Hey there,
Sunday is October 31st and that means pumpkins, candy, and ghosts. Oh my!
What is it about being scared that attracts us to scary movies and haunted houses?
According to Christopher Dwyer, PhD it has partly to do with our body’s physiological response. Fear generates a rush of adrenaline that releases endorphins and dopamine … it can create a state of euphoria.
Add to that the fact that our bodies quickly realize this is an imaginary fright and we’re not really in danger … and we’re left with an enjoyable experience. No wonder we kept going back again and again to see all dozen of the Halloween movies.
Fiction mirrors reality and this can definitely be seen in the case of ghosts.
There’s no shortage of real-life accounts of people claiming to see ghosts. Popular reality TV shows like Ghost Hunters visit so-called haunted places to try to capture evidence of ghosts.
So this begs the question: What is the Catholic Church’s stance on ghosts? What are we to believe?
This week Genuflect uncovers the Catholic view of ghosts. We start with what ghosts are and the Catholic Church’s teaching, the 3 types of ghosts and 9 facts about them. Then we turn to ghost hunting, spooky Saint stories, and some haunted Catholic sites. We’ve even included a look back at the true Catholic meaning of Halloween from an issue a couple of Halloweens ago.
Don’t eat too much candy Sunday … and watch your back!
And remember, this year All Saints Day is not a holy day of obligation.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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What Are Ghosts?
“Ghost comes from an Old English word related to the German geist, meaning ‘spirit,’ and Christians certainly believe in spirits: God, angels, and the souls of deceased humans all qualify.” The Bible mentions spirits appearing to humans, but the Catholic Church does not have an official stance on ghosts. Some Saints believed in ghosts while others didn’t.
What Are Ghosts? | Catholic Answers
The Church’s Teaching About Ghosts
Father Mike Schmitz addresses the question of what the Cathoic Church’s teaching is regarding ghosts. He presents 3 main points for us to be aware of.
Church Teaching About Ghosts | Bulldog Catholic
The 3 Kinds of Ghosts
Dr. Peter Kreeft says there are 3 kinds of ghosts, each coming from the afterlife. We’ve got to watch out for the deceptive ones!
Real But Dangerous: A Catholic Account of The 3 Kinds of Ghosts | ChurchPOP
9 Facts About Ghosts
Laura Hensley attacks some common misconceptions about ghosts head on. Here are 9 facts about ghosts that you may find extraordinary.
9 Extraordinary Facts About Ghosts That Catholics Need to Know | Epic Pew
Dangers of Ghost Hunting
Ghost hunting has become very popular in recent years. It can be entertaining to get a little scare. But in reality, this is a dangerous activity. Here’s why.
The Spiritual Dangers of Ghost Hunting | Aleteia
Angels vs. Demons vs. Ghosts
There’s a lot of misinformation about angels, demons, and ghosts in our pop culture. They are three very distinct spiritual entities. Here’s how to tell them apart.
The Difference Between Angels, Demons, and Ghosts | Learn Religions
Is it a Sin to Learn About Ghosts?
It’s a sin to try to communicate with the dead. But to what extent does sin go in relation to the dead? What if you want to learn more about ghosts and demons? Here’s the answer and the fine line to walk.
Is it Sinful to Want to Learn More About Ghosts And Demons? | Catholic.com
Spooky Saints Stories
In honor of Halloween and All Saints Day, here’s a brief look at some frightening stories about 5 Saints.
Boo! 5 More Spooky Saints to Help You Celebrate Halloween | Busted Halo
10 Haunted Catholic Sites
We’re fascinated with haunted places. We feature them in movies and television shows. We take “ghost” tours in cities we visit. Catholic locations are not without their own stories. Here are 10 Catholic locations rumored to be haunted.
10 Most Haunted Catholic Sites in America | Word on Fire
The Catholic Meaning of Halloween
Two years ago Genuflect uncovered the true Catholic meaning of Halloween. We started with the origins of All Hallows Eve, moved on to the triduum of death we used to celebrate and why it’s okay for Catholics to celebrate Halloween. And we even looked at how it’s celebrated around the world.
The True (Catholic) Meaning of Halloween | Genuflect
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Digital Inspiration
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