Paranormal News Saturday--December 1, 2012

The Adventures of Chip Coffey in the Land of You’re My Baby’s Daddy, Kissin’ Cousins & My Man [or Woman] is Cheatin’ On Me!

Earlier this week Mr. Coffey informed his readers that he’d be taking part in a TV  talk show. This was true. But what he didn’t say was that he was not the first choice. Nor was he even the second or third choice. The producers had to rush and find a replacement for the original psychic who was originally scheduled. The program’s topic is readings for people’s lives in 2013.

The taping took place in Stamford, CT. Our reporters were there, but luckily me or Ron Tebo or even Beatrice Marot didn’t bother to attend. Photos of us were posted so security could keep an eye out for his “personal” stalkers.

By the way, the name of the show is The Trisha Goddard Show.

The readings were colder than the weather outside. The only reason the trip was worth it, according to our reporters, were the free tickets.

Demons in the News

Need an exorcist? Call the Exorcist Hotline!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2240821/Catholic-Church-sets-exorcist-hotline-Press-1-demonic-possessions-press-2-visions-Hell.html?fb_action_ids=478724532170698&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582


New Fashion Trend in England--I GOT A DEMON IN ME!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2235669/Hundreds-exorcisms-performed-UK-Asian-communities-treat-people-mental-illnesses.html 


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EARN EXTRA MONEY! If you have a website, forum or blog you can set up an Amazon Associates Affiliate Program link and sell the Kindle version of NEVER MOCK GOD: AN UNAUTHORIZED INVESTIGATION INTO PARANORMAL STATE’S “I AM SIX” CASE, [Now in Print!], INVESTIGATING PARANORMAL STATE, PARANORMAL STATE EXPOSED and PARANORMAL TEACHINGS: THE BEST OF SHEDDING SOME LIGHT and earn money. You can also sell other books and products that Amazon offers. Here's the link https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/

Musings on Energy & Epistemology (How We Gain Knowledge) Part 2

By Mark Hunnemann

Continued from Part 1 

True knowledge of God and of the spirit realm cannot be acquired via ourselves; it must come from the infinite-personal God who is really there, revealing Himself to us. The bible speaks of the radical corruption of human beings (total depravity), and there is no part of us that is not tainted by sin—including our minds or consciousness. Looking ever deeper or higher within ourselves for certain knowledge of ultimate realty, is to overlook the severely corrupted nature of the human heart/mind (Jer. 17:9). Besides, as we have noted several times before, Rom.1:18ff states that we have exchanged the glory of the Creator God for a lie, and have begun to worship the creation instead of the Creator. Embracing an energy-centric worldview—energy is seen as ultimate reality—obliterates the Creator/creature distinction. What hubris to think that finite and sinful creatures can auto-generate pure and certain knowledge of God by a flight into higher consciousness. That is a Satanic reversal…we make God in OUR image.

Let me say it again—the vertical memory is alleged to be able to give us sure and accurate knowledge/answers to all of the profound questions raised earlier. An autonomous epistemology, like vertical memory, cannot accurately identify spirit beings either. Starting from ourselves, what is the basis for certainty regarding anything in the spirit realm? Earlier today I saw a thread on Facebook that was discussing Josh Gates and crew (Destination Truth), regarding an episode in which they re-visited a haunted forest—their camera guy had been thrown. Several people were intensely discussing what kind of entity/s were present there…the option most folks were espousing was that they were elementals—spirits which protected the forest. What struck me was how speculative the whole discussion was…one or two readily admitted they were left to mere guesswork…the truth would out when they died, was their contention. I could not refrain, and so I jumped in and, as gently as I could, pointed out that, with their epistemology, guessing was all they could do. There is a better way…

In contrast, in the book of Numbers, God in His infinite kindness and love has REVEALED Himself to us….when God “revelates” there is no need to speculate! In the ancient world, tassles were worn by nobles and other high class people. In Israel they are to be worn by everyone as a sign of being God’s chosen people. In observance of this requirement, Jesus would have worn these tassels. In Matt.9:20; 14:36 it clear that the “fringes” touched for healing by the sick would have been these tassels (same Greek word in Septuagint for “tassle” is used in Matt. for fringe…kraspedon)

Blue was used in the tabernacle, and so the blue threads reminded the Israelites that they were “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex. 19:6).They served a two-fold purpose (v.39): to bring to memory all the commandments of the Lord and do them; and the blue-laced tassles were a memory aid to not follow after their own hearts. There is a play on words with the expression “to follow” because this verb (tur in Heb.) means both “to spy” (an allusion to the disastrous results of the spies giving a bad report in ch.13) and “to follow”. Hence, this is a warning of the danger found in following their own whims rather than being absolutely loyal to the divine commandments or revelation.

But how many times have we said, “I will follow my heart to find God’s will? How many of us have walked through a forbidden relational door because that is what our hearts directed? When we come to our senses, it feels like death to put an end to what should have never happened. Verse 39 tells NOT to follow after our hearts because we are listening to our speculation and not God’s revelation…and He calls that whoring. My marriage and the unity of my family was destroyed due to a spouse who did not heed these words.

In Numbers 1:1 we read, “The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying…” This seemingly insignificant verse (the Lord spoke to Moses) is pregnant with epistemological meaning! Five words which should send us to our knees in worship and wonder. How often do we thank God for having revealed Himself to us in the bible? In a culture drowning in subjectivism and evil, we have a sure word from the Creator Himself!

A fairy tale begins, “A long time ago, in a faraway place…” or, ancient myths are a-historical regarding the bizarre stories of sexually heated gods and The Fates (one never knows which is ultimate). However, the book of Numbers is replete with verses like the one above. The revelation of God to us was done in space and time! Space: in a specialized tent which was located in a real geographical location…the wilderness of Sinai. Time: the precise date is given when Yahweh spoke to Moses, presumably in Hebrew, as He did to Saul on the road to Damascus. The simple but profound point is that God’s revelation to us took place within the space-time continuum. Thus, our epistemology is certain fact, and not some airy fairy flight of fancy, nor imagination dreamed up by a drunken monk, nor some subjective state called vertical memory or higher states of consciousness. No, God has revealed Himself to us in space and time.

God wants us to be holy as he is holy (v.40), and the key is to remember and do all his revelation tells us to do. Christianity is a system of truth; it is more than a system of content and truth, but it is not less. Meditating on the content of truth is biblical meditation, as opposed to content-less eastern meditation, which may open the door to the demonic—as can “ascensions” into higher states of consciousness. In v.40 He is revealed as the God who saved them by grace out of Egypt, which is a type/symbol of the coming greater Exodus through the Person and work of Jesus. The commandments are set firmly in the foundation of God’s gracious dealings with us!

V.37..”The Lord said to Moses…” About 2,000 times in the Old Testament we have that cosmos-shattering epistemological utterance (thus saith the Lord). The first sin of Satan in the Garden was to question the veracity of God’s word…”did god really say…?” But these words regarding the use and meaning of tassels was a direct revelation from the Living God—now THAT is certain knowledge! Whether it is the nature of God, the true identity of spirit beings, our eternal existence in heaven or hell, and grace (as opposed to karma and reincarnation) we have true objective truth. His revelation is certain, true truth OUTSIDE of us…concerning things impossible for a creature to know without divine revelation. The reason we can have confidence in what we believe regarding these vital matters, is that the Creator God has lovingly and truly revealed Himself to us: regarding what He is like, who dwells in the spirit realm, true wisdom, and that history is truly His-story…culminating in His imminent Second Coming.

“Thus saith the Lord” versus “thus feeleth the heart/higher consciousness”—that is the issue facing us and our culture. When the heart takes primacy it is an invitation for disaster due to its deceitfulness. Let us not forget that the Lord views following our whims as whoring. If the Father ever has to choose between our whims and the singular honor and dignity of His beloved Son, He will always choose the honor and dignity of His Son…He has made that abundantly clear.

Double Demon Thursday!

By Kirby Robinson

I stumbled across these two very interesting blogs on the subject of demons and decided what the heck why not share them with our readers…so here they are!

Where are demons located?

http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/2012/11/29/where-are-demons-located?utm_source=Catholic+Spiritual+Direction+blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=5bacbfd68e-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN

What do demons think about?

http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/2012/11/22/what-does-a-demon-think-about?utm_source=Catholic+Spiritual+Direction+blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=000f570a77-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN

Keep current and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/eyeonparanormal

EARN EXTRA MONEY! If you have a website, forum or blog you can set up an Amazon Associates Affiliate Program link and sell the Kindle version of NEVER MOCK GOD: AN UNAUTHORIZED INVESTIGATION INTO PARANORMAL STATE’S “I AM SIX” CASE, INVESTIGATING PARANORMAL STATE, PARANORMAL STATE EXPOSED and PARANORMAL TEACHINGS: THE BEST OF SHEDDING SOME LIGHT and earn money. Watch for the paperback version of Never Mock God coming in December! You can also sell other books and products that Amazon offers. Here's the link https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/

Issue 96 – The Antichrist Will be a Real S.O.B.

By Kirby Robinson

It’s now time we offer the truth not only in eBook format, but as a paperback. Never Mock God: An Unauthorized Investigation into Paranormal State’s ‘I Am Six’ Case should be out by December 8.

Michael Frisbee’s The Paranormal Christian Radio Show – Saturday, 12/8

This might be the most eye-opening and controversial paranormal program ever!

I’ll be joining Michael for a special edition of his Saturday night radio program during which we’ll be tackle some of the most controversial issues within the paranormal field.

We’ve issued an open letter to Chip Coffey, Ryan Buell, and Lara M to appear and explain things away, which would lead to the removal of the book from the market, and a public apology. To date, we have received no reply from any of them.

So tune in and get informed, but also angered, that not only did they mock God [and continue to do so] but they mock the hard work of the honest and genuine investigators within the paranormal field. They mock the hard work of men and woman of the cloth who combat the demonic every single day without the limelight.

Antichrist vs. the Real Christ

There are far better bible scholars out there than me, so I’m not going to try to pass myself off as one. I wish to share my view of who and what the Antichrist is and how he differs from the real Son of God.

The real Christ was the only Son of God.

The Antichrist will NOT be the son of God but of a demon.

It’s important to note the well-known but very much misunderstood story concerning the Sons of God [angels] looking on earth woman having sex. This is something a normal angel can’t do. They produced offspring that was neither angel nor human. The offspring became a terror on the surface of the earth, leading men and woman to do the most hateful things in God’s eyes, so that He decided to flood it.

If Satan could tamper with the DNA of man, it could have affected the ability of Christ coming into this world as a man. When the Antichrist enters this world, it will be through the same type of mating by one of the Sons of Man: with a female of this earth. Thus, he can claim he is of man yet his sperm didn’t come from a man.

Much has been made that our current President is the Antichrist—he’s not. Also, George W. Bush was called the Antichrist, so apparently it goes with the job.

Just like Christ, he will be a polarizing figure while on earth.

All who opened their eyes and ears to His teaching loved Christ. Yet there were those who hated Him and wished to kill Him. God refused to step in as the free will that He has given man means so very much to Him.

The message that Christ preached was completely pure and just.

With the Antichrist, the story will be much darker. The Antichrist will be loved by all, [outside of those who have spiritual discernment]. People will be drawn to him and few will be able to find errors in the teachings of the Antichrist.

Some have said that he’ll come from a very wealthy family. Unlike Jesus who came from a middle class family. Some say that he’ll be a politician’s son or of royal blood. Christ was of royal blood. Some teach that he might be a leader in the military, to mock Christ who could call an army of angels to defend and fight for him. Some have even said that he will be a she.

Unlike Christ, who offered His words, and if you refused to hear them, that was up to you, with the Antichrist you damn well better listen to his message and no other. Because if you refuse it then you’ll suffer even to the point of death. What he’ll teach through both his words and the words of the False Prophet will be based on the lie. A lie that started in the Garden of Eden when Eve was told that man can be like God, and moved to the Sons of God who shared secret teachings to humans. To the Tower of Babel when man sought to be on the same level as God seeking to become Gods, and Babylon who taught there was more than one God to follow.

Christ performs real miracles: He raised the dead, healed the sick, made people whole, fed the hungry, and cast out demons.

The Antichrist will do the same but it won’t be through the power of God but by the work of demons. The only act he won’t copy is casting out demons, as the false religion he’ll present won’t have demons.

NEXT WEEK—More on the Antichrist.

Keep current and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/eyeonparanormal

EARN EXTRA MONEY! If you have a website, forum or blog you can set up an Amazon Associates Affiliate Program link and sell the Kindle version of NEVER MOCK GOD: AN UNAUTHORIZED INVESTIGATION INTO PARANORMAL STATE’S “I AM SIX” CASE, INVESTIGATING PARANORMAL STATE, PARANORMAL STATE EXPOSED and PARANORMAL TEACHINGS: THE BEST OF SHEDDING SOME LIGHT and earn money. You can also sell other books and products that Amazon offers. Here's the link https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/

The Dalai Lama on Religious Harmony

A Biased Mind Cannot Grasp Reality

I am extremely delighted to attend this inter faith seminar on the Preservation of Religious Harmony, Co­existence and Universal Peace organised by the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), Ladakh group. Thank you very much for the detailed explanation of the association's history, activities, objectives and their relevance in the present century. I have nothing to add on what the speakers said earlier. But I would like to say a few things.

We are now in the twenty ­first century. The quality of research on both the inner and physical world has reached quite high levels, thanks to the tremendous stride in technological advancement and human intelligence. However, as some of the speakers said before, the world is also facing a lot of new problems, most of which are man­-made. The root cause of these man­-made problems is the inability of human beings to control their agitated minds. How to control such a state of mind is taught by the various religions of this world.

I am a religious practitioner, who follows Buddhism. More than a thousand years have passed since the great religions of the world flourished, including Buddhism. During those years, the world had witnessed a lot of conflicts, in which followers of different religions were also involved. As a religious practitioner, I acknowledge the fact that different religions of the world have provided many solutions about how to control an agitated mind. In spite of this, I still feel we have not been able to realise our full potential.

I always say that every person on this earth has the freedom to practice or not practice religion. It is all right to do either. But once you accept religion, it is extremely important to be able to focus your mind on it and sincerely practice the teachings in your daily life. All of us can see that we tend to indulge in religious favouritism by saying, "I belong to this or that religion", rather than making effort to control our agitated minds. This misuse of religion, due to our disturbed minds, also sometimes creates problems.

I know a physicist from Chile who told me that it is not appropriate for a scientist to be biased towards science because of his love and passion for it. I am a Buddhist practitioner and have a lot of faith and respect in the teachings of the Buddha. However, if I mix up my love for and attachment to Buddhism, then my mind shall be biased towards it. A biased mind, which never sees the complete picture, cannot grasp the reality. And any action that results from such a state of mind will not be in tune with reality. As such it causes a lot of problems.

According to Buddhist philosophy, happiness is the result of an enlightened mind whereas suffering is caused by a distorted mind. This is very important. A distorted mind, in contrast to an enlightened mind, is one that is not in tune with reality.

Any issue, including political, economic and religious activities human beings pursue in this world, should be fully understood before we pass our judgement. Therefore, it is very important to know the causes. Whatever the issue, we should be able to see the complete picture. This will enable us to comprehend the whole story. The teachings offered in Buddhism are based on rationality, and I think are very fruitful.

Today, a lot of people from different religious backgrounds are present here. In every religion, there are transcendent things that are beyond the grasp of our mind and speech. For example, the concept of God in Christianity and Islam and that of wisdom truth body in Buddhism are metaphysical, which is not possible for an ordinary person like us to realise. This is a common difficulty faced by every religion. It is taught in every ­religion, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, that the ultimate truth is driven by faith.

I want to emphasise that it is extremely important for practitioners to sincerely believe in their respective religions. Usually, I say that it is very important to distinguish between "belief in one religion" and "belief in many religions". The former directly contradicts the latter. Therefore, we should resolutely resolve these contradictions. This is possible only by thinking in contextual terms. A contradiction in one context might not be the same in the other. In the context of one person, a single truth is closely associated with a single source of refuge. This is of extreme necessity. However, in the context of society or more than one person it is necessary to have different sources of refuge, religions and truths.

In the past it was not a major problem because nations remained aloof from each other with their own distinct religion. However, in today's close and inter-connected world there are so many differences amongst various religions. We must obviously resolve these problems. For example, there have been a lot of religions in India for the past thousand years. Some of them were imported from outside whereas some have grown in India itself. Despite this, the fact is that these religions have been able to coexist with each other, and the principle of Ahimsa has really flourished in this country. Even today, this principle has a strong bearing on every religion. This is very precious and India should really take pride in it.

Ladakh has been a predominantly Buddhist area 'for so many centuries. But other religions such as Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism have also flourished here. Although it is natural for the people of Ladakh to have attachment to and love for their own religions, yet this place has a very peaceful environment with no major problems of religious intolerance. During my maiden visit to Ladakh, I heard elderly Muslims using the phrase "community of sangha" in their speeches. Although such phrases are not found in Islam, yet a reference of this kind invokes a lot of trust amongst the Buddhists. Therefore, people from different religious background in Ladakh are very close to each other and live in harmony.

As far as the Muslims are concerned it is appropriate for them to have complete devotion to Allah while praying in the mosques. This is also the same with Buddhists who are completely devoted to the Buddha when they pray in Buddhist temples. A society, which has many religions should also have many prophets and sources of refuge. In such a society it is very important to have harmony and respect amongst the different religions and their practitioners. We must distinguish between belief and respect. Belief refers to total faith, which you must have in your own religion. At the same time you should have respect for all other religions. This tradition of believing in one's own religion and having respect for others is in existence in Ladakh since your forefathers. Therefore you do not have to invent it. The most important thing at the moment is to preserve and promote this tradition. I would like to thank all of you for working hard regarding this and request you to continue to do so in the future.

If a harmonious relationship is established amongst societies and religious beliefs in today's multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural world, then it will surely set a very good example for others. However, if all the sides become careless, then there is a danger of imminent problems. In a multi­ethnic  society  the biggest problem is that of between the majority and the minority. For instance, in the capital Leh, Buddhists constitute the majority of the population whereas Muslims belong to the minority community. The majority must consider the minority as their invited guests. The minority, on the other hand, should be able to sensitise with the majority. In other words, both sides should live in harmony. In order to sustain this harmony, both sides should not take lightly the sensitive issues between themselves. Indeed, the majority should pay attention to and appreciate the views and opinion of the minority. Both sides should discuss and clearly express what they think about the other's view and opinion. The minority, on the other hand, should be careful about where the sensitive issues of the majority lies and express whatever doubts they have in their minds. If problems are resolved in such a friendly manner; then both sides will gain. Suspicion of each other will only harm both communities. Therefore, it is very important to live in harmony and analyse where the opinion of the other lies. The best way to do this is to engage in dialogue, dialogue and dialogue.

Excerpts from His Holiness the Dalai Lama's address to the inter-faith seminar organised by the International Association for Religious Freedom, Ladakh Group, in Leh on 25 August.

Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal: Fact or Fake? Pt. 4

Continued from Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal: Fact or Fake? Pt. 3

CHAPTER 5 - DEALING WITH SKEPTICS AND DISBELIEVERS

- It is very interesting how Coffey attempts to frame the discussion concerning skeptics and disbelievers. (He knows who manages the discussion often wins the outcome of it.) Coffey paints those who are skeptics as being uninterested in the truth, which belongs to only those who think as he does. To him, you either think in the same way he thinks or else you are someone who is not interested in learning the truth.

- Coffey presents numerous stories from mothers (observe that few episodes ever feature a child with both a mother and a father), concerning a psychic kid going to a mental hospital. It has been my experience that when it comes to events in peoples' lives that there are two sides to the story, and then there is the truth. It appears that the tales presented in the book paint schools and doctors as evil and psychic kids and their parents as good.

CHAPTER 6 - GOD NEVER HAD ANYTHING AGAINST PSYCHICS

- One of the realities that psychics like Chip fail to deal with when it comes to psychics and crime is that there is not one documented case of a psychic helping police solve a crime. This phenomenon has not happened to date.

- Coffey chooses to start this chapter with yet another anecdotal story we cannot document as true. Then he turns to a former police officer to praise the show while the chapter supposedly focuses on God and psychics. So why trot out the police officer in this section?

- Father Bob Bailey is used as proof that God endorses psychics. All the proof we receive from Father Bailey is that he is open to people that are psychic. There are no bible references given whatsoever. Note that Father Bailey and Coffey are linked to the same paranormal reality show, namely "Paranormal State". This is another show that has many questions raised concerning its credibility as the same production company that produced it also produced "Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal".

- Coffey states that if you are using the bible to address apprehension concerning his show, this means that you are a bigot. Again, he tries to frame the discussion to focus on him being right while everyone who disagrees with him is wrong.

- Chip chooses a bible passage that is often used by new age supporters to back their beliefs. John 3:7 "Ye must be born again." This quote serves as a pillar for the reincarnation debate. But if you read the full passage there is no way that it could mean what they want you to think it does. "Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again." Coffey also turns to a much used passage "Judge not, that ye be judged." If we take it to the extreme, as Coffey suggests, this would mean that all judges who oversee a court are headed for hell. Furthermore, anyone impacted by a criminal is bad because they judge the criminal for inflicting pain and suffering.

- Nor does Chip address the various passages in both the New and the Old Testaments that raise issues with being psychic or talking to the dead.

CHAPTER 7 - MOVING INTO ADULTHOOD

- This chapter should have been labeled LOOK AT ME! I'M A FREAK, MOM! We receive no real information about how to help a psychic kid move into adulthood. We read more self-promoting of Coffey's life which as I continued reading, more doubts began to form about being told the truth.

We come to the end of the main text and I feel the book falls short on the promises made by the publisher on what the book was supposed to provide the reader. Let's take a look and see what we get:

* Determine if a child is really psychic—as opposed to simply imaginative or seeking attention

Not done.

* Identify the different kinds of psychic abilities kids (and adults) might have

Done but we are never told where the information came from.  The International Psychic Association? 

* Gain control over when and how psychic information is received

Not done.

* Safely connect with others in the psychic community

Not done.

* Deal with skeptics and disbelievers:

Done but the only advice given is to call them bigots.

But most concerning is this passage:

NO one knows more about psychic kids than Chip Coffey, and no expert on psychic kids is better known throughout the world. These kids are widely misunderstood, misjudged, and misdiagnosed. In Growing Up Psychic, Chip Coffey offers indispensable information for anyone who interacts with these extraordinary youngsters—parents, educators, medical professionals, mental health clinicians, members of the clergy, paranormal investigators—and adults who faced the challenges of growing up psychic.

Where did Chip Coffey get his degree?

What level of degree did he receive?

What training and research has been done concerning psychic kids?

What type of license or certification does he hold?

Has he taken part in any training or schooling since he allegedly received his degree back in the nineteen-seventies?

Does he belong to the A.P.A. or any other professional psychological organization? Has he taken part in research into any psychological topic?

Has he been published concerning his psychic kids work in any peer review publication?

EPILOGUE

There is no need to cover it.

GLOSSARY

We are presented with a list of terms and most of them were not used in the book. There is no reason given for listing them and we find at the end that his research into these terms from two websites: Wikipedia and the Free Online Dictionary.

PRAYERS OF PROTECTION

My demon experts list that all of these prayers are easily found online and offer the reader no insight.

TRUE TALES I NEVER TIRE OF TELLING

This section reads as though the book was falling short of the length that his publisher was expecting so these were tacked on to make the book longer. They read like the earlier tales he shares for more self-promotion.

The last story is troubling as it seems to me he is profiting off the victims and the dead of 9/11. This is a date where many of us lost loved ones and friends. Events concerning that day then and now should be treated with the utmost respect.

I have found this book to be more about CHIP COFFEY, the abilities he claims to have, and his life, than about psychic kids. It appears to me that psychic kids were used to justify writing it. What a shame. Exploiting gifts that have not been proven is wrong, but exploiting children, psychic or not, is even worse.

Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal: Fact or Fake? Pt. 3

By C.C. Starbuck

Continued from Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal: Fact or Fake? Pt. 2

ARE YOU PSYCHIC TOO

Coffey attempts to stroke the egos of other family members of these psychic kids by saying it runs in the family. There is no proof offered outside a phone call from an unidentified woman. Coffey helps build the egos of the child and seems to be as important to him to build the ego of others. The whole family is psychic! Can we be seeing a remake of a 1970'sTV classic "The Partridge Family" called "The Psychic Partridge Family"? Join "The Psychic Partridge Family" as they travel the highways of America giving readings to everyone they encounter.

-The subject of death is raised and Coffey brings up the name of Moody and his near death experiences as if his research is acknowledged by the medical profession, when in reality it is not. As I have pointed out earlier, it has been attacked and questioned from different viewpoints. From a theological standpoint, his work is not valid due to tossing out all NDEs that had hell and the devil related to them. Concerning a medical standpoint, this is due to shoddy research methods. Coffey also states that no one knows what lurks on the other side, which is troubling for he claims to be a Christian. All Christians are told what to expect when we die. (Oddly, by touting Moody's research, it does in some ways validate the Christian concept of what happens in death.)

- Coffey brings up the issue of a sense of community. America is lagging behind China where there are schools and great training centers for over 100,000 super psychic kids. If we accept this story as true, we are offered no proof. We can question whether China's interest in these kids is to help them develop for their own good? Or for the good of intelligence agencies run by the Chinese army and government for spying on the civilian population? Many governments around the world have spent billions of dollars and invested many years in research in the field.

- Coffey states that he has a forum for psychic kids to get help. He does not share that these threads have been shut down for several months. Nor does he mention the main focus of the site is to sell his book and tickets to upcoming Coffey Talks. He neglects to inform the reader that he is making money off the site.

- The two moderators also make money off the site as they have websites that people are directed to in order to receive training. One moderator even used the "Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal" Facebook page as a way to sell Coffey's (and others affiliated with Coffey) products and services. There was no intention to actually assist psychic kids. The moderator served as a watch dog and personally attacked anyone posting anything negative and/or asking insightful questions. All this was done without the knowledge of anyone affiliated with A&E.)

- Coffey states his readings are more like consultation sessions than readings. On his website you will notice he likes to know what you want from the reading, which automatically tells him what to discuss.

- Many psychics that I have talked to state that they want nothing from the client prior to the reading. (This is due to the fact that with just a client's name and phone number, with the power of Google and a $19.95 personal data search you can find out a lot about people). The psychics I spoke with suggested never giving the psychic any information other than the desire to book an appointment.

- Claiming a reading is more like a therapy session raises the issue about the psychic being licensed by the state to do therapy. If you start calling it therapy then it cannot be for entertainment purposes only.

- Coffey brings up the subject of angels and spirit guides. Having talked to many pastors, priests and a few so-called demonologists, it seems like some very bad advice is being given here. Coffey never tells the readers how to test the spirit.

- He fails to address the issues of whether a child has an overactive imagination or possible signs mental illness. It is indeed troublesome that selling books filled with a medley of misinformation is the goal of new age teachers. "Growing Up Psychic: My Story of Not Just Surviving but Thriving--and How Others Like Me Can, Too" is categorized as nonfiction, yet it contains enough subjective experiences and anecdotal tales to categorized the book as a work of fiction. But Coffey and other individuals affiliated with the new age will make any claim in order to get the public to buy into them.

Chapter 4 – THE NEED FOR PSYCHIC PROTECTION

In my career in law enforcement I came to accept there is evil in the world. I doubt you will find a cop, whether he walks a beat or works plainclothes, that would say otherwise. Those who inflict suffering on their fellow man and animals that I have witnessed cannot simply be explained away by psychic, logical or social reasons. Nor do I believe the catch phrase that someone is just a bad person. (The case that shook me up the most was the mother of a three-year-old son who tossed the child into a big pot of boiling water just because her boyfriend was late for a date.) It left the indelible impression that some kind of evil walks among us.

In the first episode of "Paranormal State" Coffey informed Ryan Buell that he knew very little about demons or demonology and was not an exorcist. As this was made a few years ago, it seems that has not changed. I interviewed pastors, theologians, so-called demonologists, and a few well known people in the paranormal community who are in charge of clergy networks and demon hunting groups. From what I learned, much of the information presented in this chapter could not work. If following Coffey's advice, it might invite more harmful spirits.

- The Rosenberg story is inspiring but spirits do not have to listen to man, and without invoking the name of Jesus Christ the spirit would never have left.

- The hot water heater story might be frightening but how would the plumber know the two valves broke simultaneously? Could they have broken at separate times? The plumber speaking about the virtues of Coffey would not have had any impact in driving the spirit away. If Coffey was psychic, he should he have known the spirit was there in his home as his angels and spirit guides would have warned him.

- The demon experts that I have consulted with regarding the demon possession section of this book concerning the signs do give it a thumbs up. It does contain a common mistake made by people about an exorcist. You do not have exorcist Bob Blue, you have Father Bob Blue who is trained to perform an exorcism.

- Additional concern is that a layperson is not allowed to perform the solemn rite of exorcism. Laypeople can say prayers of deliverance. As to non-Catholics, they can cast out demons but cannot use the rite to do so.

- Chip shares the Carmen Reed story which is better known by the name "A Haunting in Connecticut" both the book and film. (For years she has made money from this case via the lecture circuit.) Although Ray Garton wrote an interesting story concerning it, what you see may not be what really took place. At one time Coffey was going to write a book about the case.

- Smudging is mentioned but no explanations are given as to why it works. Are demons frightened by smoke?

- Never is the subject of one having a relationship with GOD ever brought up. My demon experts inform me that the only sacred objects needed are: cross/crucifix bible, holy water and the word of God.

- It's puzzling that the episode dealing with the demonic is not even mentioned in Coffey's book. Entitled "Demon House", it might be the most controversial episode of the show's short run. Alexa's family owned a home in which multiple demons were said to live, causing the family to flee from their home in the middle of the night. On the Shedding Some Light blog, there is an entry dated August 22, 2008 on the subject.

Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal - The Demon House episode

I watched all 6 episodes of "Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal" at least once, and "The Demon House" episode many times. And I've consulted with others to compare my reactions and refine my opinions.

Every time Chip Coffey first meets one of the children and asks them to perform some kind of psychic skill, the kids are always 100% accurate 100% of the time.

But when it comes to the Demon House episode that's entirely a different matter. The first time I viewed it I could not believe what I was seeing, and with each successive viewing it gets worse.

Now prior to moving on, let me write this in plain English: I get no personal pleasure from this whatsoever. But I have made a commitment to the truth, I've promised to help ALL and I feel that I'm being led to write these words, so I couldn't be what I am if I shirk my metaphysical duty.

So, here is my analysis of The Demon House:

Each episode begins with a statement that "this is a documentary." By definition that means it's to be factual and objective, which implies that events and situations will not be manipulated within either the production or presentation. To both Ryan Buell's and Paranormal State's credit, they do not imply this within their program's description.

The episode opens with a young girl in Houston, Texas by the name of Hailey. She's 12, and lives with her mother, Ileana. The girl sees a spirit of a man that threatens her and brings other spirits that have physically and verbally threatened to harm her. She lives in fear of said violence. The mother claims that there's no help and all this is starting to impact Hailey's life.

At this point in the episode, I feel that Hailey is telling the truth and there is certainly a negative presence in her room and closet that is potentially harmful to both her and her mother.

We then meet Alexa, 14, from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida who claims she has seen ghosts and demons since the age of 8. The family fled 2 years ago from a house that is demonic, and they have been unable to return to it except for brief moments in the daylight hours. Alexa claims, "someone is there and it kinda freaks me out." Leslie, Alexa's mother, states, "things happen." We are never told what events led to the family fleeing nor why she waited for 2 years to seek help for the house. In the background we notice a door is open and Alexa freaks out when a bird flies through the house. We learn that she has had issues when it comes to social adjustment.

Alexa then describes the demon she claims to have seen and says, "It was anger, frustration, and betrayal." She claims to see a shadow run by and she can stand next to it with no impact.

Mom says, "she is afraid to talk about her child's issues due to fear that they will say that Alexa is crazy, take her away, and put her into a mental institution." Which are basically the same fears that Hailey's mother has uttered in her on camera interview.

At this point, if Alexa and her mother came to me concerning this home and telling me that there was demonic activity occurring there, I would be very hard pressed to believe them. And here's why:

Point 1 – A bird flying through the house is not proof of spirit activity, but an open door.

Point 2 – Alexa makes a big effort physically as well as verbally, to sell her story. Point in fact, is when she uses three terms to sell the demon to the audience. This is often done for dramatic reasons within film, TV, and literature.

Point 3 – Leslie never does explain what really happened that night in the home that drove them out. Leaving lots of personal possessions behind and not returning to claim them, sounds as if one of the elements of the Amityville Horror myth is being borrowed. Notice the shiny black countertops in the kitchen and the overall lack of dust and cobwebs.

Point 4 – Alexa claims that a shadow moved across the light, yet we never see anything.

Point 5 – Alexa claims that a demon/dark spirit at one point is standing right next to her and is very upset about her presence. Yet nothing happens. And if you ever suffer the unfortunate opportunity to stand next to a demon, you will physically know it.

Point 6 – Neither Alexa or her mother ever inform the viewers that they are both regulars at new age/psychic conferences within the state of Florida, according to some professionals that I've worked with in that area. This would give them great insight into knowing the terminology.

Now Chip Coffey and Dr. Lisa Miller enter and begin to work with Alexa. Due to wanting to keep this a reasonable length, I'm not going to focus on anything except the demon house and Hailey's fear of the dark presence. An important point is when Hailey brings out the mirror and tells a bored looking Chip the mirror is a portal into the spiritual world and at one time she sees Isaiah, chapter 26 written on it. This passage happens to deal with how God shall protect the righteous but He also shall judge those who have turned to other gods and engaged in destructive behavior.

Chip and Dr. Miller discuss the fear that was at the old house would follow Alexa to the new house. Chip states, unequivocally, that it is something they need to focus on. Now let's stop here.

1. Chip should have taken the time to find out what that Bible quote meant. And taken a look, spiritually, himself, at the mirror.
2. The family moved out of the old house 2 years ago. If the demon chose to follow the family, it would have. This is certainly an issue because the viewer is led to believe that Alexa is its target. So why didn't the demon follow its desired target?

They now agree to take the two girls to the demon house and Chip promises to teach them means of protection and the happy trio set off to the home.

Point 1 – Concerning spiritual protection -- it is not something you learn in a few minutes. There are many aspects of it, which is not something that can be taught in one session, which is the feeling that you get from the program.

Point 2 – I think the reader should be getting my opinion that the demon house is without a demon, and there's nothing there to be afraid of.

The first trip made to the house features Chip, Alexa, and Hailey. Nothing happens, at least on tape. There are no noises, no movement, no voices, no visual clues whatsoever. Alexa claims she smells something bad and that this is supposed proof of demonic activity. Some points to consider here:

Point 1 – Alexa's claim of one demon now has grown to many demons.

Point 2 – Chip, with an eerily lit face, which calls to mind "The Blair Witch Project" movie, begins to toss the word demon around.

Point 3 – Isn't it strange that only Alexa is "attacked" in the van after the demon house walk through?

Point 4 – Hailey states, "all you have to do is say 'in the name of God, leave me alone!' and they have to leave you alone." Which is totally untrue, and if she was taught this on the set, there's somebody there that doesn't know much about demonology.

The show really goes downhill from here and if this wasn't serious, it would make a great comedy hour.

Point 1 – Linda, the demonologist, and her assistant, Beth, don't ask any questions of Chip concerning the case. They let Chip tell them that the house is demonically possessed; therefore it must be demonically possessed. Yet Chip has declared in this show and in Paranormal State that he is not a demonologist or an exorcist.

Point 2 – Alexa and Hailey both affirm that something is going to happen when they go to the house that night and again, nothing does except Alexa says she feels sick.

Point 3 - Telling the kids that they can come to the house cleansing is a huge mistake on their parts. House cleanings are no joke and I've seen as much demonic violence in a house cleansing as in an exorcism.

Point 4 – Linda shows that she is clearly lacking the ability of spiritual discernment when she handles Hailey's mirror, and she is totally condescending towards Hailey when she asks about the angry spirits. Linda just tells Hailey to ask them why they're angry. Maybe Hailey's residence, not being in Florida but in Texas, was too far away to cleanse. Maybe it wasn't in the show's budget.

Point 5 – When traveling in the van before arriving at the demon house, Chip builds up tension by saying, "it knows we're coming and it knows what's planned." Yet again, nothing happens.

Point 6 – Hailey and her mother are told it will be safe to stay outside of the demon house. Demons can come out through the doors, windows, walls, ceilings, and from underground. So standing outside is not a safe place, either.

Point 7 – When they are doing their walk-through, Linda, the demonologist, picks up nothing.

Point 8 – Alexa, again sounds the alarm that the demon is going to do something. Again, what happens? Nothing!

Point 9 – Alexa aggressively tells the demon to leave her alone and suddenly she is free of its presence. Which is about as likely as a pea shooter stopping an oncoming tank.

Point 10 – Finally, the house cleansing that was performed was amateurish at best, simply going through a house and rebuking and putting crosses on the walls is not a house cleansing.

Unfortunately, at the end, the child that needed the help the most left without really spending any time with Chip, getting any guidance from Dr. Miller, or having the spirits removed from her home.

This is like a low-budget action flick that spends the majority of the movie building up the confrontation between the hero and his arch-enemy. And then, at the very end, the showdown is over in mere seconds. We were given the false impression that this was a serious demon, yet it turned out to be weaker than Casper the friendly ghost.

What we have here is hype over substance. Excitement and danger over reality. And illusion combined with delusion giving us a cloudy picture of what really did and did not happen. Every time a show is done like this there's a cost. People see these shows and accept them as being real and they build up their belief systems from that. Then, in real life, they act out what they've seen. 

After the filming was over those involved with the show packed their bags and left Alexa and her mom on their own. But what appeared to be faked turned genuine as Alexa started to be harassed by a real demon. When the family turned to the show's producers and hosts they got no help and were left on their own. Things got so bad for the family they had to go to a TAPS convention in Florida and run through the convention hall asking all the so called demonologists and demon experts there for assistance. The mother and daughter were escorted up to a hotel room and an immediate exorcism was performed on Alexa.

Read the last part of Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal: Fact or Fake? Pt. 4