Existence of Ghosts, -- SPIRITeam Paranormal Research

On the Existence of Ghosts,

Demons, and Possession

By Doug Kelley, CH, SPIRITeam Founder • January 2006

“In the absence of positive proof, whether spirit entities exist or don’t exist,

thinking-and therefore belief-makes it so.”

-Doug Kelley

When considering ghosts in all their diverse forms, one fact comes clearly to the fore: Many people, including “authorities,” paranormal investigators, and religionists, have many differing and often conflicting theories about what is actually happening.

Some believe in demonic possession from Malevolent Inhuman Spirits (MIS); some don’t. Some believe that “demons” are fallen angels; some don’t. Some believe that the clergy can exorcise spirits; some don’t. Some believe that simply calling on God’s name and/or Jesus’ name will immediately stop demonic activity; some don’t.

The ironic fact of the matter is that they are all correct. How can this be?

I have come to believe from my research and investigation that it all boils down to one irrefutable fact: Nobody--and I mean nobody--truly knows what in the hell is going on. That’s why we are paranormal “investigators.” We want to find out.

While there is no question that something is going on in the world of hauntings, most paranormal events can be explained by natural occurrences. And in most cases, I believe that it comes down to a person's beliefs and belief system, and this includes the various beliefs of paranormal investigators. Some believe in demons or Malevolent Inhuman Spirits; others don't. Some believe that Ouija boards, Tarot cards, and Psychics, etc., can open up the channels to demonic possession, others don't.

If individuals truly believe that they can be possessed by a demon, then it is true FOR THEM. If they don't believe, then it is NOT TRUE FOR THEM. If a person believes that God or Jesus will save them from an evil spirit, then it is TRUE FOR THEM. If they don’t believe in evil spirits, then it is NOT TRUE FOR THEM.

There is nothing more powerful in this universe than a person’s individual beliefs, and herein lies a key to understanding ghosts, Malevolent Inhuman Spirits, demons, or whatever: Whether they can bother you or not, your belief or disbelief makes it so (to adapt a quote by Shakespeare). This conclusion seems to be the only common denominator among the numerous and varied reports of hauntings and demonic possession, and it explains why certain people seem to be especially vulnerable.

But what about people who don’t believe in ghosts that have witnessed them? Again, it comes down to a person’s own belief system. Consider my own life-experience. For 40 years of my life, I was a Christian and strongly believed in the existence of demons. But never once did I witness any paranormal activity. Not once. Why? Because I also strongly believed that God protected me. Whether God protected me or not is a moot point because I believed He protected me, and it became so.

After leaving Christianity in 1999, my latent interest in all things paranormal exploded. I’ve had psychic readings, Tarot Card readings, used Ouija boards, participated in séances, learned hypnosis, done past-life regressions, investigated the paranormal including inviting spirits to communicate with me, and other activities that I would have previously run away from. In fact, I have outright invited any and all spirits—benevolent or demonic—to make their presence known. Even with all of this, I have never once had a problem of any kind with demonic or ghost activity, let alone attempted possession. Why? What has protected me since I leaving Christianity (and therefore “God”)? The same thing that has always protected me: Strong belief.

Fervent, passionate, and zealous beliefs are powerful. This includes the beliefs you hold about yourself. This is why I also feel that regardless of whether a spirit is real or not, most paranormal events can be resolved with a healthy self-concept, a robust self-esteem, and a strong and sound mind. In other words, before we can get rid of the demons in our outside world, we must first get rid of any “demons” in our inside world.

People can be “possessed” by many things, including other people. However, I believe that when a person is “self-possessed,” they cannot be possessed by any other entity--human or otherwise.

If Malevolent Inhuman Spirits exist, they are described as aggressive. As with aggressive human beings, the only thing that truly works is standing up for oneself. Aggressive entities--human or otherwise--only understand one language: strength and directness. Aggressive people do not respect others who do not stand up for themselves. This is why bullies target what they consider to be easy victims who will not put up a fight. Can "bully" spirits be any different? Strength of character, mind, and personality is key.

So, whether ghosts and spirits exist or not, they certainly do for believers, and don’t for nonbelievers. As for many others, and myself, the jury is still out on this one. We shall continue to explore and investigate until we can prove it one way or another.

© 2006 by Doug Kelley. All Rights Reserved. Doug Kelley, CH, CSL is a Certified Hypnotist (CH), paranormal researcher, speaker, and the founder of the SPIRITeam. He has written extensively in the areas of religion, human potential, leadership, assertive communication, alcoholic relationships, and the paranormal. For more information, please visit his websites: www.SPIRITeam.org, www.DougKelley.com, www.EmpoweredRecovery.com. Email Doug Here.

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