by Jessica Riffe

Created on: August 18, 2009

It is interesting to me that most people don't have a clear stance on whether or not they believe in ghosts. It is not as clear a question as "do you believe in Heaven?" or "do you think there's an afterlife?" Most people have a definite answer on those questions. It's usually either a quick yes or no, but when prompted to consider the existence of ghosts, it is hard to give such a simple answer.

For some, believing in the existence of ghosts is a direct insult to their religious beliefs. They believe that giving such matters any thought is foolish and sinful. Still others believe that you can honor your religious beliefs while still acknowledging the existence ghosts. They embrace the popular theory that many ghosts are good people who are bound to this world, unable to move on to the next. Perhaps these lost souls need the assistance of some Good Samaritan to finish business here so that they may rest peacefully. Another theory is that sometimes loved ones who have passed away may watch over their family and provide protection or guidance. These specters are generally considered guardian angels.

But what about the flip side? If there are good ghosts, surely there are bad ghosts. These malevolent entities are the ones on which so many movies and legends are based. These evil spirits are the ones that draw crowds to the ghost hunting tours that can be found in so many cities. Many of those who partake in such paranormal hunting activities are either already believers, or they are skeptics who are looking for proof positive one way or the other. Perhaps a large number are thrill seekers who would get as much gratification out of potentially experiencing a wicked paranormal encounter as they would get from riding a gravity defying roller coaster.

So it appears that to believe or not to believe is the question. For many it seems that the only way for them to believe is to experience first hand a paranormal encounter. Without seeing a ghost, they cannot say that they do in fact believe. Others, even without personally seeing a ghost, do believe in them. And then there are the hard core believers who have never seen a ghost, but who desperately want to and seek them out at every opportunity. Of course one must not forget those who have seen ghosts. Be their experience good or bad, you can bet they will never be on the fence when asked the question, do you believe in ghosts?

Learn more about this author, Jessica Riffe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.