If we searched for the meaning of paranormal we would find reference to psychic sense, telekinesis, Near death experiences, and many others. Paranormal basically means that which stretches beyond our normal realm of understanding. It is a phenomena that can not be classified with any scientific methods nor has clear cut answers that can be logically concluded.

In the class of paranormal or super natural comes the term of haunting. The term instantly draws up images of “ghosts” . Long stereo typed as a passed soul so unsettled they wander the earth in sheets or chains bellowing boo at every living person they came into contact with. The ideas of ghost or haunting has matured over time and moved past a lot of these stereo typical images , although still very much misunderstood, an openness has invented a need to further explore this realm of the Haunted.

There are several classifications of hauntings that most commonly known ghostly like disturbances fall under. They are in no means the infinite answers, as paranormal itself is still something that holds not any proven answer as it is defined. So we need to keep ourselves open to not having all the answers. I am going to give a brief overview of the currently common known types of hauntings, and how they manifest.

1. Residual energy or memory hauntings.

These types of hauntings appear to be repeats of events, memories that seem to be carried out in an almost scripted type reaction. Like playing a movie over and over again. This type of haunting usually involves a repeat of the same type of activity on a regular basis. The most common type of haunting, does not usually involve an actual spirit or ghost. It is believed to be energy from some type of event, usually significant in ones life that becomes imbedded in its surroundings of that time. Perhaps tragedy or even that of great joy can become so strong in its energy that it builds a “life” of its own. Like a tape player the event plays out over and over again.

2. Human or intelligent haunting

I use human loosely as this can also involve any once living creature. These types of hauntings are able to show some sort of communication in real time. It is believed to be a spirit or intelligence that is still aware of what is going on in the current surroundings and time. They often make responses to communication, or disruptions in their environment. Some classify this type of haunt as uncrossed spirit, or trapped. I would not make an assumption that this is always the case. Some records of ghostly intelligent hauntings have shown to be a communication of some type of warning or a message of hope to those left behind. Like the use of a medium in relaying that message, not all intelligent classified hauntings are seeking our help, they may be their to try to help. In terms for our topic though, these actual intelligent hauntings you would find to be able to communicate in some form and not sticking to one particular routine as in a residual haunting.

3. Poltergeist or noisy ghost

These types of haunting seem to lead more to the belief that they are either an attachment to a living being or an actual manifestation by a living being. In most cases of poltergeist activity objects move, and things are disturbed in a focus around a particular individual. The common ingredient is usually an adolescent, female is the most the most common. Some link this type of paranormal phenomena to the mind of a disturbed living being, either suffering from depression, rage or even possibly abuse. Another angle on this leads to the next type of haunting as a entity or ghost may attach to somebody fitting this criteria as a means of feeding off their energy or using it to aid in their own manifestations.

4. Inhuman or “demonic” haunting

I will touch this type of haunting from an outward pre defined perspective , I do not fully agree or disagree with the way this is described or referred. In general terms of haunting , as something that disturbs or disrupts the “norm” this type of haunting is classified as primarily malevolent. Like an intelligent haunting, this haunting involves the presence of something with intelligence but the difference is in the belief that this type of intelligence has never been in human form. Often associated with things that are summoned, as with a Ouija board or other dimensional tool, this type of haunting usually begins as harmless play and grows increasingly more frightful. It is believed this inhuman entity is usually angry, or holds hatred for human life, and seeks to cause harm , physically and emotionally through fear. These types of hauntings can appear as some class as a demonic form, resembling a “devil”. They can link to such things as the ideas of possession.

5. Nature Spirits

This may or not be felt it belongs in hauntings at all but I think it is a part that is rarely addressed and needs to be looked at. Nature spirits like the last type, are not what is classed as ever being human. A highly intelligent haunting that is rarely seen and little known about. Nature spirits fit’s a wide range of beings looked at as something from a fairytale or a child’s imagination. In the case of haunting again as a frightful type happening, these nature spirits are usually associated with a particular area as a form of guardian or caretaker. They seem to dwell in certain places frightening those who try to enter their “sacred” spaces. This is a general classification, as sometimes these nature spirits depending on their type may fit as well in the inhuman type haunting and attach for no known reason or origin to certain place, person at any given time. However in most cases the presence of a natural spirit is linked to a place having some type of historical or sacred significance in common folklore. Common types of nature spirits include, fairies, sylphs, elves, gnomes and even trolls to name just a few.

There are probably more classifications out there that can be parts of these types of hauntings or separate all on their own. This is in general how hauntings are classed. In perspective, as a sensitive, this may not be how I see everything or have experienced. I do hope it opens a door for communication and perhaps a deeper research independantly or jointly with groups.

Recently I have had a discussion online over the idea of various conspiracy theories that are floating around on the internet. The particular theory that came my way basically states that the United States is no longer the United States, and that there are plans to mass imprison people who do not follow along with the U.S. Government in coming future events. These future events are tied in closely to biblical prophecy relating to eschatology (theological doctrine of the “last things” or the end of the world) before the return of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

As a result of my email conversation, I thought it is important to post something upon this topic. In this short paper we will see how conspiracy theories affect our spiritual walk by the following: (i) causing one to sin, (ii) lashon hara and communication rooted in unholiness, and (iii) not truly trusting in the Most High G-d.

What is a conspiracy theory?

To believe a conspiracy theory is to believe the ultimate cause of an event or a chain of events and/or the concealment of such (ranging from public knowledge to a secret and often deceptive plot) is performed by a powerful or influential people or organizations. Therefore, the majority of conspiracy theories imply that major events in history have been dominated by conspirators, people or organizations who manipulate events behind the scenes.

The etymology of “conspiracy” is Middle English conspiracie, from Latin conspirare, and means it is the act of conspiring together; an agreement among conspirators. Conspiracy means “an agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act to accomplish a lawful end by unlawful means” (Britannica Concise Encyclopedia).

Discussion

You know the only thing I can think is “conspiracy…conspiracy…conspiracy.” Have you ever looked online to find anything on conspiracy theories? www.google.com will give you around 650,500 hits on the words “conspiracy theories.” The next thing I did was look for anything written on the problems of conspiracy theories or the problems with listening to conspiracy theories. There is virtually nothing on the topic. I think there are a few reasons why people choose to believe in conspiracy theories, one is it gives one the sense of satisfaction of being smart enough to have figured it all out.

The problem however what is occurring in reality, these theories are projecting their fictional musings onto real-life people, events, families, organizations, groups, etc. So, these theories are sold as politics, similar to the polemic of Adolf Hitler, he was a master of weaving conspiracy tales. We see this throughout history taking for example Nero who blamed the Christians for burning Rome or even in the B’rit HaChadashah (New Testament) how the leaders devised a conspiracy theory to explain away the empty tomb (disciples carried him away). It is my opinion that the Conspiracy theory no matter what it is … is rooted in unholiness.

These tales inflame the fears and paranoia of people to the extent that anything can happen taking for example World War 1 & 2 that took place back in the mid-twentieth century. In fact, people even get a sort of perverse enjoyment from retelling the tales of paranoia, supposed “insight,” fear, discontentment, etc which this propaganda promotes. So, you maybe asking, “Why do you say this is rooted in unholiness?” Let’s look at and see what the Torah has to say:

Leviticus 19:16

19:16 “‘Do not go around spreading slander among your people, but also don’t stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is at stake; I am ADONAI. (CJB)

Exodus 23:1

23:1 “You are not to repeat false rumors; do not join hands with the wicked by offering perjured testimony. (CJB)

The scriptures speak of “gossip” as one who connives, dreams up, and twists truth that is compelling and masquerades as wisdom. There is perverted sweetness to this deception which is the primary lure of committing this sin of gossip. The main point here in what I want to say is how do these theories honor the Most High God in Heaven? Fear, worry, and discontentment take us away from one of the most important things in our spiritual lives which are to “Trust” in Him … to Trust in the Lord God Almighty and to pray.

Conclusion

When this conspiracy theory came to me via email about the United States of America, I was saddened because this information was being perpetuated by leaders in the Christian community. This is nothing less than promoting gossip and slander which is the very definition of lashon hara, even lashon hara against our enemies. (See http://www.torahresource.com/EnglishArticles/Leshon%20Hara.pdf for more information on lashon hara) I believe that lashon hara is a sin, even if it is against our enemies. As the Children of the Most High G-d we have to live exemplary lives, which include what we say and even what we think. Ultimately, the decision has to be made on an individual basis, do we trust in the Lord or do we spread conspiracy theories and enjoy the sweetness of gossip?

I am not saying that we should be unaware of what is taking place in this world; but we need to know the truth, discern what is a lie, and be knowledgeable about what is gossip and slander so that we can walk spotless before the Lord.

Ephesians 5:6-13

5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty talk; for it is because of these things that God’s judgment is coming on those who disobey him. 5:7 So don’t become partners with them! 5:8 For you used to be darkness; but now, united with the Lord, you are light. Live like children of light, 5:9 for the fruit of the light is in every kind of goodness, rightness and truth – 5:11 Have nothing to do with the deeds produced by darkness, but instead expose them, 5:12 for it is shameful even to speak of the things these people do in secret. 5:13 But everything exposed to the light is revealed clearly for what it is, (CJB)