So you are eliminating the possibility of a reality that exists beyond this universe, that is not subject to empirical observation and deduction.
In several threads I have acknowledged the possibility of such a reality, however remote. But I have also said that the possibility has no relevance because of the undetectability of such a reality. The effect of its existence and the effect of its nonexistence would be exactly the same - zero. Since such a reality would have no perceivable effect on perceivable reality, there’s no reason to even contemplate the possibility.
So it remains an open question whether such a reality exists, and, if it exists, how it can be experienced, if at all.
That wrongly assumes that the existence and nonexistence of such a reality are equally probable.
Christianity simply says that such a reality exists, and that it is known by faith in response to revelation. By requiring that all realities be “known” only by empirical observation and deduction, you are shutting the door on other possible avenues of experience. Where IS your sense of adventure?!?!
Your “other possible avenues of experience” comment makes no sense. Sensory experience is the only way humans collect data about the world around them. There are no other sources of data. It’s not like we have an extra nose on the back of our heads, or suddenly developed a shark’s ability to sense electricity.
Once years ago I had a strange experience where I was sitting watching television and eating leftovers when I suddenly had a strong thought, dare I say a voice in my head that came compeletely out of the blue and was as clear as a bell. It said that I should go upstairs immediately and stay there before my dad came home from work. It was almost like a command, it was so strong I didn’t question it, I just went upstairs.
I heard my dad opening the garage door and driving in a few minutes later, and then heard him talking to someone. It was about midnight. I didn’t know if I should call the police, but I thought my dad would KILL me if it was nothing (I could imaging trying to explain to the police…‘Well I heard this voice…’). My brother was visiting and staying in the guest room downstairs so I thought maybe he went outside and was the one talking to my dad.
I was feeling more and more ridiculous so I just decided to go downstairs and check it out. I heard the door open and close, so I figured my dad came in (or it really was a burglar and I was in for it.) My dad was standing there and I felt relieved and a bit silly, but my heart sank as I got closer to him. He was pale and clearly shaken. I said “Hi Dad!” and he said “You won’t believe what just happened to me…”
Apparently two men came up behind him when he got out of his car and puy a gun to his back. They asked for all his money and told him not to turn around or they’d shoot. If I had gone outside to meet my dad when he got home and not been upstairs, who knows what would have happened.
I don’t think this has anything to do with religion, God or anything remotely like that. I’ve had similar experiences, having a bad feeling about going somewhere and finding out something horrible happened there afterward and I know of lots of reliable friends and family who’ve had similar experiences.
I think it’s something to look into w/out automatically dumping it into the ‘paranormal’ category.
