Supernatural

The supernatural is the whole of the phenomena which one cannot deduce by the Observation and the scientific Méthode. The supernatural phenomena are supposed to result from a divine intervention (ex: miracles) or démoniaque, of spirits (phantom, possession, premonition), or of magic practices.

It is distinguished from the Paranormal, which relates to phenomena beside the standard (because of their scarcity, or as a Anomalie) but which are not transcendent with Nature. They are thus étudiables scientifically, even if the abnormal character makes this study difficult.

Anthropological approach

Such as it is, the definition of Supernatural supposes that Nature obeys Laws of the scientific type. However this principle is not at all obvious. It appeared only very late in the history of humanity, with the Renaissance. According to Levy-Bruhl for example, the primitive people do not have concept of supernatural: they do not make a difference in nature between a communication between men and a communication with spirits, for example.

On the other hand, it should be noticed that the Supernatural one obeys Laws well, but of nature not-scientist. The supernatural one often culturally is very codified. Thus, the image of the vampire has many very precise characteristics (developed canines, night life, fear of light of day, fear of garlic, etc)

In a certain way, the Supernatural one is thus a creation of the modernity, and which accompanies the development by science. Besides one sees a historical evolution of the supernatural one. Of primarily religious nature at the end of the Middle Ages (Monk bourru, Sorcery), it reflects popular passion for electromagnetism at the 19th century (hypnotizers, hypnosis), then for space exploration at the 20th century (extraterrestrial, revival of astrology).

According to a survey of IFOP carried out in 2004 , 42% of the French believe in the miracles and 26% affirm to have lived a supernatural experiment.

Religion

In religion, the supernatural one is expressed through the grace, which is the mercy of God. This mercy finds its source in Eucharistie, also called the mystical body of Christ. At the time contemporary, one of the surnatuelles experiments most remarkable was that of Faustina Kowalska, which drew its spirituality in the Sacré-coeur.

Examples of supernatural phenomena

  • objects or potions having capacities

  • supernatural events

    • miracles

See too

Random links:Labeaume | The Merry Knowledge (Nietzsche) | Laure Leprieur | History of the Faroe Islands | Lago Llanquihue