Tuesday 4 August 2015

The Nature of Man - Part 2



The Nature of Man - Part 2

In a previous post I proposed the idea that man had a metaphysical component that persists after death. This part was separate from the intuitive learning engine or computer we call the brain and control of the brain could be lost or surrendered to other influences through entering altered states of consciousness. In this post I would like to test that idea somewhat and explore some facets that may be a little out of left field and seem initially unrelated to the topic of the Nature of Man.

Neurosurgical Stimulation


In Part 1, I referred to the discoveries made by the technique of neurosurgical electrical stimulation of portions of the brain. This technique is a useful (if somewhat crude and invasive) tool for determining the function of specific areas of the brain and is often used to locate malfunctioning areas for corrective surgery as in the case of epilepsy sufferers. It was noted by Wilder Penfield and others that the patient was always aware of the external nature of the actions caused by electrical stimulation of the brain, i.e. they knew the actions were not caused consciously by themselves. In analysis of his observations some (including me) had taken this to be possible evidence of the existence of the MIND separate from the brain. In the following discussion I would like to cover another line of thinking that casts doubt upon this conclusion.

Ghosts


Are ghosts real and if so what are they? I warned you it was left field but stay with me and it will tie in eventually. Ghosts or the idea of ghostly apparitions seem to be a persistent part of our human cultural experience in various forms. Unfortunately despite our scientific advances you will search in vain for proof of the existence of ghosts. Some of the phenomena that people will advance as proof of ghosts are:

  • Blurry apparitions or orbs on photographs or seen directly
  • EMF readings in supposedly haunted locations
  • Temperature changes (cold spots)
  • Psychokinetic Activity - objects moving without apparent cause
  • Strange noises in the house
  • Abnormal animal behavior
  • Disappearing Objects
  • Electrical disturbances
  • Strange dreams, nightly terrors or unexplained feelings
  • Awaking and unable to move (i.e. being immobilized by a spiritual force)
  • Ouija Board Communications


I am sure if you looked hard enough you could list quite a few more. The problem is that none of these things are proof of anything other than the phenomenon itself. Yes I heard strange noise, felt a cold spot, saw the lights flicker or saw a shadow person but I am no closer to knowing what the cause of that experience might be. As VictorStenger asserts:

 “Unfortunately we have only anecdotal evidence for these kinds of observations. None are scientifically documented. Indeed, paranormal phenomena seem to become neutralized in the presence of knowledgeable and especially sceptical observers. If such events could be captured on sophisticated instruments in properly controlled experiments, then we would have to take them seriously.”


There are various arguments that are regularly regurgitated to justify the continued possibility that ghosts are real, among them being the idea that you won’t find something if you don’t know what to look for and don’t believe it exists. This is really an accusation of lack of integrity on the part of all skeptical investigators rather than a valid argument. This and other similar such statements are just noise to obscure the lack of a methodical investigative process by a majority paranormal investigators. Consider the following possible explanations for the phenomena listed above.

Electrical Stimulation of the brain

The main problem I have with the idea of ghosts and the researchers or “hunters” of ghosts is that in general they do not logically analyse the phenomenon, collect data and then eliminate all other possible explanations before jumping to the conclusion of a ghostly presence. Serious researchers have estimated that up to 95% of purported phenomena can be immediately dismissed as due to a logical alternate explanation.

For the record, I don’t believe in ghosts but I do believe in the supernatural. That however is a discussion for another time. Let’s take a further look at a couple of areas that have a bearing on the makeup of the human body.

Shadow People & Electrical Stimulation of the Brain



Swiss scientists say they've found electrical stimulation of the brain can create the sensation of a "shadow person" mimicking one's bodily movements
This example directly addresses the data I presented in Part 1, being the electrical stimulation of the brain of an epilepsy patient. In this case, stimulation of the left temporoparietal junction caused the patient to “see” a shadow person adopting and mimicking her body posture and movements, yet she did nor recognize this effect as an illusion.

Infra-sound


Infra-sound refers to low frequency sound below the frequency audible to humans, lower than 20Hz. It would seem that sound at these low frequencies can cause a number of undesirable effect on the human body. In one instance, Vic Tandy describes how he discovered that a potential ghostly presence, complete with blurred apparitions in peripheral vision, was caused by a faulty cooling fan recently installed in a laboratory. The fan was emitting a high intensity 19Hz low frequency sound that was responsible for the phenomena and once replaced, the effects promptly disappeared.

 This type of effect was later confirmed experimentally by acoustic engineers who found that exposure to infra-sound “produces a range of bizarre effects in people including anxiety, extreme sorrow and chills”. 

The Rub


If you dig deep enough you will see that effect of high intensity inaudible sound is well known and has been subject to research for military purposes for a long time. It is now being integrated into surveillance and security products for wider use.

 You may also be aware that this is of concern due to its possible link with large wind turbines that have been shown to emit infra-sound, the argument being if there are associated health effects or not. To claim all is good, authorities are utilizing a gap in research that has thus far seen efforts directed at high intensity industrial sources of infra-sound and no meaningful data exists on the health effects of lower intensities such as those generated by wind turbines.

 So what does this all mean? Simply that our bodies (including the brain) have a susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and it is not only in the low frequency ranges either. Considering this fact, the findings of Penfield’s surgical electrical brain stimulation should not been seen as indicative of the existence of the MIND as separate from the brain. The effects produced are more logically interpreted as interference produced by external localized stimuli. Depending on the particular area of the brain that is subject to such interference, the person may or may not still retain the ability to differentiate between the interference effects and his or her own conscious action or thought. In the case of the “shadow person” effect the patient could not recognize the effect as induced artificially. This may also be the case for non-localized stimulation such as that caused by infra-sound that will be applied equally to all parts of the body and brain. In such a case it follows that one will also not be “aware” of the artificial nature of the effect produced.

It seems the contention that the MIND may be simply a construct of our living thought process and not the result of a metaphysical component, is still on the table.


Sunday 2 August 2015

Strange Fire Strangely Familiar



Strange Fire - Strangely Familiar


Some of you may be familiar with the Strange Fire Conference but for those who don't, it refers to a conference series hosted by John MacArthur of Grace To You Ministries. The series ostensibly evaluates the doctrines, practices and claims of the modern charismatic movement and is a serious critique of the Charismatic Movement, prosperity doctrine and the spiritual manifestations that are somewhat of a trademark of those types of ministries.

John MacArthur is well known for his reformed theology and remains true to the penchant of some reformists in advocating views in a polarized fashion. By that I mean he eventually gets around to promoting his cessationist viewpoint in such a way as to imply there is no other valid position. In that he even attacks those in his own camp that hold some form of continuationist view such a John Piper. So while much of what MacArthur says is valid and timely, not surprisingly he seems to me to go a step too far.

Having said that, this post is not about critiquing the Strange Fire Conference or the views of John MacArthur, rather I wanted to point out that this is nothing new and not confined to Christianity. For a discussion of Strange Fire, the book and MacArthur's views you can check out the blogpost by Steve Kroeker, YouTube video or Google up any number of articles on the storm that has been created. 

Spiritual Manifestations


You may remember the phenomenon of the Laughing Revival or Toronto Blessing that began on 10 January 1994 at Vineyard Churcnear the Pearson International Airport in Toronto. I remember hearing about it subsequently sweeping through Christian circles in Canada and the US and how it came to Australia some time later. 

The video below shows some examples of the phenomenon and you can read a good review of the phenomenon and its roots at this site entitled Holy Laughter - Rodney Howard-Browne and the Toronto Blessing. 

The last time I checked I didn't see any testimony recorded in my Bible regarding falling down laughing, making animal noises, spinning, twitching, vocalizing or otherwise moving in an uncontrolled manner. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit that I read about all had definite purpose for God's glory and carrying out the purposes of God in useful ways.




As a Christian I must say that I am astounded at the ease with which this phenomenon has spread. After its initial heyday I mistakenly believed it might go away as a passing fad. Unfortunately it seems that it has morphed like a virus and insinuated itself into mainstream Christianity in many different ways. Having attended an Australian Baptist Church for many years, I was particularly disturbed to note that Kenmore Baptist Church had hosted seminars by Ron Clarke, former pastor of Living Water Church in Tampa, Florida, known for receiving his "special anointing" directly from Rodney Howard-Browne, a South African preacher associated with the Word of Faith movement and generally recognized as the father of Holy Laughter. 

Do people no longer read the Bible and test things against the Holy Word of God?

In case you think these manifestations are unique to Christianity and therefore can be safe in attributing them to the working of the Holy Spirit on that basis alone, let us look at some other examples of similar spiritual manifestations.


Qigong


Qigong, literally: "Life Energy Cultivation", is a method of meditation involving breathing, body movement and posture. It is seen as a method to allow the practitioner access to higher realms of awareness, to awakens one's "true nature", and help develop human potential. It has spread worldwide, being promoted as a means of obtaining better health. Traditionally, it has been used by some Martial Arts styles as an aid to achieve great power and performance in their respective arts.

It is an unfortunate reality, however, that this and other forms of meditation come with dangers such as the onset of mental health conditions and for some the experience of what could be described as spiritual possession. 

One high level Qigong practitioner who came to faith in Christ reveals the true nature of the forces at work behind Qigong in his account entitled:

Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness:Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is


Sufi Islam


Sufi Islam or Sufism is described by its followers as: 
the inner mystical dimension of Islam. Practitioners of Sufism (Tasawwuf), referred to as Sufis (ṣūfī) (/ˈsfi/صُوفِيّ), often belong to different ṭuruq or "orders"—congregations formed around a grand master referred to as a Mawla who maintains a direct chain of teachers back to the Prophet Muhammad.[1] These orders meet for spiritual sessions (majalis) in meeting places known as zawiyahskhanqahs, or tekke.[2] Sufis strive for ihsan (perfection of worship) as detailed in a hadith: "Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him; if you can't see Him, surely He sees you."[3] Jalaluddin Rumi stated: "The Sufi is hanging on to Muhammad, like Abu Bakr."[4] Sufis consider themselves to be the original true proponents of this pure original form of Islam.
In the video below you will see an Imam responding to spiritual influence during a service.



In this next clip you will see worshipers at a Majali exhibiting actions not unlike those of the Holy Laughter phenomenon after having hands laid upon them by a Mawla or Murshid.




Hinduism

I am well aware that I am oversimplifying things with the above heading but I would like to draw your attention to some aspects of Hindu religious practices such as Yoga and the various Kundalini cults.

In these practices the object it very similar to that of Qigong and it is my opinion that there was cross-pollination of Hindu influence (through Buddhist monks) and traditional Chinese Dao/Taoism and Confucianism that resulted in the Qigong we see in China today.

The object of the meditation is to experience a Kundalini Awakening, an opening of the spiritual channels within the body to allow you to receive enlightenment variously through unlocking your inner power, connecting to the true reality of the universe or being possessed by any number of gods such as Kali, depending on who you talk to. In this respect we are left in no doubt that the phenomenon is spiritual and not related in any way to the Judeo-Christian Holy Spirit.





Once you journey down this rabbit hole, there seems to be lasting effects such as Kriyas or involuntary movements of the body that afflict people who practice these types of meditation. An example of one new-age practitioner experiencing this effect can be seen below.


One resource I found interesting was the video snippets from Andrew Strom, Autor of the book, Kundalini Warning - Are False Spirits Invading the Church?





The Dark Side


Those of us who have the slightest bit of discernment will have our spidey-senses tingling about now, and rightly so. While there is a veritable avalanche of material on the benefits these forms meditation, the negative side-effects of them are not as easy to research. Nevertheless they are a well known issue. In his article Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness, Hsiao Guang tells us that his parents warned him of the possible dangers to the mind when they first introduced him to Five Animals Qigong. Similarly in the video below, Vivek Govekar describes the mental effects he personally experienced following his Kundalini Awakening.




The next clip is quite long and features a round-table discussion on the Dark Side of Meditation in response to a recent Time article entitled Aaron Alexis and the Dark Side of Meditation.

You may remember the story of the shooting of 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard and the article rightly asks:

How does someone who engages in meditation, which is supposed to focus the mind, and is often associated with efforts to diffuse violence, rather than instigate it, perform the acts that Alexis is accused of executing?
As it turns out, there are many people who are suffering from the negative effects of meditation, so much so that there is an initiative mentioned in the video. Originally called "The Dark Knight project", it aims to research the phenomena in order to assist the many people who have been damaged by it.
I will refrain from waxing lyrically in conclusion. I am sure you can all think this through in your own time. I would encourage you to do your own research (there is much more material available) and compare what you discover against the Word of God in the Holy Bible.


Test the Spirits
1 John 4 (ESV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth andthe spirit of error.