Hi,

I'm working on a writing project and am trying to research how different religions handle the concepts of ghosts and spirits.

Does anyone have any pointers that they could suggest? I'm initially looking at Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and possible Wicca, Voodoo (Voudun), Yoruba, Shinto, and Santeria.

Any help would be much appreciated.

cheers,
JS

Hi there, and welcome. =)

Intersting topic! Well, this is a packed question, but as I'm able, and find anything on it, I'll post it here for your review. The best thing to do would be to go to Google or other search engine and type in the appropriate keywords. i.e. ghosts + Buddhism/Christianity/Islam and so forth. Here are a couple I've run across that may be helpful...

This website is about Thailand[/URL], but touches on ghosts & spirits. Scroll down to the word 'spirits' and read about Phi, Ghosts and Chao.

This site[/URL] elaborates on the 'hungry ghost festival' (celebrated by the Chinese), and what a hungry ghost is.

This might be a good place to further your search as well. It's a collection of links to the sacred texts of various faiths. beliefnet.com - link directory[/URL]

Good luck!

Kell

Hi Kell,

quote:

A few months back, I was researching Christianity and what they believe about certain topics. Although I was mainly focusing on what is known as the Rapture, I briefly dicussed the supernatural and what they consider it to be...and I am pretty sure that they consider ghosts to be demons or angels. I am sure you will be able to find something on the internet. If I come across anything else I will post it here or email you the link. The woman I spoke to had a lot of interesting things to say. She said that she also believes that people can be possesed by demons. She thinks that people addicted to drugs are possesed; rapists, murderers, all criminals...are possesed. She basically said that whenever someone "sins" they are overtaken however slightly, by evil. Just a little info. I'm not sure how universal this is within the religion itself or amongst its followers. Good luck in your research. =P

May I suggest you do some general research. Each faith has their variations on beliefs. As there are sooo many sects to each religion you have a tall order if you try to capture how each one believes. But you'll have a good paper if you do.

What are you writing this paper for? A book? College? High School? Local newspaper? Diary?

Perhaps you can create a seperate category for each religion and subcategories for each sect.

As being the leader of the Church of Latter Day Nakis's I can tell you I do believe in ghosties. And they believe in me too!

Sorry, too much caffiene today. I'm getting silly.

Hi.. I was ordained when I was 24.. I have since left the chrch.. (my own personal reasons)..

Although most Christians deny ghosts.. claiming they are demons and evil.. or saying that there is no such thing..

at the point when Jesus walks on water.. the deciples are scared.. they tell him.. "we thought you were a ghost".. Jesus says" no its only me" (paraphrase).. he never rebukes them nor denies ghosts or their existence... in fact in the old testament, Saul gets the witch of endor to raise the spirit of the prophet samuel.. who rebukes saul for disturbing his rest..

so even though the bible deals with spirits and ghosts as everyday occurances.. Christainity (as a whole) does not.. I guess if you cant make it tithe.. it must be evil *snicker* sorry..
I still believe strongly in God, but I am not condemning and I have a problem with organized religion as a whole.. however.. I hope my info was useful.

-Jeff