Demonology and Paranormal Research

by Christopher Orapello

With the onslaught of paranormal-based reality shows on television, the application and incorporation of demonology has made an apparent public anchoring in the field of paranormal research, or so it would seem if one's knowledge of paranormal research were limited to what television offered. Though, despite its seemingly apparent usefullness on television when it comes to researching the paranormal, demonology, the study of demons, has no logical reason or place in the scientific study of the paranormal and in parapsychological research. This is because, as researchers, we don't know for a fact what something is that may be haunting a home or causing individuals stress via it's paranormal activities. And since we don't know, labeling anything to such a specific degree by calling it a demon is purely an assumption because we don't know what it could be. As a result, because of this lack of knowledge, anyone who is claiming to know, or places distinguishing labels on an occurence or possible entity (human, non-human, demon, angel, etc.) is the first person that someone-in-need should be sure to avoid.

Aside from simply not being able to know what is causing a haunting, or who or what an entity is, the other reason that demonology has no place in scientifically researching the paranormal is first and foremost due to the fact that demonology is not an actual science. Demonology is a branch of theology, being the study of religion and the nature of God, and is therefore religious in nature and determined by the religious philosophy and doctrine it is associated with.

There is a lot we don't know about hauntings and the paranormal, that's why such things are refered to as paranormal. They are above normal activity as science can explain it; they are above and beyond our current ability to know or measure. A huge part of the pursuit of science is recognizing the limitations of our understanding and current knowledge. By eliminating those aspects of the unknown and reaffirming our knowledge base are we then able to move forward in the hope of aquiring new forms of knowledge and understanding via the scientific method as we are able to do so under such parameters warranted to us within the study of the paranormal.

And consequently, much like using the word "demon", the use and application of demonology in a paranormal investigation, aside from its apparent lack of science, does not benefit the needs of the individual even if they themselves are religious. Such a thing only either creates or increases an existing fear and will only serve to cause more fear and stress to fall upon the situation in question, doing nothing good, and providing no sense of hope or betterment for the individuals involved.

Despite the obvious concerns of its questionable accurracy and assumptive nature, the practice and application of demonology in researching the paranormal still appears on television under the guise of "helping an individual or household", regardless of the fact that it does no such thing, but only creates further stress on those involved while appearing to serve the agenda of the television producers by creating drama and a show that is sure to capture the eyes of a seemingly voyueristic society.

In its own right, demonology is studied by many individuals as a part of their theological interests. It enables them to further understand a rich religious tradition and structure of thought and insight, which can be personally beneficial and spiritually uplifting. But to the common individual, the notion of a great and powerful evil existence in the world, let alone in their home, can be extremely frightening, upsetting, and stressful. And for the benefit of all involved, such a notion of evil should be left out of any and all investigations regardless of the apparent concerns or fears already in place prior to the involvement of outside individuals and groups. If as researchers we are trying to help society, science should come first and when all scientific avenues still bear questions without answers and all the initial leads have run dry, religion -in an enlightening and positive sense- can then be incorporated as a means to lift a family's spirits because by then that's what they may need and in a situation where no answers can be found, its also the best way to bring the situation to a peaceful yet momentary end; leaving the people in need with a sense of hope and good will for the future. And when all is said and done, we are still trying to help them to the best of our ability and theirs.

 

Related Articles

"Oh No, Not Demons!" by Christopher Orapello

Occultism and the Occult by Christopher Orapello