Official teaching on ghosts

[Esdra]

Hi
Haven't been in for a while now.

But I've got an interesting question:

What's the official teaching of the Church on ghosts?
I am talking about those spooking in houses like poltergeists etc.

Do they exist and what are they? Demons?

Yours,
Esdra

 

[Rhamiel]

I do not think we have an official teaching

I have some business to take care of, but I will try to give a deeper answer when I come back

 

[Sumwear]

spirits = ghosts

latin [spiritus] = german [geist] = anglicized [ghost]

as catholics, we believe that spirits can manifest themselves on earth [apparitions of saints, Christ, Mary]. early catholic writings also say that, through God's will, the souls in purgatory can also manifest themselves. there is also a flip side. the Church also believes there may be malevolent spirits that could also do harm. demons. with that said, could there be a possibility there are such things as poltergeists? sure.

 

[Michie]

Is there a link we can read on what the Church thinks on these issues?

spirits = ghosts

latin [spiritus] = german [geist] = anglicized [ghost]

as catholics, we believe that spirits can manifest themselves on earth [apparitions of saints, Christ, Mary]. early catholic writings also say that, through God's will, the souls in purgatory can also manifest themselves. there is also a flip side. the Church also believes there may be malevolent spirits that could also do harm. demons. with that said, could there be a possibility there are such things as poltergeists? sure.

 

[Esdra]

Yes, actually I was also more looking for an official link.

 

[Sumwear]

Is there a link we can read on what the Church thinks on these issues?

here's a good article that talks about how spirits, ghosts are actually compatible from a catholic pov.

http://www.uscatholic.org/articles/201309/paranormal-activity-do-catholics-believe-ghosts-27887

 

[Michie]

Thanks!