Ghost-Hunting: Is it immoral?

[Theodora]

From The Canadian Press
google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5g5b9wBE-xGrz-KMW9SMHXFPfot1A

Ghost hunting woman falls to death at ‘spooky’ university building
By Colin Perkel (CP) – 21 hours ago
TORONTO — The death of a woman who may have been looking for ghosts in a Gothic-style building where a professor was murdered several years ago is a tragedy that should serve as a warning to all thrill seekers, a paranormal investigator said Thursday.
Police were called after the 29-year-old woman fell several storeys during the early hours at the University of Toronto building.
“The general public has a lot of misperceptions,” said Sue Durroch, co-founder of the Toronto Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society.
“Because of the Hollywood-ization of ghost stories and fictional ghost stories, people get these impressions that a spooky looking building must be haunted or if there’s a tragedy associated with it, it must be haunted. Of course, that’s absolutely incorrect.”
Early in the day, Toronto police Sgt. Dave Vickers was reported as saying the woman and a 34-year-old male friend were in the building because they thought it was haunted.
Const. Wendy Drummond later refused to confirm any ghostly connections, saying only that the pair was trespassing and exploring the roof-top area.
The man crossed from one roof to the other, but a wire the woman was holding onto gave way and she plunged to her death, Drummond said.
In January 2001, 50-year-old artist and lecturer David Buller was found stabbed to death in his studio in the building at 1 Spadina Crescent.
The unsolved killing may have fed rumours that the building, erected in 1875, is visited by ghosts.
The building contains the University of Toronto’s art department, office space, some classrooms as well as the Eye Bank of Canada.
“It’s a regular U of T building,” said university spokeswoman Laurie Stephens, adding the school was unaware anyone considered it haunted.
Ghost tours do take place at other university buildings but 1 Spadina Crescent is not among them, said Richard Fiennes-Clinton, a guide with Muddy York Walking Tours.
He said he had never been able to unearth ghost stories related to the structure but said he could understand why some might believe otherwise given the building’s imposing style.
The ghost research society, which has had a website for almost 13 years, also said it had never had any reports or even queries related to paranormal activity at the building.
“Because it’s kind of a Gothic looking building, maybe they were under the impression somehow it was haunted. It looks kind of eerie,” Durroch said.
“You can enjoy ghosts and hauntings, you can do so safely without breaking any laws or trespassing. Thankfully, this is an isolated case in Canada but there have been several similar incidents in the United States where tragic circumstances were the outcome.”
Fiennes-Clinton stressed there are safe and legal ways to explore supposedly haunted places.
The school said it appeared neither the man nor woman were students.
Police have called the woman’s death “suspicious” but said they had no reason to suspect foul play. An autopsy and toxicology tests were pending.
They said they had no reason to release any names.

 

[emma411]

Off topic Blah,

Off topic Blah,

Off topic Blah,

This thread is about the morality of ghost hunting, not gun ownership. If you want to post about that, start your own thread.

That’s a little immature to someone trying to show maturity. All you need to say in a mature fashion is you are off topic, if you would like to post about gun ownership please start a new thread. Is that so hard? to say “Off topic blah,” shows your lack of effectiveness in trying to obey forum rules. My apologies for straying off the ghost hunting topic, however you need to evaluate your method of steering those back on topic. Saying Blah, is immature.

 

[Sir_Knight]

He already said it in a mature fashion once and the person continued to drift off-topic. If saying it in a mature fashion didn’t work the first time, why would one think that it would work a second time?

 

[Sir_Knight]

From The Canadian Press
google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5g5b9wBE-xGrz-KMW9SMHXFPfot1A

Ghost hunting woman falls to death at ‘spooky’ university building
By Colin Perkel (CP) – 21 hours ago
TORONTO — The death of a woman who may have been looking for ghosts in a Gothic-style building where a professor was murdered several years ago is a tragedy that should serve as a warning to all thrill seekers, a paranormal investigator said Thursday.
Police were called after the 29-year-old woman fell several storeys during the early hours at the University of Toronto building.
“The general public has a lot of misperceptions,” said Sue Durroch, co-founder of the Toronto Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society.
“Because of the Hollywood-ization of ghost stories and fictional ghost stories, people get these impressions that a spooky looking building must be haunted or if there’s a tragedy associated with it, it must be haunted. Of course, that’s absolutely incorrect.”
Early in the day, Toronto police Sgt. Dave Vickers was reported as saying the woman and a 34-year-old male friend were in the building because they thought it was haunted.
Const. Wendy Drummond later refused to confirm any ghostly connections, saying only that the pair was trespassing and exploring the roof-top area.
The man crossed from one roof to the other, but a wire the woman was holding onto gave way and she plunged to her death, Drummond said.
In January 2001, 50-year-old artist and lecturer David Buller was found stabbed to death in his studio in the building at 1 Spadina Crescent.
The unsolved killing may have fed rumours that the building, erected in 1875, is visited by ghosts.
The building contains the University of Toronto’s art department, office space, some classrooms as well as the Eye Bank of Canada.
“It’s a regular U of T building,” said university spokeswoman Laurie Stephens, adding the school was unaware anyone considered it haunted.
Ghost tours do take place at other university buildings but 1 Spadina Crescent is not among them, said Richard Fiennes-Clinton, a guide with Muddy York Walking Tours.
He said he had never been able to unearth ghost stories related to the structure but said he could understand why some might believe otherwise given the building’s imposing style.
The ghost research society, which has had a website for almost 13 years, also said it had never had any reports or even queries related to paranormal activity at the building.
“Because it’s kind of a Gothic looking building, maybe they were under the impression somehow it was haunted. It looks kind of eerie,” Durroch said.
“You can enjoy ghosts and hauntings, you can do so safely without breaking any laws or trespassing. Thankfully, this is an isolated case in Canada but there have been several similar incidents in the United States where tragic circumstances were the outcome.”
Fiennes-Clinton stressed there are safe and legal ways to explore supposedly haunted places.
The school said it appeared neither the man nor woman were students.
Police have called the woman’s death “suspicious” but said they had no reason to suspect foul play. An autopsy and toxicology tests were pending.
They said they had no reason to release any names.

“You can enjoy ghosts and hauntings, you can do so safely without breaking any laws or trespassing. There are safe and legal ways to explore supposedly haunted places.” - There lies the key. You should not trespass or break the law in any fashion.

 

[emma411]

He already said it in a mature fashion once and the person continued to drift off-topic. If saying it in a mature fashion didn’t work the first time, why would one think that it would work a second time?

To correct what you said, this was the very first time he responded to me in this manner. The first time only. You must not have reviewed the thread. I felt that since this is his first time responding to me in this way, it did not to be addressed in that manner. I got the message. Stay on topic. I had no previous warning, however I now know better.

 

[Sir_Knight]

My apologizes. He commented to another member about drifting off-topic.

 

[emma411]

My apologizes. He commented to another member about drifting off-topic.

Thanks, it means a lot. Now back to the topic at hand, I do not think it wise to go ghost hunting unless there is an absolute reason one must. I believe it stirs up trouble, unwanted trouble. The feeling of being spooked, just isn’t the way to go. I don’t think our Lord would want us making this a matter with ourselves, again, unless for a specific reason. It’s just not safe really

God Bless You

 

[beckycmarie]

For what it’s worth, I saw an episode of “A Haunting” in which a ghost hunting teen became demonized as a result of his ghost hunting. I wouldn’t recommend doing this as a recreational thing. I’ve seen a number of TV ghost hunters doing things that are essentially the same as a seance or using a ouija board: recording evp’s by asking questions of the “entity”, for example. If you play in the devil’s sandbox, you’re going to get sand in your shorts.

 

[rpp]

That’s a little immature to someone trying to show maturity. All you need to say in a mature fashion is you are off topic, if you would like to post about gun ownership please start a new thread. Is that so hard? to say “Off topic blah,” shows your lack of effectiveness in trying to obey forum rules. My apologies for straying off the ghost hunting topic, however you need to evaluate your method of steering those back on topic. Saying Blah, is immature.

Oops! Sorry. Apparently I hit “Quote” on the wrong post. This was not directed to you but at another poster who had hijacked this thread. I did not notice my error until Sir Knight’s post this morning. You have my sincere apologies for my mistake.

 

[Sir_Knight]

For what it’s worth, I saw an episode of “A Haunting” in which a ghost hunting teen became demonized as a result of his ghost hunting.

Tell us more.

I wouldn’t recommend doing this as a recreational thing.

What about helping a friend out?

I’ve seen a number of TV ghost hunters doing things that are essentially the same as a seance or using a ouija board:

That’s asking for trouble.

recording evp’s by asking questions of the “entity”, for example.

What other way, then by asking questions, can one determine if it is a fake, a demon or a poor soul in need of prayers to be released from purgatory?

If you play in the devil’s sandbox, you’re going to get sand in your shorts.

But let’s not give more credit to the devil than is due since historically nine out of ten of these things have earthly explanations.

 

[beckycmarie]

Tell us more.

Basically the teenage son of a ghost hunter went on a hunt with his mom, and shortly afterwards began exhibiting symptoms of possession ( or possibly a serious obsession). The kid needed a deliverance as a result.

What about helping a friend out?

I’m not exactly sure how you’d help a friend by ghost hunting. I definitely think it’s a bad idea to do it out of curiosity or for fun, as the OP mentions.

What other way, then by asking questions, can one determine if it is a fake, a demon or a poor soul in need of prayers to be released from purgatory?

You don’t. See the Vatican document, On the Current Norms Governing Exorcisms paragraph #3. We are not to try to get information from demons. Instead you can do a house blessing (here’s one, pdf file) and pray for the souls in Purgatory. There is no difference between consulting a ouija board, conducting a seance, or asking questions with a recorder in hand. In each situation, a person is trying to communicate with a spirit and get information from it.

But let’s not give more credit to the devil than is due since historically nine out of ten of these things have earthly explanations.

Do you have some evidence to support the statistic you’ve supplied?

I stand by what I’ve said here having been present for prayers of deliverance that needed to be said for people who’ve become demonized following dabbling in contacting spirits. Ghost hunting, especially as portrayed on TV, often crosses the line from collecting evidence into outright dangerous practices such as trying to communicate directly with a spirit to provoking it, sometimes resulting in physical harm to the hunters. What we don’t see on TV is the spiritual problems these people may develop as a result of their ghost hunting games.

These shows are setting a poor example and teens and young adults (such as the OP) are getting involved in ghost chasing for fun.

 

[Sir_Knight]

Basically the teenage son of a ghost hunter went on a hunt with his mom, and shortly afterwards began exhibiting symptoms of possession ( or possibly a serious obsession). The kid needed a deliverance as a result.

Interesting that it happened to someone who was exposed this something like this only once but not to those that were exposed to it more often. I’d be interested in learning more about it.

I’m not exactly sure how you’d help a friend by ghost hunting. I definitely think it’s a bad idea to do it out of curiosity or for fun, as the OP mentions.

The uncle of somebody that I work with has been experiencing “weird” things going on at his cabin. This started suddenly a few years ago and now his wife doesn’t even want to go there any more fearing that the place is haunted. Why would something like this suddenly begin? Is it demonic in nature resulting in some evil activity that might have been performed in the cabin by people breaking in or might it be somebody who wants to buy the 100+ acres that the cabin sits on at a cheap price and sell it at a huge profit to developers?

I think that it would be prudent to investigate to determine the source of these “weird” activities. However, with family & work commitments, I have not be able to devote spending a evening there especially since the person is unknown to me.

You don’t. See the Vatican document, On the Current Norms Governing Exorcisms paragraph #3. We are not to try to get information from demons. Instead you can do a house blessing (here’s one, pdf file) and pray for the souls in Purgatory. There is no difference between consulting a ouija board, conducting a seance, or asking questions with a recorder in hand. In each situation, a person is trying to communicate with a spirit and get information from it.

There is a big difference in engaging a demon in combat and trying to determine exactly what is going on. I do not support the former but do recommend the latter. You don’t want to have a priest drive hours out of his way late at night to “do battle with a demon” only to discover that an animal is crawling into the attic at night to sleep and that is the source of strange knocks that one hears when one tries to go to sleep.

Do you have some evidence to support the statistic you’ve supplied?

It was quoted on this board and I’ve been taking it at face value. Maybe I should have questioned it. Don’t recall the exact thread and don’t have time to look for it now as I’m getting ready for church.

I stand by what I’ve said here having been present for prayers of deliverance that needed to be said for people who’ve become demonized following dabbling in contacting spirits. Ghost hunting, especially as portrayed on TV, often crosses the line from collecting evidence into outright dangerous practices such as trying to communicate directly with a spirit to provoking it, sometimes resulting in physical harm to the hunters. What we don’t see on TV is the spiritual problems these people may develop as a result of their ghost hunting games.

These shows are setting a poor example and teens and young adults (such as the OP) are getting involved in ghost chasing for fun.

And what I am saying is that before one cries wolf, one should determine that there is indeed a wolf at the door and not a lost lamb. Although, I do agree with you that one must exercise caution to ensure that the lamb is not a wolf in sheep clothing.

 

[beckycmarie]

There is a big difference in engaging a demon in combat and trying to determine exactly what is going on. I do not support the former but do recommend the latter. You don’t want to have a priest drive hours out of his way late at night to “do battle with a demon” only to discover that an animal is crawling into the attic at night to sleep and that is the source of strange knocks that one hears when one tries to go to sleep.

And there is a big difference between determining if some strange happening has a natural cause, and in attempting to communicate with a spirit that may be present, which a number of ghost hunters do.

 

[Sir_Knight]

And there is a big difference between determining if some strange happening has a natural cause, and in attempting to communicate with a spirit that may be present, which a number of ghost hunters do.

If I go to my co-worker’s uncle’s cabin and start hearing voices, should I or should I not try to determine it’s origin? Calling a priest to perform an Exorcism isn’t going to do much good if the voice is coming from a hidden microphone/speaker. As a matter of fact, I don’t believe that a bishop would even authorize an Exorcism to be performed until all natural possibilities were ruled out – thus, the need for “ghost hunters” … to rule out all possible earthly causes.

 

[beckycmarie]

If I go to my co-worker’s uncle’s cabin and start hearing voices, should I or should I not try to determine it’s origin?

Explain to me how you would go about doing this.

 

[Sir_Knight]

See where it is coming. A closet? A fake wall? Is there somebody there? A wire? A speaker? Etc.

As I said earlier, I believe that a bishop normally would not authorize an exorcism until all earthly / natural possibilities are ruled out.

 

[beckycmarie]

See where it is coming. A closet? A fake wall? Is there somebody there? A wire? A speaker? Etc.

As I said earlier, I believe that a bishop normally would not authorize an exorcism until all earthly / natural possibilities are ruled out.

I don’t see a problem as long as you’re not communicating with it (see the violent & nonviolent hauntings links below). My main concern is with people talking to the “entity” and asking it questions, commanding it to manifest, etc.

By the way, a bishop doesn’t have to authorize the exorcism of a place - only the exorcisms of persons. Lay people can even perform a house exorcism. I think it is best to have a priest do this, but in the event a priest is not available, a lay person can bless a house. Here is one that a priest, deacon, or layperson can do:

House Cleansing and Blessing

Here are some guidelines to follow when dealing with a potential haunting, from a Catholic source:

Violent Hauntings - special considerations to review when experiencing violent hauntings

Non-violent Hauntings - special considerations to review when experiencing non-violent hauntings

 

[Sir_Knight]

Very informative. Thanks for the links.

 

[emma411]

Oops! Sorry. Apparently I hit “Quote” on the wrong post. This was not directed to you but at another poster who had hijacked this thread. I did not notice my error until Sir Knight’s post this morning. You have my sincere apologies for my mistake.

Thank you so much, all is forgiven.

God Bless You

 

[Clairabelle]

This may be of some help in guiding those who are interested, albeit concerned where ghost hunting sits with Christians.

For me personally I have been witness to negative entity and demon attacks, within my own home. It does increase your awareness and understanding in the true reality of this world. I feel that such is not freely discussed in the church as it should, and can it take time to find the right vocational priest that deals and understands such. Sadly, this is where the fear for most sets in and can compound and worsen the situation for many. Personally I feel for me it was a wake up call from God, letting me know what was happening in my home - as one entity I feel was present in the home prior to moving in - had smelt the smell on and off over the years but had not correlated it to what was happening. Once I realised, things got worse.

To let you all know - spirits, positive and negative entity including demons exist and are not confined to one spot (ie haunted location). As some have said here, go looking and you are asking for trouble. This is true. If you take an interest, the entity will take an interest in you and follow you home (attachment). Remember once they have a foot in the door the entity will gravitate to those who have discernment (God’s gifts), a child or some one who is unwell. The problem comes when trying to remove the entity from your lives.

religiousdemonology.com/Introduction.htm