Looking for CONVINCING evidence of ghosts

[tendo 37]

Hey everyone, I've been a member for a long time, but life kicked in and I haven't been here in years. It's great to be back. Anyway: My girlfriend doesn't believe in the supernatural at all. She's never experienced it herself, and any evidence she's seen has been quite easily faked or explained. Does anyone have any real, convincing evidence? A good picture, a good video, a good sound clip (though those are very easily faked), or, the very best, a study, experiment, or observation recorded and or documented by a real, official group, organization, association, government body, etc. (as long as it isn't something like 'the official paranormal institute of ghosts 'n' ****' or something). We went through the entire image gallery on UM and she was not convinced. However, do NOT be discouraged to post some evidence because you don't think it's good enough or official enough. Just post it. Whatever it is will be at least worth checking out. I know this community will back me up with some good stuff. Thank you all!

[Brian Topp 3,822]

Welcome to this forum, I have not seen any, any evidence that has stood out, it's either human, machine error or faked

[AsteroidX 2,108]

technology can replicate any effect nowadays so proof positive is impossible. Your going to have to live off your own experiences and choose to believe or not what others say.

[tendo 37]

Welcome to this forum, I have not seen any, any evidence that has stood out, it's either human, machine error or faked

Yeah, that's the trouble I've been running in to. Forever.

technology can replicate any effect nowadays so proof positive is impossible. Your going to have to live off your own experiences and choose to believe or not what others say.

That's very true. You're absolutely right. I'm not trying to convince her to believe, however, I'm just trying to show her that some things can't completely be explained, and that there may be even a small chance that some of this is possibly real. Right now she doesn't believe any of it has a snowball's chance of being remotely possible.

[ChrLzs 12,758]

Have you considered the vanishingly small possibility that .. she might be right.. ?

[AsteroidX 2,108]

Tryijng to "convince" someone is not the best way to go about things IMO. If youve told her once then youve said all that needs to be said. If you dont believe me visit the political section someday.

[tendo 37]

I have considered that, and I totally understand why she wouldn't believe it, but it is how she gives it a zero chance of a possibility that is getting me. I believe maybe 1%, if that, of what is out there as far as stories and evidence go, but sometimes, some things happen that cannot be explained, and aren't made up; that is all I'm trying to get her to admit. I have personally experienced paranormal activity (not the movie), and on much more than one occasion, some of which I'm able to explain away, even loosely, some of which cannot be explained at all, hence my belief in the possibility. I'm not saying that what I experienced was true paranormal stuff, just that -it is possible that it was. I'm a very scientific, skeptically-minded person, so I've always looked for the rational side of things before I jump to an unlikely conclusion.

As far as politics, that's a little different, because that's generally both sides digging their heels in stubbornly and closed-mindedly, yelling at the other person to feel and think how they do, refusing to even give the other side an option. She is incredibly open minded when it comes to a lot of things spiritually (agnostic) and politically; to the point where, since we've been together, some of her somewhat more core ideals have been changed and questioned just because she came across respectable evidence. I'm not asking for a miracle.

[AsteroidX 2,108]

Not to derail your topic or change the subject but many of the eastern philosophies and religions explain this in detail when they talk about the cycle of rebirth. In a nutshell with each rebirth you gain or lose enlightenment and ones goal is to attain "Nirvana" or complete enlightenment.

Thats not so much paranormal but explains why some people are "unaware" or "unwilling" to accept certain things.

So yeah your talking about something real but its not necessarily something that one can change. Some people can be awakened if they are able. Some cannot.

To me it sounds like your gf is still stuck in a "physical" existence and not open to what else may be out there. Best to just keep it to yourself as gf's will change many times in a lifetime and its not worth the frustration of trying to change anothers lot if there not open to it.

Or I could be full of bs. Ill leave that up to you to decide.

[tendo 37]

Not to derail your topic or change the subject but many of the eastern philosophies and religions explain this in detail when they talk about the cycle of rebirth. In a nutshell with each rebirth you gain or lose enlightenment and ones goal is to attain "Nirvana" or complete enlightenment.

Thats not so much paranormal but explains why some people are "unaware" or "unwilling" to accept certain things.

So yeah your talking about something real but its not necessarily something that one can change. Some people can be awakened if they are able. Some cannot.

To me it sounds like your gf is still stuck in a "physical" existence and not open to what else may be out there. Best to just keep it to yourself as gf's will change many times in a lifetime and its not worth the frustration of trying to change anothers lot if there not open to it.

Or I could be full of bs. Ill leave that up to you to decide.

This was a great answer. I personally am Christian, but also accept truth in many other religions (Christianity itself, up until the 6th century, I believe, held within it an acceptance toward reincarnation of sorts) and Jesus himself mastered six other religions in the eastern world between the ages of ~15 to ~30, the years missing in today's New Testament. This is a very wise answer, and very helpful, actually, in how some people, even when given great evidence of things, are so unaccepting of paranormal or supernatural things. Thank you so much for your input!

[Sweetpumper 10,602]

You won't find evidence on the internet.

[Rafterman 6,509]

Hey everyone, I've been a member for a long time, but life kicked in and I haven't been here in years. It's great to be back. Anyway: My girlfriend doesn't believe in the supernatural at all. She's never experienced it herself, and any evidence she's seen has been quite easily faked or explained. Does anyone have any real, convincing evidence? A good picture, a good video, a good sound clip (though those are very easily faked), or, the very best, a study, experiment, or observation recorded and or documented by a real, official group, organization, association, government body, etc. (as long as it isn't something like 'the official paranormal institute of ghosts 'n' ****' or something). We went through the entire image gallery on UM and she was not convinced. However, do NOT be discouraged to post some evidence because you don't think it's good enough or official enough. Just post it. Whatever it is will be at least worth checking out. I know this community will back me up with some good stuff. Thank you all!

You and everybody else buddy.

[tendo 37]

You won't find evidence on the internet.

This is my biggest concern, haha. Ironically enough, she's too afraid to go somewhere that is supposedly haunted and look for evidence with me. She doesn't believe in it, but she knows her imagination will go wild, and she is easily spooked by scary movies and video games, so unless I go somewhere and record something myself, I have no way of gathering any evidence. There are a few places locally I can go, like Katie's church which is relatively local, however the origin stories and claims vary wildly, and a few places near philly, but they're several hours away. There is also a local spot which has the stereotypical "teens on prom night drowned and at night you can hear the screams" story behind it. I don't want to go alone, however, and very few of my friends would even be willing to go. I do plan on making a trip to Katie's church in the near future, however, so I may just have to wait until I do this to have any evidence for or against anything. If I find anything on this trip, I will let you all know.

[scowl 3,083]

Don't forget that if something scary happens, that doesn't mean it was a paranormal event. The reason people go to "haunted" places is to have their senses heightened to noises and sights that we would normally ignore in more familiar settings.

For example if you want to know all the scary noises your house makes during the night, have someone burglarize it! You'll be up all night hearing things you used to ignore.

[tendo 37]

Don't forget that if something scary happens, that doesn't mean it was a paranormal event. The reason people go to "haunted" places is to have their senses heightened to noises and sights that we would normally ignore in more familiar settings.

For example if you want to know all the scary noises your house makes during the night, have someone burglarize it! You'll be up all night hearing things you used to ignore.

Yes, this I know. I'm not one to jump to conclusions, and I try to logically look at every experience I have. My goal when I go to Katy's church is actually to debunk it. The stories of how the hauntings occur are very different from one another, and the girl who it is based on lived a full life and died of old age; she did not hang herself as the legend suggests. However, hundreds of people claim to have seen and heard very bizarre things there. I want to see if there is anything at all to these stories, and show people that a: the origin stories aren't actually true, and b: that there is probably nothing to the legends other than crazy imaginations, but I do accept that there may be some sort of activity there, so I'd like to clearly document it.

[EllJay 6,413]

Looking for CONVINCING evidence of ghosts

This isn't evidence of ghosts per se, but it is tangible research into the differentiation of sounds made in alleged poltergeist cases and sound of otherwise normal means. Ghosts is reported in poltergeist cases, but this study only focus on explicitly on the unnatural sound generated in those poltergeist cases, and the result are fascinating.

The Acoustic Properties of Unexplained Rapping Sounds

.

[tendo 37]

This isn't evidence of ghosts per se, but it is tangible research into the differentiation of sounds made in alleged poltergeist cases and sound of otherwise normal means. Ghosts is reported in poltergeist cases, but this study only focus on explicitly on the unnatural sound generated in those poltergeist cases, and the result are fascinating.

The Acoustic Properties of Unexplained Rapping Sounds

.

Thank you! This is phenomenal compared to what else I've been able to find.

EDIT: Holy ****, I looked into this, and it is truly amazing what they found! I like that they draw no real conclusions about it, and do offer up another sound that produces a similar wave form, but you can definitely tell that during those instances, the rapping noises were not just a typical sound. Thanks again!

Edited January 24, 2013 by tendo

[AsteroidX 2,108]

You the sound stuff is definently the most definitive but Id like to be there running the equipment then Id be "convinced"

[tendo 37]

Very true.

[scowl 3,083]

Yes, this I know. I'm not one to jump to conclusions, and I try to logically look at every experience I have. My goal when I go to Katy's church is actually to debunk it.

Unfortunately this is difficult, probably impossible. If you explain one noise, there will be another noise that you'll have to explain. If you can't explain them all then the conclusion is inescapable: ghost!

Paranormal phenomena never go away unless people lose interest in them. That's because there will always be believers who will provide more "evidence" to debunk.

[rashore 10,409]

This is my biggest concern, haha. Ironically enough, she's too afraid to go somewhere that is supposedly haunted and look for evidence with me. She doesn't believe in it, but she knows her imagination will go wild, and she is easily spooked by scary movies and video games, so unless I go somewhere and record something myself, I have no way of gathering any evidence. There are a few places locally I can go, like Katie's church which is relatively local, however the origin stories and claims vary wildly, and a few places near philly, but they're several hours away. There is also a local spot which has the stereotypical "teens on prom night drowned and at night you can hear the screams" story behind it. I don't want to go alone, however, and very few of my friends would even be willing to go. I do plan on making a trip to Katie's church in the near future, however, so I may just have to wait until I do this to have any evidence for or against anything. If I find anything on this trip, I will let you all know.

You might want to be careful... Apparently her ghost isn't there because she had children and lived to a ripe old age contrary to the gossip, and the church and graveyard might very well be illegal for you to try hunting on. I do believe the church and graveyard are private property.

[tendo 37]

I know, I am currently attempting to ask permission by the owners. I realized it wasn't her ghost while researching it so now I want to debunk the whole thing. I am hoping that will gain their favor so I can do it.

[DBunker 875]

You won't find evidence on the internet.

It seems that finding evidence of the paranormal is impossible (internet or not).... The reason is (to me) simple, its all a bunch of nonsense.

[tendo 37]

It seems that finding evidence of the paranormal is impossible (internet or not).... The reason is (to me) simple, its all a bunch of nonsense.

Read the study posted by EllJay. Definite evidence of paranormal. [Note, evidence does not mean proof, and paranormal does not mean ghosts]

[ChrLzs 12,758]

Read the study posted by EllJay. Definite evidence of paranormal. [Note, evidence does not mean proof, and paranormal does not mean ghosts]

One of the principles of a discussion forum is that you bring evidence *here*. That way you can put in your own words what impressed you and why, and the readers can judge how much weight your opinion should be given, and if it is worth visiting the site for further investigation.

So may I politely ask, could you or Elljay please offer a small quote of the most compelling evidence at that site, or at least summarise what they found and (much more importantly) how they applied some semblance of decent methodology?

Either way, when I have time I may go and take a long hard look, but I'm guessing this hasn't passed 'peer review' - otherwise I think I would have heard of it...

[Sakari 9,740]

Going into grave yards should only be to pay respects to loved ones.

The phrase " Rest in Peace " should say it all.