Do you believe in ghosts?! We do. The boys talk about ghosts and where they fit into Church Teachings. Plus, other aspects of the occult. We get a bit into demons, but then it gets too spooky. Bonus: we dump on the materialists and the faux-occultism of the modern age.

Definitions for terms and references in this episode:

Ghosties: the things that might get you when you’re going up the basement stairs. Generally speaking, deceased persons. Distinct from demons.

Theosophy: a syncretistic religious movement started in the late 19th century combining elements (usually haphazardly) of occultism, pseudo-ancient philosophy, contemporary paganism, and concepts conceived of from Eastern religions. A part of a larger faddish interest in occult in the West in the 19th century.
Occult: a broad term covering various spiritual, ritualistic thought styles and practices outside of more traditional understandings/practices of religion. Includes magic, ESP, spiritism, and other categories.

Spiritism: a occultist practice involving seances and “communicating” with the dead and other spiritual beings.

Materialism – a philosophical belief that only the material world, and nothing beyond or outside of it, exists. Usually heavily influenced by scientistic philosophy, and often hostile to supernatural beliefs.

Scientism – a philosophical belief that truth can be only, and nearly only, demonstrated by disciplines utilizing empirical and scientific methods.

Problem of Evil – a philosophical objection to the existence of God classically understood on the basis of the existence of evil.

Further Resources:

CCC 1020-1060

Eschatology, Joseph Ratzinger – heady but brilliant; will change your life

More on the perils of the Christmas Tree business: https://www.curbed.com/article/christmas-tree-trade-secrets-gregs-trees-nyc.html

More on the supernatural: Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World, https://sqpn.com/podcasts/jimmy-akins-mysterious-world/

Links or other pertinent information:  Want to suggest an episode topic?  Contribute financially to the podcast?  Or just compare notes on your favorite theological theories or pop culture hobbies?  Contact the guys any time tenthousandplacespodcast@gmail.com 

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