What do you believe?

In his recent book, The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies – How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths, Michael Shermer writes about a 2009 Harris Poll concerning what people believe. 2,303 Americans were surveyed for the poll.  The results included the following:

Ø  God: 82%                       

Ø  Miracles: 76%

Ø  Heaven: 75%                                            

Ø  Jesus is God or the son of God: 73%

Ø  Angels: 72%

Ø  Survival of the soul after death: 71%

Ø  The virgin birth (of Jesus): 61%

Ø  The devil: 60%

Ø  Darwin’s Theory of Evolution: 45%

Ø  Ghosts: 42%

Ø  Creationism: 40%

Ø  UFOs: 32%
Ø  Astrology: 26%
Ø  Witches: 23%
Ø  Reincarnation: 20%

Of the 17 items listed above, only Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is a concept that has been tested using scientific means as well as being peer reviewed. More of the survey participants believe in the 10 supernatural items listed prior to the aforementioned scientific theory. It should also be noted that all of the 10 beliefs are Christian-based, which would be expected considering the American demographic that was surveyed. This is in contrast to, with the exception of Creationism, the beliefs that are not of a wholly Christian or religious base.

Though not stemming from a Judeo-Christian belief system, the “believing” author of this article would suggest that the sheer number of people holding supernatural beliefs implies something about the validity of paranormal experiences. So, the above poll brings the question: Why do people believe what they do? A strong majority of people believe in things for which there is no definitive evidence while dismissing comprehensively tested scientific theories. Are those believers in the supernatural simply examples of confirmation bias? Michael Shermer has regularly written about how this is indeed the case. In addition, he has extensively detailed how people come to believe what they do, which does not typically involve the objective study of a topic. So, then, if Shermer is correct, how can so many people hold such beliefs and give detailed accounts of otherworldly experiences?   

This blog post is not going to answer these questions. What the authors are hoping for, however, is a dialogue between those reading. In addition to the comments section for this blog, readers are invited to send more extensive examinations on the nature of one’s beliefs to reachingthroughtheether@gmail.com. Those comments that are particularly insightful will then be posted on this site, which will hopefully allow for a more in-depth discussion of the subject matter. Remember, the authors of this blog both hold drastically different views from one-another, with one being a believer in the paranormal and the other being much more of a materialist. Consequently, the intent of this exercise is not to provoke argument between the readers themselves or the authors and the readers. In addition, the authors are not wanting to simply learn more about what people believe, but, more importantly, to have readers answer the question of why they believe what they do. This is a public forum, so others may offer differing views. This is acceptable as long as it is done politely and the discussion centers on the beliefs and not the believer. Most importantly of all, responses to readers should further the discussion and our understanding of the wonderful and uniquely human characteristic: belief.

Mystery and Murder at Prospect Place

The network of secret routes and homes known as the Underground Railroad was used to aid slaves as they fled north towards freedom.  Many abolitionists sympathetic to the plight of these individuals opened their homes at their own risk.   George W. Adams was an example of just such a man.  After inheriting his father’s plantation, Adams freed the slaves, sold the plantation and moved to Ohio.  One of his sons, George, would maintain his father’s abolitionist beliefs, and would, consequently, allow his home to be a safe house on the Underground Railroad.  After the death of his first wife and upon marrying his second, George Adams would go on to build Prospect Place.  From the murder of a bounty hunter to the disappearance of George’s son-in-law, the history of the Adams family and their descendants holds all the drama and intrigue of an epic historical novel.   

Prospect Place has garnered somewhat of a national reputation.  The television shows Ghost Hunters (SyFy Channel) and Ghost Adventures (Travel Channel) have held investigations at the site.  In addition, a visit to their website will demonstrate how those responsible for restoring Prospect Place are capitalizing on its reputation.  They offer both public as well as private tours and overnight stays for ghost hunters.  The site also provides videos from previous ghost hunting expeditions.   On the evening of Thursday, July 7, the authors of this article will perform their own expedition.  Real time updates, pictures and videos will be posted on this blog as they occur.  Depending on what unworldly beings are waiting to greet the two authors as they arrive, posts will begin around 8:00 p.m.

Below, ghost fans, are some additional pictures and information as well as video clips from one of the television shows that have visited Prospect Place.  Very dramatic history behind this place.  The first set of pictures is from the G.W. Adams Educational Center website.  The property/business manager of the site and, I believe, a major catalyst in bringing Prospect Place back to life is none other than George J. Adams.  The name is not coincidental.  So, without further ado..

Awe, Nothing like a romantic getaway.  We can't wait!

   

                                                                          

We love old pictures like this.  19th and early 20th century photos could be of the sweetest, old couple of the time and still feel a bit creepy.  This one, in particular, is interesting, however.  The subjects of photos of this period are often looking blankly and somberly into the camera.  Here, we see family members staring at others in the picture; the two in the front seem to be casually speaking to one-another; and, our favorite, the woman who is referred to simply as "unknown woman" is grinning mischievously.  What has she done?  In addition, the lone picture on the left wall appears to be askew, possibly a reflection of the photo as a whole.  Though, in fairness, it also looks to just be leaning out from the wall.  But, where is the symbolism in that?

Also, you can go to the Grave Addiction site, which we referenced in an earlier article, to see some additional photos taken by the creator of that site, Beth.

And, on a final note, here is a clip from the Travel Channel television show, Ghost Adventures.  This is the first of four clips.

Well, that is all for this session.  We will periodically offer additional information about Prospect Place and its history as we draw closer to the site visit.  Thanks, everyone, for stopping in.  Make sure to enter your email to receive updates when we have new posts and click on the follow tab to, as you might guess, follow this blog.  And, of course, read our article on the Examiner site to help promote us.  We will typically post every Wednesday, but that could expand depending on site expeditions and, more importantly, moods.

Thanks!



The screaming dead must have lost their voices

The journey to Cedar Hill Cemetery seemed fated to result in dramatic events as though scripted by a Hollywood screenwriter of the supernatural.  The location of the Baker Mausoleum on the 113 acre cemetery was unknown at the beginning of this expedition. Upon entering the site, a series of roads branched into several directions.  These roads would then split again, creating a network of veins throughout the rolling hills. Despite the odds, the authors of this article drove directly to meet the Baker family at their resting place as though guided. (Reference The screaming dead article for additional background on this story.)

As things turned out, if some mysterious force was reaching out to pull those living closer, it was simply a tease. As legend has it, one will hear a woman screaming when placing his or her ear against the mausoleum door. Even the non-believing skeptic felt slightly anxious while stepping up to the dilapidated structure.  At times, imagination and eerie surroundings have a way of overcoming reason when put to the test.  All that was heard, however, was the murmuring sounds created by the cars passing by on nearby Cedar Road as the rumble of engines vibrated up through the concrete. If there are indeed spirits haunting The Baker Mausoleum, they may tease by leading one to anxious anticipation.  But, unfortunately, the experience will not end in screams.