Religious Clergy Debate Existence of Spirits

Everybody likes hearing a ghost story. Few people want to live them, but have gained massive popularity over the past decade.

Whether the ghost population is growing or even exists is up for debate. But when it comes to religious faith communities, the existence of ghosts is a controversial matter.

“Our church is convinced that the Bible does not teach any such thing as spirits or ghosts, of deceased humans who were not properly buried. Rather, when a person dies, the person’s spirit goes immediately to be either with the Lord in heaven, or to an eternity hell. There is no crossing back and forth between either of those two realms and earth,” Pastor Mark Porinsky of in Dexter said. “Of course, God himself can make exceptions. He did so in the case of the three deceased persons Jesus is recorded as bringing back from the dead, and of course Jesus himself came back.”

Porinsky points out the Bible does warn believers of the presence of evil spirits in the world, however.

“The Bible clearly states that there are numerous evil spirits allied with Satan.  At various periods in the world’s history these evil spirits have invaded and taken control of people’s bodies," he said. "I’m not sure this is happening much today, but I am convinced that there’s plenty of demonic influence – especially when people invite these spirits in (often unawares) by dabbling in the occult.

"We Lutherans believe that these evil spirits may very well impersonate deceased human beings. Therefore I would never dismiss the idea that ghost hunters might actually deal with paranormal phenomena. It’s just that I do not believe the 'ghosts' are spirits of actual human beings who died, but rather they are more likely evil spirits masquerading as deceased humans. Of course, there are undoubtedly also 'ghost hunters' who are frauds.”

Similarly, the Roman Catholic Church discourages belief in spiritual apparitions.

According to Catholic Answers.com, the Roman Catholic Church's position on the issue is rather vague. Although images of ghosts are alluded to in the Bible, the presence of ghosts is not a belief set forth by the church. However, the church says according to the Bible, the dead can appear to the living, as Moses appeared to Jesus Christ and several apostles after his death. So, in some way, the dead can make their presence known to others on earth and communicate messages. However, it is strictly against the teachings of the church for the living to reach out to the dead.

Other religious views on ghosts:

Buddhism: According to NewBuddhist.com, Buddhists believe in the existence of hungry ghosts, which are simply suffering spirits who should be treated with compassion and not feared. Some Buddhists believe ghosts should be led to the light through chanting and explanation of Buddhist teachings, until the golden light of Buddha is seen and can be advanced to by the ghost.

Judaism: Judaism holds the traditional view that ghosts exist, but should not be consulted. Jewish religions believe a "dybbuk" (a wandering soul) can possess or attach to a living person, in an attempt to control the body and actions to do their will.

Islam: Islam, as a whole, does not teach the existence of ghosts or reincarnation, as many Muslims believe the Quran does not make mention of spirits. The most widely accepted belief is that the spirit of a person remains in the grave until judgement day.