Actually, I am being really unreasonable. However I would like to ask those who have experienced Angel Feathers to....

[DioneTheDiabolist]

...answer a few questions that I have.

1). What does it feel like when you see that feather?

2). What are your thoughts when this happens?

And

3). What would you say are the long term (if any) effects that you would attribute to these encounters.

I understand that this belief has been the subject of some ridicule here. I have no intention of ridiculing anyone. This thread has been inspired by a previous AIBU thread, but is not a thread about a thread. I am not a journalist. I am not seeking results to use in an academic submission or publication. What I am seeking is knowledge and understanding in the hope that I can use it to help others.

IABU for the following reasons:
I only posted in AIBU for the traffic. If MN rule that I have breached guidelines, can it be moved and not deleted.

And I ask the skeptics not to put people off answering honestly. If you think it necessary, I can start another thread for all your thoughts to be discussed. Perhaps the scientifically minded of you could look at this as an information gathering excersise.

So if it comforts you it's from god. That's pattern seeking behaviour though isn't it.

head I could say the same concerning science, pattern seeking, looking for reasons. I have explained the difference earlier, the best I can in words.

Th difference is that, with science, the "patterns" form the theory, which is then tested, and abandoned if the patterns are not repeatable, or if new evidence comes in to show that they weren't patterns after all. In pseudo science, if the patterns are not repeatable, it's the test that was wrong not the theory.

As I said in a previous post, there is an

...assumption that the 'repeatable result' is not just part of a larger pattern, maybe more a wavelength, where at some point the result will not be observed and in fact the opposite may occur.

Thus conclusions always require assumptions or a type of faith if you like, since it is impossible to know whether these patterns are not part of a larger pattern until that pattern is discovered.

Not that this means science is invalid, however personally I am interested in what exactly people put their faith in. As the book I referenced earlier, illustrates,

www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Ideas-arresting-history-inventions/dp/0553819550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384605831&sr=8-1&keywords=a+bad+idea

people's motivations are very important regarding the outcomes of any scientific research. The scientific method may seek to limit this, however, it cannot entirely, there is always bias.

"assumption that the 'repeatable result' is not just part of a larger pattern, maybe more a wavelength, where at some point the result will not be observed and in fact the opposite may occur."

So obviously it is possible that one day the sun will rise in the West, not the East. It is impossible to say that that will never happen. Is that the sort of thing you mean?

A lot is possible Curlew, however I put my Faith in the Bible.

When you see prophecy it can be difficult to imagine how it can happen, but when it does, it is like the twist in a really good plot (think like Macbeth).

I'm sorry- I now officially have no idea what you're talking about.

Sorry I assumed you would have read Macbeth curlew and the Bible (since you comment on it).

Sublime

No, I'm not. There is no difference.

Although I'm happy to be proved wrong with some actual, you know, evidence?

The woods moving, is one portent that comes to mind, from Macbeth. The audience wonders how tis would be possible, then it happens.

you are confusing Christianity with false religion.

Does 'false religion' include islam and say hinduism? If not then what?

how do I know? That is where Faith comes in

Faith is why you think it's true, but knowing is something else. People had faith in thunder gods and leprechauns.

When you see prophecy..... Not likely, since it's never happened so there's no reason to suppose it ever will.

Macbeth is fiction.

But good example, because so is the Bible.

Hettie you prove God does not exist...

back I will not be drawn into comments regarding other religions. I am a Christian and believe as such.

Who can say they actually know rather than believe? Our perceptions are different. Scientific theory is not absolute truth! It is always ready to be superseded by new discovery. I know by faith, the same as anyone, except where I put my faith, God. Where do you put your faith?

back I will not be drawn into comments regarding other religions. I am a Christian and believe as such

You were the one who brought it up.

There can be psychological truth in fiction. Studying common themes tells us something intrinsic about the make up of humans beings and our understanding of the world. Art reflects life.

Science is just another type of narrative.

back where?

And I don't have 'faith'. Faith is simply deciding something is true without any reason to think so other than wishing it were.

sublimelime Sat 16-Nov-13 12:18:35
curlew There is such a thing as modern folklore or urban myths, if you like.

Hettie you are confusing Christianity with false religion.

head how do I know? That is where Faith comes in.

Hettie you prove God does not exist...

No. There is absolutely no requirement for me to do your legwork & prove the slightest thing about your god - including it's existence/ non-existence.

You do at least understand about burden of proof - what with all your reading?

Tell you what though...

...whatever methodology you used to prove that:

Allah
Lord Vishnu
Zeus
Wotan
The Flying Spaghetti Monster
& The Tooth Fairy

....don't exist is the exact same one I'll use to prove Yahweh doesn't either.

OK?

Science contains assumptions, assumptions require faith. How do you decide whether to pursue the study of a suspicion (or superstition).? How do you draw your conclusions, taking in to account your repeatable pattern may just be part of a larger pattern, which could loop round on itself at some point? How do you decide the result is due to the element you have decided is causal and not some other variable?

I carry no burden Hettie.

I did not mention any specific religions though did I back.

There can be psychological truth in fiction

Yeah. There can also be an awful lot of made up nonsense - like little boys in glasses flying around on brooms. Or ancient Palestinian men walking out of a tombs three days after they died.

Yes, sublime you do.