Communicating with the dead

[Sponger.]

I've heard so many times in my life people say stuff like "I just know my father was looking down on me and smiling" or "I talk to my mom every night before I go to sleep" or "I know my brother helped me out in that game" all talking about dead people they think are in heaven and are somehow watching, communicating with them, or influencing actions on earth.

Anyways, Is there anyone on here who thinks this kind of stuff? Why?

[vhawk01]

Literally? No.

[arahant]

Well, I know YOUR mom is watching me right now...

Seriously, I'm sure there is, but I'll give you 3:1 they won't admit it.

[bunny]

I dont believe it (dont know if you wanted an answer from a naysayer or not, perhaps it will provoke an answer from a believer...)

There have been many instances where hoax mediums have been exposed - many of whom were well respected in "esoteric" circles, until they got caught, of course. The evidence people have for believing in contact with dead people is flimsy and unconvincing.

[Sponger.]

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There have been many instances where hoax mediums have been exposed - many of whom were well respected in "esoteric" circles, until they got caught, of course. The evidence people have for believing in contact with dead people is flimsy and unconvincing.

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I'm not talking about people like John Edwards or other psychics.

[bunny]

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There have been many instances where hoax mediums have been exposed - many of whom were well respected in "esoteric" circles, until they got caught, of course. The evidence people have for believing in contact with dead people is flimsy and unconvincing.

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I'm not talking about people like John Edwards or other psychics.

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Dont the people who believe in after-death contact cite people like that as evidence?

[vhawk01]

From what I remember, the % of Americans who believe in ghosts is pretty high, like over 50%.

[arahant]

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From what I remember, the % of Americans who believe in ghosts is pretty high, like over 50%.

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Seriously. What the [censored] is wrong with people?

[vhawk01]

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From what I remember, the % of Americans who believe in ghosts is pretty high, like over 50%.

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Seriously. What the [censored] is wrong with people?

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Most of the people I talk to about ghosts (obviously an extremely biased selection process) are first shocked that I DONT believe in ghosts, and then pretty indignant about their personal ghost experiences and the obvious, logical validity of ghosts. Its an identical experience to arguing with very naive theists (I meant that as a slight to very naive theists, not claiming all theists are very naive)

[vhawk01]

2003 Harris poll:

51% of the public, including 58% of women, and 65% of those aged 25 to 29 but only 27% of those aged 65 and over believe in ghosts.