what is "Supernatural?"

[TheFriendlyAtheist]

What is the supernatural and why is it different from natural? Why do people call things like ghosts or spirits supernatural? If they exist why wouldn't they just be considered natural phenomena that we haven't discovered or at least can't yet explain?

The only time I can think of something as anything other than natural is if it was made or done by humans. So what is it that makes something not natural but supernatural?

 

[JohnB445]

It is mysterious that cannot be fully explained but the majority of the world knows the spiritual world exists.

God or demons wont go messing with you if you don't have belief in them especially demons.

Because if demons can get you to believe in the spiritual world, then you will be seeking God now.

 

[TheFriendlyAtheist]

It is mysterious that cannot be fully explained but the majority of the world knows the spiritual world exists.

God or demons wont go messing with you if you don't have belief in them especially demons.

Because if demons can get you to believe in the spiritual world, then you will be seeking God now.

Do they "know" or just believe? If most of the world knows there's another "spiritual" world why hasn't it been able to be demonstrated to people who don't know about it? I'm open to new things but I haven't seen any evidence for a world or realm beyond ours.

And are you saying demons only interact with people that believe in them?

 

[JohnB445]

I'm not sure what the exact belief requires, but on the other hand, familiar spirits don't mess around with atheists because they would rather have them in disbelief. If they can keep you in disbelief then you may not have a desire to have a relationship with God which is what they want.

I can tell you from experience, the moment you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that he died for your sins, was buried, and rose on the third day the Holy Spirit which is God's spirit will confront you and you will know what it is, you will have a chance to accept Jesus as your Lord and into your heart when the veil is taken away.

Once you allow, you will feel the spirit enter your body physically. And will feel a mysterious water overflow your inner soul.

After that you are given the gift of repentance, you will be able to be free from all bondage of sin starting day one. As in you will miraculously have no desire to sin, you will be spiritual and not carnal.

I can't say this for everybody, but this is the divine encounter I had. Jesus sometimes reveals himself to people. Maybe he will do so for you one day.

 

[Kaon]

What is the supernatural and why is it different from natural? Why do people call things like ghosts or spirits supernatural? If they exist why wouldn't they just be considered natural phenomena that we haven't discovered or at least can't yet explain?

The only time I can think of something as anything other than natural is if it was made or done by humans. So what is it that makes something not natural but supernatural?

It is supernatural because science - the study of nature - cannot explain it.

However, the fact that an academic paradigm can't explain a part of nature does not mean that part of nature doesn't exist, or that those who know about it are deluded or psychotic.

 

[Aryeh Jay]

A TV show I quit watching in 2008, oh, wait, never mind.

 

[TheFriendlyAtheist]

It is supernatural because science - the study of nature - cannot explain it.

However, the fact that an academic paradigm can't explain a part of nature does not mean that part of nature doesn't exist, or that those who know about it are deluded or psychotic.

Is that we can't explain it with science or that we currently don't know how to explain it with science? There have been plenty of things we never thought we would understand until we did. So how can we know for sure that something can't be explained with science?

And why believe in an entity if it can't reliably be detected? Shouldn't we wait to start believing in things until we can? Otherwise how do we know our belief is correct and not just a mistake? For example if I heard a disembodied voice, how would I know that it is from something supernatural and not just something in my head?

 

[Kaon]

Is that we can't explain it with science or that we currently don't know how to explain it with science? There have been plenty of things we never thought we would understand until we did. So how can we know for sure that something can't be explained with science?

I am a mathematician and I can juxtaposition the physics of supernature with the natural world. Plenty of people around the world - usually outside of the West - know very well about the alleged supernatural world. Science is recalcitrant on things it cannot readily explain.

That doesn't mean others don't know exactly what is going on.

And why believe in an entity if it can't reliably be detected? Shouldn't we wait to start believing in things until we can? Otherwise how do we know our belief is correct and not just a mistake? For example if I heard a disembodied voice, how would I know that it is from something supernatural and not just something in my head?

You are coming from an academic perspective that is terribly restricted to sight and physical sensation to verify existence. If you heard a "disembodied voice," unless you knew about certain spirits (or, entertained them), you wouldn't know if you are crazy or not. If you know about the entities, principalities, powers and archons that operate in different dimensions, then perhaps you would be able to differentiate and ignore/entertain the voice - according to your choosing.

Just because your mind won't allow for the possibility doesn't mean others are deluded, or crazy because they do. There are a myriad of people who wield and exploit the supernatural for their own gain; your incredulity or lack of experience doesn't stop their progress I can assure you.

Most people do not know the truth because they let themselves be programmed by a paradigm made by other humans first. Then, they try to entertain things with "code" already fashioned in their psychology. It isn't hard to see why so many do not understand the supernatural - why, say, people play with a Ouija board 19 times and wonder why their house is haunted. It is unfortunate, but you cannot tell someone they are under a spell if they don't believe in magick.

 

[Kaon]

Is that we can't explain it with science or that we currently don't know how to explain it with science? There have been plenty of things we never thought we would understand until we did. So how can we know for sure that something can't be explained with science?

And why believe in an entity if it can't reliably be detected? Shouldn't we wait to start believing in things until we can? Otherwise how do we know our belief is correct and not just a mistake? For example if I heard a disembodied voice, how would I know that it is from something supernatural and not just something in my head?

By the way, I am conversing with you; you haven't been disrespectful so I apologize in advanced if my post comes off a bit crisp.

 

[TheFriendlyAtheist]

I am a mathematician and I can juxtaposition the physics of supernature with the natural world. Plenty of people around the world - usually outside of the West - know very well about the alleged supernatural world. Science is recalcitrant on things it cannot readily explain.

That doesn't mean others don't know exactly what is going on.



You are coming from an academic perspective that is terribly restricted to sight and physical sensation to verify existence. If you heard a "disembodied voice," unless you knew about certain spirits (or, entertained them), you wouldn't know if you are crazy or not. If you know about the entities, principalities, powers and archons that operate in different dimensions, then perhaps you would be able to differentiate and ignore/entertain the voice - according to your choosing.

Just because your mind won't allow for the possibility doesn't mean others are deluded, or crazy because they do. There are a myriad of people who wield and exploit the supernatural for their own gain; your incredulity or lack of experience doesn't stop their progress I can assure you.

Most people do not know the truth because they let themselves be programmed by a paradigm made by other humans first. Then, they try to entertain things with "code" already fashioned in their psychology. It isn't hard to see why so many do not understand the supernatural - why, say, people play with a Ouija board 19 times and wonder why their house is haunted. It is unfortunate, but you cannot tell someone they are under a spell if they don't believe in magick.

I have to say reading things like this almost makes me feel like we are living in two different realities, because those things are so far removed from how I see the world.

The main question I had though is if angels, demons and spirits exist why wouldn't they be considered natural phenomena? Is it that only that it can't be explaining scientifically? And if that's the case do you have any idea of why the supernatural would be totally out of reach using the scientific method?

 

[TheFriendlyAtheist]

By the way, I am conversing with you; you haven't been disrespectful so I apologize in advanced if my post comes off a bit crisp.

No worries, I felt no disrespect.

 

[disciple Clint]

What is the supernatural and why is it different from natural? Why do people call things like ghosts or spirits supernatural? If they exist why wouldn't they just be considered natural phenomena that we haven't discovered or at least can't yet explain?

The only time I can think of something as anything other than natural is if it was made or done by humans. So what is it that makes something not natural but supernatural?

How would you explain blind people having near death experiences that allow them to describe in detail things that they saw and could not have otherwise known? Without making any endorsement of the Catholic religion I would suggest this web site to answer many of your questions. It is written by the former President of Gonzaga University. I think you will gain some new perspectives about science and God. Some of the contents of this chapter are quite technical, but this is an unavoidable consequence of discussing the scientific and philosophical evidence for God.

Does Science Disprove God? Evidence for God from Modern Science

 

[Kaon]

I have to say reading things like this almost makes me feel like we are living in two different realities, because those things are so far removed from how I see the world.

The main question I had though is if angels, demons and spirits exist why wouldn't they be considered natural phenomena?

They are natural, but demons come from an unnatural union - like mules of spirit.

Is it that only that it can't be explaining scientifically?

Yes.

And if that's the case do you have any idea of why the supernatural would be totally out of reach using the scientific method?

Academics cannot perceive the spiritual world because the spiritual world is the other side of the coin of reality. There are some people who can reconcile the two.

That is the other thing: that academics treat the spirit world as if it is separate when they are two sides of the same coin.

There are five states of matter; two of them are not nearly as understood as the other three. There could be more. And, quantum field theory has just reconciled the mistakes of quantum mechanics and special relativity. Things like "spirits" are going to be academic material as it was in antiquity.

Until one can reconcile both sides of the same coin, the person will be completely dependent on intellect (logic), or completely spiritual (faith). The two were never meant to be separate.

 

[sparow]

What is the supernatural and why is it different from natural? Why do people call things like ghosts or spirits supernatural? If they exist why wouldn't they just be considered natural phenomena that we haven't discovered or at least can't yet explain?

The only time I can think of something as anything other than natural is if it was made or done by humans. So what is it that makes something not natural but supernatural?

Bible translators do not usually use the word "supernatural", it already has an unbiblical use; but there are events in scripture that are beyond natural; like speaking in foreign tongues, the resurrection of the dead, and the fulfilment of prophesy. What is required is a rock foundation, like the Law and the covenant or else life is illusional and delusional.

 

[Resha Caner]

What is the supernatural and why is it different from natural? Why do people call things like ghosts or spirits supernatural? If they exist why wouldn't they just be considered natural phenomena that we haven't discovered or at least can't yet explain?

I don't like the word "supernatural" because of all the implications of breaking the rules that are often associated with it. In it's simplest form, all it means is "creator, not created". It is something that is "above" nature. So, as an engineer who works on diesel engines, I am "superengine". I am not an engine, but rather I create engines.

But I expect you're asking about more than that. First, I hope you realize the pitfall of definitions. If you want to define "natural" as "all that is" ... shrug ... OK. But then it becomes a useless word. It doesn't really describe anything. We would just need to find a different word to convey the concept that God is the creator - the primer mover - and we are not.

If you accept that, I detect in your OP a hint of the question: Why can't we measure the spiritual? Would that be correct?

 

[Ana the Ist]

What is the supernatural and why is it different from natural? Why do people call things like ghosts or spirits supernatural? If they exist why wouldn't they just be considered natural phenomena that we haven't discovered or at least can't yet explain?

The only time I can think of something as anything other than natural is if it was made or done by humans. So what is it that makes something not natural but supernatural?

If you can describe it as "magic" it's supernatural. Magic sounds childish though...so supernatural is preferred.

 

[sparow]

If you can describe it as "magic" it's supernatural. Magic sounds childish though...so supernatural is preferred.

Magic is normally a pretended illusionary art; supernatural is that which if real is outside of human comprehension.

 

[Ana the Ist]

Magic is normally a pretended illusionary art; supernatural is that which if real is outside of human comprehension.

I'm just saying that you could substitute the word supernatural with magic in almost any context and the sentence keeps the same meaning. For example....

God created all life through supernatural means.

Or...

God created all life through magical means.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

We exist in a 'supernatural' world; a world of life, unknown and undiscovered anywhere else in the observable universe. An anomaly so profound as to be...fantastical!

 

[jayem]

I recall responding to another thread on this topic. This is my definition:

It's easiest to describe the supernatural by first considering its opposite: that which is natural. I define natural as anything that is purely a function of matter/energy and the known fundamental forces of nature, i.e., gravity, the electromagnetic force, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force. So supernatural, is anything that's claimed to be beyond, or independent of, or is not a function of matter/energy and the 4 fundamental forces. Another way to put it might be that the supernatural is not part of nature, and does not follow the laws of nature. Although, to those who believe, supernatural entities can somehow interact with the natural realm, and affect events therein. Which to me is completely illogical and contrary to reason.