kristaphillips 
In November, I’ll be part of a “drama” dinner theater thing at my church. In one of the “skits” I play a whacked out lady getting ready to go to a “paranormal” conference, and am into all the sci-fi, alien sightings, “get in touch with the cosmos” kinda stuff. It’s fun to do, but serious at the same time, because so many people DO search for things in all the WRONG places when the answer is so simple: Jesus.
I think sometimes the simplicity of the answer is what trips people up. And really, Jesus and God are pretty big and enormous… I don’t like I’d title them “simple” either. But the way to accept them is what people tend to complicate sometimes.
The other thing we discussed is that even in the “Christian” realm there are many different views on the paranormal. I’ve spoken with many dedicated Christians that totally believe in Aliens/UFO’s and the like, or that are intrigued by Astrology and “reading” signs.
I really really don’t want to get into a debate about this on my blog, so don’t view this as a place to “persuade” others to your side, argue, or bicker. Mean comments will be deleted immediately. But curious as to my readers thoughts on this.
Do you think we are “alone” in the universe? Do you hold any credence to horoscopes or the like? Are you convinced that Elvis is still “alive?” *grin*
If you’re wondering how this is writing related…. well, I can make it, let me tell you. I saw a skeleton walking down I-65 Monday night and THAT is so going into a book. Contemporary romance will never be the same!
Oh, and if you’re in the Nashville area and want to come see me make a fool of myself (what’s new???), tickets will be on sale in a few weeks for $5.00… Includes a “coffee house” type atmosphere with drinks and finger foods, and all proceeds go toward feeding families in need over Thanksgiving.
LOL! You're so funny and sweet. I can totally see you doing that drama thingy. *grin*
As for paranormal, I'd rather try to stick with whatever the Bible says, which isn't much. Things that are forbidden in the old testament, I stay away from. And yet, there are examples in the Bible of the dead rising, people speaking with the dead, animals speaking….LOL! I think there are tons of things that are unexplainable to us, that are either paranormal or just something we haven't discovered the reasons for yet.
INteresting question! I do think it's a fascinating topic.
Sounds like something you'd totally enjoy doing! Wish I lived closer and could come!
And I like Jessica's answer. I always go back to what the Bible says. If God forbids something, then I need to take that seriously, even if well-meaning friends don't. But as far as using our imagination for paranormal adventures–I think the sky is the limit! It's fiction!
You? Play a whacked out lady? LOL…seriously, I would absolutely LOVE to come watch you! Too bad my parents don't live in Nashville anymore! I'd so be there!
I've been wanting to write a time travel. I think that would be such a hoot! But I am fairly certain time travel does not fit into any publishable category in CBA! lol
Firstly, I love Sci-Fi…..
Sid Roth just did an interview with someone recently that spoke on this subject. I am with him and believe it is demonic deception. sidroth.org :O)
Great answers everyone!
Jessica/Jody, Love and totally agree with your answers! I am curious, for my reference, some of the verses in the Bible noting the forbidden (there are probably a ton that are possible!) just for my reference in the future.
I think it's an important topic for us all to "know" our scripture on… and I fully realize this is something I need to be "armed with the truth" on as well. I was telling the people at drama last night, someone told me once that I was a very "old" soul… that I was so wise and put together for my age that I must have lived to a very old age in a previous life. It was,um, wierd. Of course, my response was that I'm content and where I'm at because of Jesus… but I'd fumbled because I was so shocked and wish I had a better answer… that I knew my Bible better so I could give a better response.
I think that is part of the reason for my post today… to get us all thinking about our "Godly" response to these kinda things that ARE out there, and as well to guage how other Christians view it.
Anyway, GREAT answers so far, thanks!!! I'm glad you all can see me playing someone whacked out… totally says a lot about my character… not sure it's good though! LOL
I wish I lived in Nashville!.
I'm not so much into horoscopes. I'm pretty devout Catholic, however I still somewhat believe in Karma…I can't help it!
There are many unexplainable things in the Bible. If we could explain it all then we would be God. I'm so glad His ways and thoughts are higher than ours! Our brians hurt enough at times as it is!! But as for some really strange things, take this one for instance:
Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Note the word sorcerers in that verse.
And now for the definition straight out of Strong's Concordance:
pharmakeus, far-mak-yoos'; from pharmakon, (a drug, i.e. spell-giving potion); a druggist ("pharmacist") or poisoner, i.e. (by extens.) a magician:- sorcerer.
i think there are other things out there besides us. i don't know about aliens, however, but demons, angels and the like i think exist b/c the bible says they do.
jeannie
Where Romance Meets Therapy
I bet you are going to have a blast with the character you are playing! How fun!
There are a lot of unanswered questions in the world. I believe the possibility is there, but I'm not sure if I believe aliens really exist. Well, that's not true I guess. I totally believe that Superman is real and technically he's an alien. Just teasing… or am I? lol I've heard one theory that says that the "aliens" people see are demons or a trick from the devil. Yeah, that one freaks me out a little.
I don't do horoscopes, palm readings, or anything of that nature. As far as "karma" goes, I think of that more as "the golden rule."
My question is… when we get to Heaven will we still have all this questions or will they be answered… or will we be so happy & content we just won't care what the answers are?
I'd pay good money to see that, it sounds like a blast!!!! And your right the answer is Jesus, always has been always will be.
Oh I wish I could see you! It sounds like a hoot! Good luck!
You saw a what on the interstate? You have the weirdest experiences, Krista!!
I'm not a horoscope, astrology type person, though I'm certain if God wants to tell me something through them, He'll somehow get to me be interested and listen up. Paranormal kind of freaks me out. I believe God has angels all around us, and even uses us live humans as angels for others at times, but that's as far as I'm ready to journey in that world. I don't much care for paranormal fiction, either, generally.
The Bible is very specific about witchcraft, sorcery, astrology, etc. He is not going to speak to you through a horoscope and if you think He is, I hate to say it but it ain't God telling you something – its the enemy.
I cannot give you specific verses off the top of my head, but I would strongly suggest anyone wondering what the Bible says to read the first five books of the Bible. I know, I know, but Leviticus and Deuteronomy are so hard to read! I know they are, trust me. But its because the church downplays the Old Testament so much that so often Christians have questions along these lines.
America is shifting – people are searching and a lot of people are very spiritually aware but they don't know where to turn. Because as a church in general we have tended to say that "angels, demons, sorcery, magic, curses, etc…" don't exist or that they aren't really real we are losing people – because they are finding out that those things really DO exist and they are getting *some* fulfillment (or thinking they are) by joining in occult practices. The thing is God despises those practices – they are sinful and are focused on the self – God wants us to follow after Him. He has the true power!
Any Christian who has ever dabbled in a ouija board, horoscopes, anything of the occult (including some tv shows and some music) and other things have opened doorways that allow the enemy to oppress them.
Read the Bible, prepare, and pray for discernment! A lot of this is mind blowing and its stuff that I've been learning about the last several years. Its so hard to condense into one small reply, so I pray that each of who you is wondering that God will bring more discernment in your lives – including bringing a teacher or witness to you to help you understand as well.
Trust me, a lot of what is out there would be a lot harder to swallow if I didn't actually know an ex-occult cult member (as apposed to an ex-cult member) who is now one of the most knoweldgeable Christians I know
Nice reply Leslie. I agree and pray too that we all would gain more discernment in spiritual matters so that we stand strong in times of great trial.
Ephesians 6:12-13
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.