Thursday, October 14, 2010

Questions of the Paranormal

‘People of faith and those who seek to find and follow spiritual truth should have nothing to do with the paranormal!’ This thought is generally held among many in our world, especially people of faith who believe that all aspects of the paranormal come from Satan. People say this, they believe this, but I have to ask, is this logical? I ask this from the faith perspective I am a part of because it seems as if the sources I use to find religious truth, largely the Bible, indicates to me that evil, horror in fact, the paranormal are weaved all through the Bible. From the devil, to sorcerers, witches, ghosts, flying machines that can’t be described and dancing bones, stories of the ‘paranormal’ abound. With that the case and the reality of our world and the personal experiences of many, why shouldn’t we look at, and explore the paranormal?

Now let me be clear; I used to dabble in ocult things. I wasn’t a full fledge Lavey member or anything like that, but I did dabble with his readings and others, and had a few friends where we explored these things together and acted out on some of the things we thought we knew. Some may say I did a little more than dabble, I don’t know, I do know I never experienced anything like the sensational reports of people many may be familiar with like Rebecca Brown or the Mike Warnke concepts presented in his earlier talks and books. That isn’t to say I wasn’t involved in a real search and didn’t believe in what I was doing. I have come to have a respectful belief in the paranormal but I have made sure that my faith in my God is strong. I have also learned to differentiate between the truth and false, as is the case I believe in many of the things reported by people like Brown and Warnke’s earlier writings. In the case of Mike Warnke, he has in fact, sought forgiveness for many of the things he reported and stated in the past.

A dear friend of mine recently started a web site, Paranormal Passages. Mary Diane Goin has been a friend for a number of years, and we recently got to spend some time together in Amarillo Texas. While there we explored the possibility and her desire to start something up that would look at the paranormal through the perspective of Christian teaching and understanding. We both recognized, the reality of evil, the reality of things we can’t always explain, and the reality that in all likelihood it was appropriate for people of faith, specifically in this case, Christians, or others trying to understand Christian concepts, to search for truth and understanding to these things. We felt this important for a number of reasons which Diane goes into on the web site.

One of the dangers is that far too often, people of faith don’t discuss these types of things and as a result, ideals and opinions are formed which can lead to more confusion and potential danger than it does answers. With the influx of television shows on the subject, and the focus at the time of year this is being written, (approaching Halloween) Diane recognized this was an excellent time to launch something like this. I agree.

I am a co-moderator on this forum which will allow discussion on the paranormal. We will share our stories and thoughts and to have others share their stories, photographs, video and more.

Many have come to know of my reviews of horror films. Truth is, right from the outset, I have a horse in this race to use a popular cliché. As mentioned above, I once dabbled in the occult. I appreciate the concepts of good vs. evil often portrayed in horror, and a little known area, is I have taken a few classes in parapsychology. I don’t talk about this stuff much because people think of quacks and loons, however, in a world where the majority of people believe in things like angels, and a huge part believes in ghosts, it is time Christians adequately addressed the questions instead of hiding from them.

My experiences, the experiences of friends and families have had me come across many stories. I have my perspectives and beliefs regarding the paranormal, which can mostly be supported to also coincide with my faith. The truth is there are other things I can’t explain. I suspect there are others in similar situations that can explain some of the things they have observed, yet there are other things we can’t.

My experience as a magician gives me a little different perspective on some of the observations and conclusions I have come to. Those who know me, know I am in a lot of ways a skeptic, some say more of a skeptic than I should be. I would say, I am observant and a rationalist. Some may not like that, but in my journey of experiencing faith, and the unexplained, I try to understand, and where I can, figure out my experiences.

Let’s start this journey together, because we all know, that in the scary moments, it is easier to be with people at your side than to be alone. I have been alone walking through scary places like cemeteries at night; I don’t want to go alone. Will you go with me?

The following is from a news story in Asheville North Carolina. If the video doesn't appear, just click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn638hy1D3w



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Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

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P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

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Monday, October 4, 2010

When Faith and Film Collide

Despite the criticism that often comes about to the faith community, there are times that miracles happen. They are miracles beyond imagination. As one who loves film and is a person of faith, there are few things as exciting as seeing the possibilities of what can happen when faith and film collide.

Many know I love Christmas, in fact, every Christmas I am involved in a number of things that frankly, yes, I will say, unapologetically brings me a great deal of pleasure. I get to play about a month long gig of being Santa Claus. I especially enjoy the opportunities of serving the homeless as Santa as well as poor children by delivering Christmas presents on Christmas Eve to families who otherwise wouldn’t get to enjoy Christmas.

This Christmas there is something special occurring that I would like to get an early plug in for, that is the collaboration between Walden Media, and the film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed up by Franklin Graham. Graham stated, “We’re very excited to participate in the upcoming release of the movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. We want children around the world to know the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and the joy and hope that this brings.”

The third installment of the movie within the Chronicle of Narnia series, written by apologist, C.S. Lewis opens in theaters this Christmas. Operation Narnia however, has already started. The project involves the delivery of shoe boxes filled with Christmas gifts for children around the world. This year they anticipate the delivery of presents to over 8 million children in over 100 countries. Delivery will take place as it has in the past, via plane, train, automobile, even dog sled and camels. Those presents however come from families and individuals who truly understand the power of giving. People will discover the joy of giving to someone during a time that would otherwise have those children going without. The gifts are intended to be reminders of the gift God gave to humanity, which is celebrated at Christmas, the gift of a babe born in a manger, Jesus of Nazareth otherwise known as the Prince of Peace. For many of the children receiving gifts, it will be the first presents they have ever received. Imagine the faces of a little girl opening up and getting her first baby doll, or a little boy opening up and finding a toy truck or car. There are also necessity items that are packed, such as tooth brushes, soap, school supplies and more.

This year, to know a popular movie, from a series I love, is actually doing something, it is time some of us gave them the kudos they deserved. Personally, I applaud this collaboration; it is nice to see presents delivered to children all over the world, despite the religious beliefs and preference of those children and their families. In a world, and in a time when it seems that so often, faith and film are at conflict, we can see a faith community and film community come together. Not just with each other, but with those of us in the movie going audience who have the opportunity to bless others. For more information on how you can help make the difference in a child’s life, and for instructions regarding this project, visit, www.operationnarnia.org I challenge, make a difference, do something special, make this collaboration not just between Walden Media and Samaritans Purse, allow yourself to be a part of that effort because really, it is through you that some child will receive a gift at Christmas. In a world with so much conflict, isn’t it time we found ways to come together?

To see more information and a trailer from the movie, click the following video, if the video doesn't appear, click the following link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zblX6mwHePo



Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group

MySpace The Virtual Pew Group

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed