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Article published Oct 25, 2009 Doin' what comes (super) naturally for Halloween
If you're wondering how to get in the Halloween spirit, a couple of books might give you a ghost of an idea this year. They are definitely intriguing. Keep in mind, however, that I am merely sharing information; whether I believe it or not is immaterial.
"The Science of Life After Death," by Stephen Hawley Martin, reports on a massive, ongoing research project at the University of Virginia and recent research by the Windbridge Institute. The accompanying press release says these studies show, respectively, that "human consciousness can survive death and that psychic mediums can report accurate information about deceased individuals without using fraud. The author draws on studies by the Duke University Parapsychology Laboratory, quantum physics and other research, to form the basis of a theory to explain this."
Martin is an Internet talk show host, and his weekly show, "The Truth About Life," debuted in 2007. The book talks about what he has learned as he has interviewed quantum physicists, scientists and researchers of the paranormal on the show, and also includes a theory he has postulated to explain his findings.
The book is easy to read, and quite fascinating. Martin shares stories of people who have had near-death experiences and later described scenes they otherwise could have had no way of knowing about. He also has a chapter on reincarnation and discusses reincarnation and Christianity. According to the author, reincarnation was accepted by the church for its first 500 years, and it wasn't until 553 A.D. that it was condemned by the Council of Constantinople by a narrow margin. He gives several examples of references to reincarnation in the Bible, including Jesus healing the blind man as told in John 9:1-12. The man was blind from birth, yet the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned, the man or his parents, for him to end up blind. Martin says, "Since the man was blind from birth, the only way his sins could have caused his blindness was for him to have sinned in a former life. Jesus did not tell his followers this wasn't possible. To the contrary, he seems to have assumed it was possible, although he gives another reason for the man's blindness, saying, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.'"
"The Science of Life After Death" will be in stores Nov. 1, but the author has advance copies for purchase now at his Web site, www.shmar tin.com. The Oaklea Press publishes the book, which retails for $16.95.
On a more fun note, Jeff Belanger has compiled and edited "Encyclopedia of Haunted Places: Ghostly Locales from Around the World." Belanger is founder of Ghostvillage.com, the largest supernatural community on the Web, and author of several books, including "The World's Most Haunted Places," "Our Haunted Lives" and "The Ghost Files." He lectures throughout the United States and has appeared on many radio and television programs, including pieces on The History Channel, one of my personal favorites.
"Encyclopedia of Haunted Places" was written by dozens of the world's leading paranormal investigators, who share their research and experiences in some of the world's most haunted locales. Four of these are in Tennessee: Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville; The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson and his wife, Rachel, in Hermitage; Stones River National Battlefield, Murfreesboro; and the Thomas House Hotel in Red Boiling Springs. I'm not sure how the Bell Witch Cave in Adams or Shiloh National Military Park near Savannah missed the list.
The book retails for $19.99. Check your favorite online or local bookstore for availability.
Linda Albert haunts The Daily Times as Women's Times editor and staff writer. Her column runs every Sunday in the Women's Times section. You may contact her at 981-1168 or linda.albert@thedailytimes.com, or follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lal bert_editor.