Readers Respond: Is the Spirit World of Psychic Experiences Real?

Responses: 28

By Mary Fairchild, About.com Guide

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A distinction must be made between what is supernatural and what is psychic. I don't see them as the same. The acts of God are supernatural. This is biblical and includes miracles, God speaking to people, and angelic encounters. And these happen today just as they did in Bible times. Human beings trying to create or manipulate this kind of supernatural occurrence by their own actions are doing something that is forbidden in Scripture. (Like the medium that King Saul consulted in the book of 1 Samuel.) That is what I consider psychic. All God's works are perfect and done in truth. The other kind are lies and should be avoided.
—Guest Phillippa

Like one responder said, "These TV programs today show that there is proof," but the proof they are giving to Christians is that Satan is everywhere. It's unfortunate that some psychics are believers in God and think they are doing God's work when they are far from it. I do wonder why children that I've known say they see the dead or that spirits talk to them. Most see it as a curse, but in today's world those are considered skills to be honed. I do believe that God still shows some of us true miracles. Like after my Grandpa died ... he had been a minister who left a tape of a sermon describing what heaven would be like. After listening to it, my mother sat in her car waiting and asked if everything he said about heaven was true. She looked to the sky as she asked that question and then looked away in tears. When she looked back to the sky she saw a perfect cross of gold. That is what I feel to be from the Holy Spirit--not demons.
—Guest Rhonda

I am a 54-year-old with a lot of experiences with angels, through Christ. I've had angels pick me up when I fell 'on my face.' I was face down and my mother, who weighs as much as one of my thighs, panicked and was trying to help me up. I felt at least four, or as many as six, pick me up and sit me in the chair. My mom said,"How did you do that?"I said, "I let the angels pick me up." My belief says, if you are disabled, the angels will help you. And I failed to say that I'm a born again Christian.
—LoisLeemans

I believe in the seen and unseen as stated in the Apostles Creed. I have had psychic experiences. I know when my children are calling me. And there are other things. When my mother passed on, she had bought me two of my favorite author's books: "Nothing Lasts Forever" and "Remember Me." Both books sit side by side. They know their meaning. When we first visited her grave, I felt a feeling of happiness come up to me.
—Guest Carol Stover

I believe that there are some things that can't be explained in the normal way. I have more than once been a witness to seeing and hearing ghosts at the last place I worked. I believe that sometimes a recording of someone's past gets left behind. But I certainly don't go seeking these communications. Only God knows...
—Guest Melvyn

How is communicating with, or visions of the saints (most often of Mary) by so many believers to be interpreted? Should these communications be classified as potentially demonic since they would be received from 'spirits' of past lives? And, what about angels? I believe in angels, as well as demons, and that the saints were once earthly souls that were tested by God and 'earned' their high ranks into heaven.
—kindredspiritbc

Yes, psychic experiences are real and so is spirit communication. It is also said in the Bible where many had psychic experiences. There was Joseph (Old Testament) and his prophetic dreams. 1 Corinthians speaks of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself performed many psychic acts. And didn't angels speak to humans in the Bible? What of the prophets who spoke of the future? I am a life-long Catholic and I have had many experiences to discount. None have been negative, and I'm open-minded enough to believe everything is not evil. I believe these are gifts from God and can be used in the right way. A lot of people are ignorant and misinformed. Can the Holy Bible be wrong? There are numerous accounts of these things happening to the folks in Bible. I know they are real, so people really need to get out of the dark ages. If God himself gave these gifts to mere mortals in the Bible, how can they be evil?
—Guest Gabrielle

The Bible is very clear about not talking to the dead. The reason is very simple--you cannot talk to the dead. You can only talk to demons pretending to be dead people. Don't waste your time playing this dangerous game. There will be plenty of time to chat in heaven when we all get there. :)
—Guest Rich

Christians need to learn about the spirit world and how to take their authority over demons using Jesus' authority. Ignorance is not bliss regarding spiritual warfare. Demons exist and your destruction and that of your loved ones is their goal.
—Guest Rich

My husband passed away at the age of 41, two and a half years ago, and I have had experiences with him, as well as our children. They’ve been positive, comforting and religious at times. I question, at times, the distinction of "dead" since those that believe in God were promised everlasting life so they, therefore, cannot be "dead" except in the flesh. I believe in God and pray regularly, and I know that His word is the only one I follow.
—Guest Sally

As a Christian who takes my faith very seriously, I must rely on what the Bible says to determine my beliefs. If it says to leave these things alone, I must obey, whether or not I understand why. I believe God knows far more than I can ever hope to understand, and I trust his teaching. It is not your "fault" if you have an experience like those explained above, but believers should not seek them out. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. May God bless us all as we seek to serve Him.
—Guest tpc

I notice that people like to rationalize about communicating with the dead. It is very dangerous and it is most certainly condemned in the Scriptures. Remember that Satan and his demons are extremely deceptive and can appear to be the spirits of the dead. Don’t fall for it.
—Guest RK

These days there are constant programs on TV about psychics and ghosts. From a scientific aspect, these shows are proving that psychics and ghost are real. However, I believe that both of these things are real in that they are manifestations of very active demons. The Bible predicted that in the last days, people would be distracted from the truth by doctrines of demons and false prophets. I don't think that these psychics and ghost hunters are trying to cause us to go astray. I think that they are under a terrible deception themselves. There are shows about children who have psychic abilities now. So many Christians I know have one foot in the Christian world and the other foot in the world of demons. Someone needs to wake them up. We must judge these things by their fruit. It seems that after being involved in the belief in psychics, people invariably start to believe in past lives and the re-birth of past souls. How can one be a Christian and believe these lies?
—Guest Tim

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Mary Fairchild
Christianity Guide