This is the second of two posts on my response to the Nevada Ghost and Paranormal Series’ “Religion and the Paranormal: A Panel Discussion,” which featured an evangelical pastor. See My Rebuttal to the Evangelical Stance on After Death Communications. As I noted two blogs ago, I respect this pastor’s beliefs. Yet, from my own studies and experiences, I disagree with him.

Pastor: Everything paranormal is evil.

Early in his Christian faith, this pastor had endured many nights where a spirit had sat on the edge of his bed watching him. Understandably, this incident frightened him. Through studying and reciting scripture aloud, he had taken control of the situation and had cast out the entity.

When asked at the panel if any spirits are positive, he replied, “They do not exist. Everything is of the devil.” He cites Ephesians 6:12, which addresses spiritual warfare, to support his case: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV)

In addition, he said guardian angels don’t exist and that in only the most extreme situations—such as ones demonstrated in the Bible—would angels visit modern-day humans.

Me: Fear doesn’t equate to evil.

I understand the fear the pastor experienced of being watched by an unseen entity—after all, I’ve been there. But, I realize that just because I’m scared doesn’t mean something is evil. It means I don’t understand what is happening.

I agree with the pastor that we have the power to cast off all negative energies that come into our spaces. And, I believe in spiritual warfare. I just don’t think we can call all paranormal activity a war between God and the devil. When reading Ephesians 6:12, I notice it doesn’t say all spiritual forces; it specifically limits it to “forces of evil.”

The Apostle John believed there were good and bad spirits in our realm. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1 NIV)

As my experience with the supernatural grows, my discernment fine tunes as well. Where in the beginning everything frightened me, now I can sense happy, sad, angry and helpful entities.

I’ve received messages from loving energies (some could have been angels) revealing messages which never could be construed as coming from Satan. They include:

  • Being notified when a friend was critically ill,
  • Overcoming my adversaries with heavenly love, and
  • Trusting that with patience and faith, everything will work out.

If I’d still believed the blanket statement that all paranormal is evil, I’d never been open to such positive messages.

What are your thoughts?