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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

291 replies

BowieFan · 23/10/2016 14:25

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.

OP posts:
bumblebee50 · 23/10/2016 17:30

On the face of it you are talking about people believing in ghosts. Have you actually read anything on the subject? I have read many books and I have to say it is a fascinating subject. Near death experiences, reincarnation etc. It is comforting to think that we go somewhere when we die and could potentially meet up with loved ones. Even if there's nothing after death we will never know a thing about it. It brings people comfort, where's the harm?I bet your kids were told there was no Santa as soon as they could understand.

Elphame · 23/10/2016 17:32

BowieFan

I wasn't quoting you.

Scaredycat3000 · 23/10/2016 17:33

I went on an evening meal/psychic evening I was trying to make friends, failed. Mine was a tall GF like figure. I had two GF's who were average to short, must be like a GF figure, no, none, after lots of pushing from the con woman I in the end I just said yes and tried not to snigger. They did hit the jackpot with a friend, tragic bereavements far to young, had her in tears, she said she didn't really believe them, had just come for giggles, but being forced to talk about her losses had upset her. Harmless?
The food wasn't even that good.

Dontpanicpyke · 23/10/2016 17:36

It's comforting for some people who have lost loved ones.

Can't see it's any different from believing in God or Allah etc.

Original poster
BowieFan · 23/10/2016 17:38

bumblebee50

Yes, the reason I'm a skeptic is because I've read so much stuff about it. I think there are fascinating stories but I don't think any of them are truly supernatural. There are some things science can't explain fully, but more often than not there are explanations. In fact for me, the most fascinating aspect is the amount of things that need to happen for a "supernatural" event to occur. It's far more interesting to see how nature works to create these effects.

OP posts:
Discobabe · 23/10/2016 17:39

Because I do Grin. No need to feel sorry for me either. I'm comfortable enough in my beliefs not to worry about what anyone else makes of it, so save yourself the energy lol.

DotForShort · 23/10/2016 17:39

If a devout Christian popped up and said she felt sorry for you and there was clearly something lacking in your life because you don't believe in God, wouldn't you find such an attitude condescending and a bit ridiculous? You are doing precisely the same thing.

I don't believe in ghosts/mediums/God/little green men. But I don't pity those who do or feel their lives are somehow lacking. They have their belief systems, I have mine. C'est la vie. Et vive la difference. S'il vous plait. (I may descend into franglais in a moment.)

Original poster
BowieFan · 23/10/2016 17:40

Dontpanicpyke

It might be comforting but it is harmful in the long run. These "psychics" are praying on vulnerability and making money from something they know they're faking. It might offer a tiny bit of comfort but I think it's disgusting to mislead people and just tell them what they want to hear.

OP posts:
Dontpanicpyke · 23/10/2016 17:46

Not necessarily if they really belive they can contact spirits? Not all mediums are cynical rob dogs.

Do you think every vicar or Iman is evil? presumably they belive in what they preach and think God is real and no one has seen him or has scientific proof either.

itsmine · 23/10/2016 17:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
BowieFan · 23/10/2016 17:49

Dontpanicpyke

I'm not comfy with religion but at least a priest offers his services free of charge. If a psychic truly believes their powers, they would do it for free as a public service.

OP posts:
Ifailed · 23/10/2016 17:50

Humans are inherently illogical
Well, not sure about ghosts, but we have a Vulcan on here, so Aliens must exist.

Dontpanicpyke · 23/10/2016 17:50

Yes There's no difference in main stream churches handing around the collection plate and offering comfort to people and a medium charging for a reading.

Bluebell878275 · 23/10/2016 17:53

Bowie You insinuated people who believe are unintelligent..your post title says it all...'nonsense'! If you were genuine in wanting to know why people believe, you wouldn't insult said people in your first sentence.

Original poster
BowieFan · 23/10/2016 17:55

Yes, I personally believe it to be nonsense. I still want to know why people believe it though. I've not called anyone stupid or unintelligent.

OP posts:
Original poster
BowieFan · 23/10/2016 17:56

Dontpanicpyke

But the collection plate is optional and goes to the upkeep of the church, not the pocket of the priest. My mum has sought advice from her priest on several occasions and has never had a collection plate shoved under her nose after doing so.

OP posts:
Paperplanesover · 23/10/2016 18:01

I think there is something fundamentally sick about telling a grieving person you can talk to their dead husband/wife/child.

My friend lost her baby at a few days old and has massively been taken in by this lot. She follows this woman on facebook who constantly pimps out her "team" of psychics who will contact the dead for the cheap price of a £3 text message. It's fucking wrong. They must KNOW they are lying.

Bluebell878275 · 23/10/2016 18:02

You INSINUATED unintelligence. You don't start a "I genuinely want to know" debate by being rude to the people you are asking.
"To ask why people believe in ghosts and other supernatural things?" To ask why people believe in ghosts and other supernatural nonsense?" See the difference...??

itsmine · 23/10/2016 18:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
BowieFan · 23/10/2016 18:11

Bluebell878275

I believe it to be nonsense. I also believe Michael Gove is a twat, but it doesn't mean if I call him one I'm therefore insulting anyone who likes him.

OP posts:
Original poster
BowieFan · 23/10/2016 18:12

itsmine

Yes, but psychics often prey on vulnerable people. Vulnerable people who want to talk to their dead husband/wife/brother/son etc. That, to me, is wrong. Going to a psychic is optional yes, but as they mostly prey on the vulnerable, it's even worse to charge them £25 or more for it.

OP posts:
Bluebell878275 · 23/10/2016 18:18

That makes no sense..at all....
We are talking about people's personal belief systems..that is so different to asking why people might like a person you find ridiculous. That comparison doesn't work.

itsmine · 23/10/2016 18:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
BowieFan · 23/10/2016 18:22

itsmine

Well I think most people would agree that vulnerable people are lacking something. That's why they need something to turn to for comfort. Like I said, my mum is vulnerable and has lacked a father all her life. That's why she turned to psychics - they told her what she wanted to hear: that her dad was proud of her and things like that. I had to stop her from going because I just didn't like her being taken advantage of at £30 a go. She's turned back to her church now and whilst it's not perfect, I'd much rather have that. Despite all the nonsense religion comes out with, her priest isn't telling her he can talk to her dad for her.

OP posts:
LikeDylanInTheMovies · 23/10/2016 18:45

It is comforting to think that we go somewhere when we die and could potentially meet up with loved ones. Even if there's nothing after death we will never know a thing about it. It brings people comfort, where's the harm?

Because it is bullshit. People who pedal the notion that they can contact people in an afterlife are lying con artists who prey on the vulnerable and unfulfilled. It is never happy balanced, successful people who repeatedly contact psychics.