Paranormal Theology

by Joe Wetterling

Introduction

Carl Sagan once said " the suppression of uncomfortable ideas may be common in religion and politics but it is not the path to knowledge. It has no place in the endeavor of science". Carl Sagan, Cosmos

Whether or not the suppression of uncomfortable ideas is common in religion, it doesn't belong there. The Truth can stand against opposition. God is truth (Jesus said it himself), and to seek the truth, then, is to seek God.

We pursue the truth with science rather than superstition (see our code of conduct, for example). At the same time, we do not forget with Whom that science had its origin.

A Definition of "Paranormal Theology"

Theology is "faith seeking understanding".₁ The term "paranormal theology", then, expresses the journey of seeking to understand (make sense of) paranormal activity through faith, rather than in spite of it.

This can include exploration of:

the "place" or type of existence where ghosts dwell
angels and demons, including angelic and demonic beings known by other terms
purgatory, cleansing, "unfinished business", and the roles of guilt, desire, love, and forgiveness
encounters with the paranormal recorded by Church fathers and other religions
philosophy of the soul, expiation of sin, heaven and hell, etc.
discernment of (sensitivity to) spirits

Reconciling Faith and Science

Taking a "scientific approach" to paranormal investigation does not preclude taking a faith-based approach as well. Science and faith are far from irreconcilable. The God in which we have faith is the Creator - of us, the world, and the rules by which it operates. God is both the principle player in this game of life and the author of the rules by which He plays.

References

Moral Theology I, course manual. Catholic Distance University