I don't care what anyone says, there IS a spiritual realm. Most of the exposure it given to the dark or unrestful side. The Light side is often passed off as fantasy and does not get the air time like "Ghost Hunters" and other shows like that.
Interesting discussion. I'll throw my two bits in here (probably a day late and a dollar short).
Yes, there is a spiritual realm. We are all spiritual beings. We lived as spirits before we came to this earth. We will live as spirits after we die (and before we are resurrected). There is an amazing book I just finished called "The Scalpel and the Soul." Written by a surgeon who details his encounters with death, dying, and the other side. Highly recommend it. Lots of truth in it.
The spirits of our loved ones are never far from us. If you believe the Bible, then you must also accept, like Randy's been discussing, that a third of the host of heaven who followed Lucifer were cast down into the earth when "Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels". There is a battle of unseen forces of good and evil being continually waged around us. The prize of the battle is us.
From time to time, we catch glimpses of that world--both the evil and the good. I remember once as a missionary being called on to cast out a demon from a young lady. I can tell you, there was nothing more real that I have experienced than the powerful difference between light and dark, good and evil, God and Satan. I have also had profoundly moving experiences with those that have passed on before. I've personally witnessed enough to know beyond any doubt that we are not alone. That we have existed and will continue to exist. That this mortal life is only one small part of our eternal journey. That despite our inability to recall our past or see the unseen, it does not make it any less real.
I am sure many of us have had or will have encounters with the spiritual realm. I am of the opinion that those encounters are generally open to those that seek them--either for good or evil. I prefer the good <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I'd also throw it out there that from what I have seen and tasted, I know God's power is far greater than that of evil.
Sorry if that's getting too preachy. It's just good to reflect on things like this from time to time.
