Evidence for the Supernatural

Do supernatural things just naturally occur?The Bible calls thunder the voice of God. Is thunder natural or supernatural?

My point is this:
Many things which we call natural today were once considered supernatural.
Lightning and thunder were supernatural.
Twilight was supernatural.
Intuition was supernatural.
Mental illness was supernatural.
Everything thought to be supernatural will, in time, be demonstrably natural. Belief in the supernatural is, I believe, directly proportional to ignorance of the natural.

I don't see it that way.What I'm saying is that everything is natural; even your belief in the "supernatural."When you say something is supernatural it amounts to saying it is un-natural.Just because it's rare,amazing and wonderful - doesn't make it un-natural.The examples of lightning, thunder, and mental illness cannot be lightly dismissed.
Not everyone belived those things were supernatural back when and not everyone believes your amazing experiences are supernatural now.Atheists benefit from prayer, intuition, telepathy and other so-called "spiritual" gifts. The invisible guy in the white robe has no franchise on natural phenomena.------------------
Bachelor of Arts - Loma Linda University
Major - Biology; Minor - Religion
Anatomy and Physiology - LLU School of Medicine
Embryology - La Sierra University
Biblical languages - Pacific Union College
Bible doctrines - Walla Walla College

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If by natural you mean governed by the laws we have so far
uncovered then I disagree ... if on the other hand you mean
that such things can be quantified and their rules of
operation understood (or found to be non-existant) then I
agree ... but then so do believers.

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I don't fully understand your reply. I do believe that much of what is currently called supernatural is in fact explainable according to modern science. But, I doubt that such things will soon, if ever, be subject to direct observation in the scientific sense. Thus not quanifiable.Are you saying that believers expect to understand and quantify the mechanism of spiritual gifts? Are you saying that believers are open to proving that spiritual powers are nonexistent?db

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truthlover: ... it just might be the guidance of God's Spirit.

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Greetings Truth Lover,Please allow me to interject something here:I have had experiences which I once considered to be the leading of God's spirit. Following those impulses, however, has not always resulted in a desirable outcome.
I continue experiencing those things even though I have been atheist for many years. Ascribing the phenomena to the leading of God may be valid, however, depending on your definition of "God."We humans do have instinctive impulses. We also have impulses, generated by unconscious speculation, concerning possible courses of action which promise high probability of good outcome. Our brains are far busier than our minds. And our brains are far more savvy than most of us are willing to admit. They are clever enough to get us into more trouble than we want.Defining God as a parental figure, and ascribing to him those impulses which are culturally acceptable, can be helpful in avoiding the wrath of civilized society. On the other hand, by utilizing the frontal cortex and subjecting those impulses to the screen of societal and personal parameters of acceptability, we can achieve the same safe and sane result. Active involvement in brain activity, vis a vis - "prayer," works for the religious and the irreligious (although the mantras may differ).Even atheists receive answers to prayer.

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In the end, ... the things that have happened to me have been guided by God to put me with his people and make me into someone who would help take suffering out of this world, not bring more into it.

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A noble sentiment; and one shared by many who, while seeming to oppose you, are merely finding other ways to explain the marvelous inner guidance experienced by sensitive humans of every religion, society, and philosopy on earth.db------------------
"If God created Nature, then the Law of Nature is the Law of God."

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Can you give some definitions of god?

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Some would define God as the "Guy in the Sky" a concept which I believe to be an artifact from the old days of sun/moon/star worship. This is a creator-god (esp. the moon-god of Mesopotamia); a "God above," a god who "watches" from "heaven."Some would define God as a "Holy Spirit," a feeling, an impulse, or a "still, small voice" inside them which guides and instructs.Some would define God as the biggest baddest warrior in the neighborhood; one whose will is done, or else. A god of justice, judgment and retribution.To some, God is all of the above, no matter how incongruous the qualities of each. That is one of the difficulties of monotheism.I find all three understandings of the term (God) revealed in the Bible.db------------------
"If God created Nature, then the Law of Nature is the Law of God."

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Those who love justice and show mercy will find it effective and powerful to behave in such a way, because they belong to Truth and Truth supports those who walk in his ways, even if they're atheists.

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What an interesting evangel. God-believers would do well to adopt such a gospel.db------------------
"If God created Nature, then the Law of Nature is the Law of God."

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It's the 'modern science' part that I disagree with.
It implies that we already know everything there is to know about
the workigns of the universe, and that everything can be explained
by what we already know.

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By modern science I mean the state of science today. No scientist in his/her right mind would suggest that we already know everything there is to be known.

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I was more thinking in terms of so-called practitioners than
mainstream religous beleivers.

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That clears it up then. As a former believer, I am well aware of the post hypnotic directives against trying to explain "the mysteries of God."db------------------
"If God created Nature, then the Law of Nature is the Law of God."

Pogo wrote:

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DoctorBill, you have put into words what I have never heard anybody say.

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Thank you. It is good to know that there are others out there, like yourself, who have had similar experiences.

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Perhaps the greatest evidence of the supernatural would be if the biblical god were to manifest himself (herself) to the world, to scientists and to historians.
That would pretty much solve everything.

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An interesting thought. I'm not sure how that would play out.On the subject of supernatural things, you may find these thoughts interesting.http://www.sun-day-school.us/heaven-and-nature.htmHang in there Pogo. I really envy the handle. You must have gotten it years ago, eh?db------------------
Are you a Sunday School graduate?