To ask why people believe in ghosts and other supernatural nonsense?

[BowieFan]

I just don't get it, I really don't.

There has been no scientific evidence of any genuine psychics or people who can contact the dead (and trust me, people have poured millions into trying to find genuine ones) and yet people still believe this rubbish. How do mediums still make money when it's obvious all they're doing is cold reading?

There's never been a single clear sighting of a ghost or any photographic proof of one.

I really feel sorry for the people who believe this nonsense - they must be lacking something that they feel they have to rely on something that doesn't exist to get answers in their life.

I'm open to absolutely everything, although I remain sceptical on certain things.

Don't feel sorry for me though, I quite enjoy it all.

Some of the things you say, I feel the same way about religious people. I wouldn't call their religion nonsense though or feel sorry for them.

In fact, I'd say its pretty closed minded and small thinking to put other people down for their beliefs or something they have faith in if its not harming anyone else.

I actually do believe in ghosts, primarily on the scientific law that energy can't be destroyed or created, only changed from one form to another. And it's a nice thought, it comforts me and I'm not afraid of dying. I almost did, and was afraid for my DCs but not myself. Hth

In times of economic struggle horror and ghost stories historically sell well, maybe believing in a ghost is comforting while we wait for the fallout.

I'm not lacking in anything thanks.

I believe what I believe. Not like I go door to door handing out magazines or see it as an easy way to control people etc

I use the same reasoning as above. The conservation of energy law...

You don't have to worry about me

They're not very intelligent perhaps?

Coconutty What's a GF?

I enjoy spooky stories and creepy coincidences, but I don't really believe in ghosts - its just fun

I don't know why what's around us isn't enough for some people? but I guess it's not, that's why they believe in ghosts and phychics and/or religion (same difference innit?)

I think people turn to mediums and their ilk for comfort don't they?

Apart from that, I don't know of anyone that relies on believing in ghosts (not sure what you mean by that).

Because some people are just not very good at thinking.

Goady Fucker Eddie I am constantly amazed by how on these boards otherwise intelligent people will entertain this woo-woo and will claim thry are keeping an open mind on the topic.

So bloody open minded they've let their brain drop out.

I don't believe in ghosts and the supernatural. I do think that there are aspects of space/time/human consciousness that we don't understand, and that this may sometimes cause experiences that we attribute to ghosts or whatever. In much the same way as our ancestors would have done with phenomena that we now understand.

But I don't look down on those who do believe - like religion, if it offers comfort to someone I won't knock it, as long as the person isn't trying to impose it on me. I find the belief in the supernatural fascinating for all sorts of social/psychological/philosophical reasons. And I love a good spooky story

Well, yes there's no scientific evidence, but why do people believe in science and the scientific method? Ultimately it's because they trust the authority of their teachers in school, university professors, mainstream media, the government, the establishment etc. And mostly people trust that authority because they do ok in the established order. If you don't have a reason to trust social authority, you're less likely to believe in the scientific method.

Like Dylan I know, it's fucking funny isn't it?

Eddie A GF is a goady fucker.

they must be lacking something that they feel they have to rely on something that doesn't exist to get answers in their life.

Like religion?

I bet its good to have all the answers & look down on people who believe different things to you, as deluded & weak, eh OP? Maybe when you become emperor of the universe you can outlaw all the beliefs that you class as rubbish & control what people are allowed to have faith in. Until then, everyone can believe in whatever they like & its nowt to do with you.

And no I don't believe in the supernatural personally , but I don't despise those who do, as you seem to.

I used to feel the same as you until I had a real experience of a ghostly moment. Then of course I changed my way of thinking.

Because I've seen one. A recent mind blowing experience.

No need to feel sorry for me OP.

Care to share? I love hearing the encounters

Oh yes please do!

I think it is ignorant to be 100% sure either way.

I think it's for comfort too. People need to believe there is more to life than living and dying. They need to believe there is a purpose to our existence (otherwise what's the point?) and of course we as a species have been controlled by the use of fictional "parents" throughout time. It will take a lot of time to undo all that indoctrination.

I really feel sorry for the people who believe this nonsense I feel sorry for anyone who's mind is closed to anything that is at all 'alternative' or even considered vaguely 'out there'.

Giles. - I don't think I can recount again, but I have written about it in detail on here before.

See, I love horror and scary stories. I just don't believe them. That's where I think it strays off into strange territory.

I don't begrudge people believing it, but it's just that a lot of the time the "psychics" are genuinely bullshit artists who know what they're doing, that's why I feel sorry for the people who are their victims.