forces that try very hard to encourage us to sin. It mimics depression down to a T! Discernment, which is a gift of the spirit, is needed to determine which one is actually present. There's a lot of mental illnesses that are not caused by the devil and his demons. We have to be very careful and not blame everything on demons. They have the ability to make us feel spiritually dead, and to be in bondage to sinful activities and thoughts.  This oppressive work is performed by demons, which are fallen angels who resist God, and who sinned in their first estate. (This information can be found in the book of Jude chapter 6).  They wage war against God, against God's people, and against unbelievers as well.  Their goal is to bring as many people as possible into rebellion against God and condemnation in hell. They want to drag as many souls to hell as possible.

I just want to say I certainly do not blame St Augustine nor any of their tours for causing anybody any spiritual torment. When people want to know about this stuff they're going to find a way to do it no matter what so I don't personally place blame on these places or ghost tours. There's just so many different ghost tours out there making money or places seen on "reality" ghost shows charging a fortune to investigate at their place now all because it was on Ghost Adventures. It makes me sick. People getting ripped off by con artists out there promising a show or whatever and then people are left without refund for the tickets they the main thing is the opportunity for attachment is never given a second thought. Just because it doesn't happen right when you do whatever it is you do doesn't mean at a later point it's going to manifest.

And of course all these people just have years of experience that they can't prove I can easily prove back to 1999 it can't be that hard but you got demonologists left and right popping up the same ones you see on TV but yet the ones that truly deserved to have their knowledge to be put out there ones that I have met nobody knows about because either they don't know anybody in the right place or what ever. This field attracts a lot of nobodies and they want to feel like a somebody. This field attracts a lot of misfits of society and you know I'm right.

I received a call from this person's friend who was referred to me by a acquaintance who worked at one of the stores there who sold K2 meters, voice recorders and other types of ghost hunting gadgets. Evidently the  behavior of this client was changing so fast and so much the roommate/best friend was truly concerned for his safety and of his friends. I have a process I do....I always ask a series of questions in attempt to try to gain an idea of how most likely the person came across the entity and if it was given legal rights or if this was inadvertently done. I don't just jump in and assume anything. Much information needs to be gathered first and sometimes a mental health evaluation. My interview with a client can be time-consuming but you have to know as much as possible because you want to attempt to figure out where it most likely came from and maybe give you a better idea of what you're dealing with. Exorcist Reverend Bradley Luoma was kind enough to send me a copy of the questions that he created as a "client interview" type of title. It gains the same answers but not near as much time-consuming as the one I created.. LOL. He's has many, many, years of experience just like my dad did so I'm blessed to have some guidance when needed. So thank you Reverend Bradley.

As I said in one of my past articles, some people will flat out lie because they're bored or they are seeking attention. I've run into many simply seeking attention and we all get lonely at times and we are being BOMBARDED with at least 6 or 7 "reality" ghost hunting shows and "Paranormal Encounters" where you have people sharing a "true" events that happened to them at some point in their life. Then the next thing you know they have a fan page for themselves because they were on "A Haunting" for example or one of those shows as a guest. It's sickening. Then......the Exorcist one, I forget the name but a male (alpha big time) demonologist is called to help ones in valid demonic distress just as I am. It was so refreshing  to see someone actually real, doesn't appear to be in it just for the money and ironically has some of the same procedures that I do. And most importantly he makes it clear that without Jesus Christ helping none of that could've happened. Just like when a priest does an exorcism who do you think he's calling on for help but yet some people try to take credit for when someone says "thank you so much for helping me" no one says well I couldn't of done it without the help from above.

I'm not saying the investigators don't deserve any type of acknowledgement because it's hard work to do an investigation to determine what needs to be done. People don't understand all the hours That goes into watching & listening to audio and video watching very carefully as you can literally blink and have missed something on video or simply yawn and missed something on the audio. People who do make up demonic activity or false scratches etc.. what they're doing is drawing attention to themselves. It's the law of attraction in my humble opinion you are now on their radar. They know you have an interest in them. But in this case that was not the situation. They definitely have a problem on their hands. In some cases if it was real to them it's real. Even if I feel nothing malevolent is going down I still understand if it's real to that person you have to take an approach and be very sensitive to their feelings even if I disagree. I still have a very concerned and upset person in true fear so it still requires finding them some source, some kind of relief and finding who can do so.

Just trying to point out and warn that so many more people are doing things that they don't realize by opening very dark doors, some inadvertently, some on purpose. And once something is out of the box it is very difficult to put it back in.

By Jennifer L Auld

Culture Watch: Television & Demonaphobia

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

NOTE: Due to a computer problem, Rev. Hunnemann doesn't have a new blog post for this week. This important blog originally posted on 12/7/12 is being rerun.

The deception began with a bang. The DT crew (Destination Truth) went to the Mayan ruins, which was the site of untold number of human sacrifices to idols—which as the bible tells us is participating in demons. In light of this, one would have thought they would have put demons at least on their possible suspect list for the accelerated paranormal activity there; they didn’t. Instead, team DT posited, before even went there, that the recent accelerated activity was either due to the sacrificial victims or the Mayan warriors. Even though scared to death at points, demons were not even an option.

I try to stay in touch with popular culture, so I watch as many of the haunted TV shows as I can. What I am sharing is based on what I witnessed over the last month of watching the following shows: Destination Truth, Ghost Adventures, Haunted Collector, A Haunting, The Dead Files, Paranormal Witness, Haunted Highway, and one more about hauntings at colleges but I can’t for the life of me remember the name.  Sheesh. That is eight shows on three nights of the week (Tues., Wed., Friday). People’s beliefs and worldviews are unconsciously shaped by exposure to this much haunted TV, but this is but a tip of the paranormal iceberg on TV. One list had about fifty shows, which in some form or fashion, focus on the assumed reality of ghosts. FIFTY!  Of course they are not all on the same season schedule, and a few on the list are now cancelled—but as with The Ghost Whisperer or Charmed, re-runs are current with a number of these. That is an incredible number of shows, which reveals how we are witnessing a paradigm shift in our understanding of spirituality (topic for another day). This phenomenon is both a shaper of culture as well as a reflection of it.

My purpose in watching all these shows was in part to answer this question: is TV phobic regarding demons? The undeniable answer is “yes”; the vast majority of these shows avoid fingering demons as the cause of supernatural activity in homes or businesses. Whether it is the individuals or the networks (or both) that are demonaphobic, the reality is that the phobia is ubiquitous. As with the opening scene with DT, it is astounding how hesitant folks are on these shows to assign the blame on demons for even the most despicable activity. For varying reasons, the almost monolithic consensus of investigators is that demonic encounters are rare. So, in that regard the TV shows are mirroring current beliefs in this field. One quick example. The much respected John Zaffis is called in to assuage the fears of a young mom. There has been verbal threats and physical violence, to the point she is terrified. During an EVP session (red flag!) John asks the spirit if it is angry with the family, and child’s voice answered, "no". Based almost entirely on this captured EVP, John interprets all of this scratching, pushing, and threats as an expression of trust that this child ghost feels with the young mom. A touching scene follows, and I am feeling nauseous. That is baloney sir. Do you always trust children’s voices? What would you think of a living child who scratched and pushed people and threatened them? I would have had my rear-end whipped good as a child if I did half of what that demon did to those people. That is calling wrong…. right-something the bible condemns. On another episode his tech, Brian, got a long triple scratch down his back, and demons were not mentioned at all—not amongst themselves (that we know of) or with the client. Does anybody else find that problematic? Two per show… that makes eight hair raising episodes in a month, in which a world famous, professing Christian demonologist does not even mention demons.

While watching Paranormal Witness tonight I thought that, finally, they will call a spade a spade. Two or three deputies are witness to some hair raising activity in an old theatre. After what he called demon like activity, one of them quit. It seemed that, given all the focus on the sheer evil of this entity, that a demon was going to be the culprit. Wrong. By the end, it was reported that a young man had died in a fire there and all the activity was then viewed through that prism. So, in all those shows I watched, I do not recall a demon being seen as the cause of the supernatural activity. Moreover, most of the time, demons were not even mentioned. We are talking several dozen episodes. THAT frequency and repetition is clearly influencing people’s views regarding both ghosts and the demonic.  It makes me weep.

I find this very troubling because it is only reinforcing in the audience’s minds that ghosts are the only plausible explanation for supernatural activity. It is shaping their view of supernatural reality…millions of people. “Yes demons are real, but rare”. Sound familiar?  It should, because demonic rarity is the majority view of investigators. Sure it happens but even the most “negative” (grown to really dislike that word) entities are almost always viewed as irregular humans or possibly some whacked out dimensional being (eg energy vampires—demons can mimic that). If it smells like sulfur, levitation is occurring, tables are flying across the room, apportation, extreme aversion to blessed objects, client speaking backwards in Latin, and people are being hurt, THEN folks will discuss the possibility of demonic presence. Sheeesh….(ok, a bit exaggerated). Once you introduce the concept of ghosts (including poltergeist and residual), then identifying demons is hopelessly subjective.

Stop! Everyone believes that demons are deceptive, so why the almost fervent hesitancy to label something demonic unless all the aforementioned is present? Even veteran, biblical demonologists fall prey to this faulty logic when they assume they will always feel heaviness in the air if there is a demonic infestation. If you have a strong gift of discernment (there are gradations of sensitivity), then that is a horse of a different color. But generally, demons can leave a palpable sense of peace and love. That is certainly an implicate of the angel of light principle, and there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence to support this. They can control the vibe of a house. How convincing is an angel-cloaked demon going to be if everyone has the heeby-jeebies around them or feel nauseous and so on? Back to the fervent hesitancy.

Satan is not omnipotent, but he is showing considerable power in how he has promoted this demonaphobia. The issue is not what you personally believe—the issue is, what is the message coming across the TV? This was an experiment to observe. The bottom line is that if the angel of light principle is real—and it is—then there is no way to make a list of criteria for demonic presence; they can and do break all the rules and all the stereotypes. And to rule out from the get-go the possibility of demonic activity is not science, it is ideological assumptions. (REPEAT) It is the opposite of true science…destination untruth. 

Demonaphobia….that is what is plastered all over TV these days. This is a call to all bible believing Christians to be salt and light for the glory of God.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

What is Demonic Collusion?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

"...so that we might not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs." (2 Corinthians 2:11)

COLLUSION--secret cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose. (Webster's Dictionary)

"Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced (ridiculous as the expression may seem) more true than truth itself." (Irenaeus,  Against Heresies 1.2)

Corruptio optimi pessimum est (the corruption of the best is the worst).

As I was sitting and watching, a strong wave of panic rushed over me...I was watching last week's Ghost Adventures in which a young man dressed up as Satan began to read Satanic incantations (this was part of a Halloween factory they were investigating), BUT thankfully, they put a strong warning on the screen and muted his words entirely.These guys are known for doing whatever they can to stir the "hornet's nest" but I was petrified that millions of people were going to hear stuff they really, really do NOT need to hear. So, my hat goes off to the GA trio for making a very wise choice in this matter. Did you also notice the adult content warning at the outset? Good for them.

As many of you know, the TV show which follows GA is the Dead Files. My forte is not that of an investigative reporter, in which Amy's credentials are put under scrutiny. Kirby does that exceptionally well, so my focus is elsewhere. In the text quoted above, we are told that we need--like Paul--to be aware of Satan's schemes...the way he operates. We must be aware, acutely aware, of certain diabolical strategies which are used over and over.

COLLUSION--is one such strategy which we must be aware of so that we are not misled by Satan's deceptions. It is defined as, "Secret cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose." (Webster) Forgive the repetition regarding the Dead Files, but I personally think it is THE show which most clearly showcases this particular diabolical scheme.

Suppose there was a car accident which four different individuals were eyewitnesses to....all from different angles. Let me ask this--what would you think if all four eyewitnesses agreed on EVERY single detail, in their reports to the police? They even used the exact same words to describe certain details of the accident. There would be something fishy about that, wouldn't there? The investigating officer might begin to wonder how much they had talked afterwards...and tried to make their stories sound alike. This certainly happens in other scenarios, and too much agreement can be as problematic as too little agreement amongst witnesses.When there is intentional behind the scene working to make stories line up with each other, it is known as collusion. People can be very creative in how they do this in order to haul in some cash. However, the true masters of collusion are Satan and his band of demons.

And as I have alluded to before, I do not know of a TV show which showcases this diabolical collusion more masterfully than the Dead Files. The result is a very, very convincing deception, which looks "truer than the truth." (Irenaeus) Please bear with me on this, because I well remember how deeply troubling it was for me when I first encountered demonic collusion of this kind. It almost threatened to overcome what I knew to be absolute verity/truth. I NEVER want to lose my sensitivity to what seekers experience when they are overcome with dizzying displays of complex collusion, as witnessed on the Dead Files. Feel free to disagree, but I am convinced that there is an immense amount of serious demonic scheming and activity going on during this show.

If you have the potential to deceive millions, then one would expect there to be exceptional demonic strategizing. This past week was no exception. Sure the producers cut and paste between Amy and Steve, but there is ALWAYS a string of scenes where both are coming to the exact same conclusion, "independently" of each other regarding a remarkable array of historical detail.However, the sad fact is that this former homicide detective is being "collusively played" just as much as his partner, Amy.The net result is that, unless you are experienced at spotting collusion, it will deceive you--it is perhaps the most effective diabolical lying strategy being employed against us.It is simply organized lying to accomplish a larger goal.

Once they have come to the reveal, then collusion has everyone in its infernal grip. Of course it is Aunt Hilda making all the ruckus...they even have an independent artist sketch of her! And by then it is impossible to accurately identify the true culprits (demons) because, unless it serves some purpose to self--reveal their demonic identity, then they will conceal it most of the time.

BTW, it was sad that, starting from herself (not dependent upon divine revelation) Amy came to the conclusion that the folks should move because she had no idea who shadow people were--only that they were powerful and dangerous--and she had no success in getting rid of them. The reality is these shadow entities are demonic, and are quite common, contrary to what Amy says regarding their rarity.

In closing, my advice is to keep your eyes open to the potential of demonic collusion, so that we might be equipped to effectively overcome our Adversary.

Addendum--one strong piece of evidence of the reliability of the eyewitness accounts of the gospels is the manifestly obvious lack of any collusion between Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

"Seeing Ghosts through God's Eyes" (also in a Kindle edition)...please consider purchasing my book which uses science, logic, and the bible to analyze the true source of power behind paranormal activity.

Ghost Adventures Crew Ignore Fans

By Chris Baricko

Most of us have watched Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel. I did  as well till their egos and bad acting got in the way. Let's start with a few things. When they wanted  to reach 1 million likes on Facebook they were everyone's friend. Then again when they wanted to reach 2 million Likes. Now they do not feel the need to answer nor reply. We served our purpose. They are not very truthful. It starts right with the opening. They clearly state "The three of us travel." Um, wrong there are five including Billy and the video guy. So right from the start there are misleading the viewers. But now let's look at them one by one.

Nick Groff, in my opinion, is the worst. He used to reply and answer fans' questions, but now, forget it.  And some might say well he can't reply to everyone. Sorry, I don't buy snake oil. If that was the case then how come when you go on his page he has time to promote his CD? His book? His clothing line? His gym? Or his "Drinks on Me" Tour? So let's look at this. He wants your money but don't want to give you any of his time? Hmmm, now why would you want to support a person who ignores you? Sorry no excuse the fans got him to were he is and the fans can also take it away.

Then he states that Boston is his home Town. Unless Pelham, New Hampshire moved South East 34 miles and 48 minutes away, it's not his hometown. See the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Groff#Nick_Groff

See Links http://www.travelchannel.com/video/aarons-vlog-haunted-mansion

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14yukw_ghost-adventures-s08e06-haunted-victorian-mansion_shortfilms

Pretty crappy things he did and to define what hometown means according to Merriam Webster Dictionary.
Hometown is defined as the city or town were one was born or grew up also principal residence.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hometown

Shame on him trying to play the Boston card for ratings and support.

Then we have Zak Bagans--his ego is unreal. He just doesn't reply at all. But made sure he was out there when he wanted you to buy his book.

Then we have Aaron Goodwin he is not as bad. He has his Big Steppin line and he donates proceeds to charity.

They all think they are all that. The funny part is I myself was investigating the paranormal before they were old enough to drive, as many others were. They need to remember that being on TV doesn't make them investigators--it makes them actors. Their EVP's are crap, they all sound just like static and they throw words under it hoping we will say OH YEA I hear it.

So, in closing, I will say it is pretty clear they all went to college for film, saw the paranormal was the in thing and cashed in on it. Too bad they do not take as much time to respond to the fans as they do pushing their products.

Nick Groff -- 1553 Likes

Our Troops -- 297 Likes

Bad Bad Thing Award Goes to the Constantinos / Satanic Monument in Oklahoma

By Kirby Robinson

Mark & Debby Constantino
Satanic Statue in Oklahoma

On this bad bad thing Saturday, an idiot pays triple digits to fake para-celebs and the devil wants his due in Oklahoma.

The Constantinos must be hard up for cash and day labor seems to be out of the question. What do they do to earn some money? Post a listing on eBay for some quick cash and advertise this "deal":

1 Hour Live Skype Chat with EVP Specialists Mark & Debby Constantino As Seen On Ghost Adventures!!

See the listing here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281237222848?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

The first issue is that EVP's have never been proven to be real. There are no credible EVP people to train you, because anyone can call themselves an EVP expert. Secondly, the Constantinos have appeared on such fake reality shows as Paranormal State and Ghost Adventures.

The "winner" of this bid proves the old saying about a fool and his/her money are parted is true. In this case, some "winner" paid $305.00 to experience an hour's worth of fakery. Should we expect many of the other fake EVP "experts" along with the fake demon chasers to fleece people on eBay?

The Devil Goes to Oklahoma

Don't teach values or have prayers in our public schools…but the devil can take his place right night next to the Ten Commandments.

http://foxnewsinsider.com/2014/01/07/react-satanic-group-plans-build-demonic-statue-near-10-commandments-monument

Guess this is zero commandments versus a Ten Commandments thing…and yet another sign that there is a war going on against our Christian values.   

Do you know of a para-celeb, psychic, ghost hunter, demon chaser, or false teacher who’s eligible for the award? You can take part by sending us a name and why you think they should receive the BAD BAD THING award. Contact freeallspirits@live.com for more information.

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