Occult Phenomena in the Light of Theology

Alois Weisinger, O.C.S.A, a Trappist (Cistercian) abbot, grapples with paranormal and preternatural phenomenon through the lense of the theology of the Catholic Church in this fascinating read that will enrich the understanding of religious and skeptics alike.The author argues that certain paranormal phenomena, such as ghosts, remote viewing, ESP, clairvoyance, dividing, telepathy, mediums, magic, and more “are due to the activity of a part or element of the human soul . . . simply behaving after the manner of a pure spirit and showing a pure spirit's characteristics [and] that this . . . is a . . . remnant of the preternatural powers with which our first parents were endowed before the Fall.” (Part I, Body & Soul, Introduction).The author sets forth his theory in Part I, arguing for the existence of the soul and in Part II seeks to review various cases and types of phenomena in light of his theory. This book will change the way modern man looks at these phenomena and will expose the religious person to the broadness of the Church’s theology which can encompass and offer reasoned explanations for phenomena which the world’s philosophies and sciences struggle to explain, but which our common human experience tells us exists.At the time of the book’s original publishing, Time magazine wrote it was a “closely reasoned, footnote-fortified volume [that] is a serious study of apparitions, demons, second sight, telepathy, witches, mediums, magic, radiaesthesia (divining), crystal gazing, hypnosis and diabolical possession. It is built upon a thesis which the author has constructed out of Thomist theology (the book carries the imprimatur) and depth psychology.” Time Magazine, “Religion: Ghost Stories” (February 18, 1957). Read more