Paranormal Belief: Origin, Nature, and Future

Wings of Illusion offers a unique and disquieting perspective on paranormal belief, including religious belief. The author, Schumaker, points out that reality-defying beliefs represent one of the few truly universal elements of human culture. Even during the present period, when many traditional beliefs are being weakened, very few people live without some form of paranormal belief. The object of this study is to trace the psychological origins of the paranormal and to consider the implications of the prevalence of paranormal belief for the future development of humanity.

The author's conception of the paranormal differs substantially from the way in which this term has been used by previous authors. The book is not an attempt to document the existence of forces beyond those of nature; on the contrary, it regards belief in such forces as illusory. Given the illusory character of such beliefs, the author seeks to pose and answer the question: Why are paranormal beliefs so common, what functions do they serve, and what "price" do we pay for such beliefs? In discussing this issue, Schumaker is able to cast new light upon a range of psychological issues that would appear to have nothing to do directly with notions of the paranormal, such as suggestibility and various kinds of "mental disorders." He also analyzes the implications of his interpretation for current forms of Western therapy.

The broad-ranging concerns of this book, and the challenging nature of the thesis it develops, should bring it to the attention of a wide audience. Professionals in psychology, the study of religion, anthropology, and sociology will find this work of importance to them. But it should also interest everyone concerned with seeking to understand the human condition in an age of crisis.

The book aims to provide a unique and disquieting perspective on paranormal belief, including religious belief. Schumaker, the author, emphasizes that reality-defying beliefs are one of the few truly universal elements of human culture. Even in the present era, when many traditional beliefs are being weakened, very few people live without some form of paranormal belief. The study's objective is to trace the psychological origins of the paranormal and to consider the implications of the prevalence of paranormal belief for the future development of humanity.

The author's conception of the paranormal differs significantly from how previous authors have used the term. The book does not attempt to document the existence of forces beyond those of nature; instead, it regards belief in such forces as illusory. Given the illusory nature of these beliefs, the author seeks to pose and answer the question: Why are paranormal beliefs so common, what functions do they serve, and what "price" do we pay for such beliefs? In discussing this issue, Schumaker is able to shed new light on a range of psychological issues that may appear to have no direct connection to notions of the paranormal, such as suggestibility and various types of "mental disorders." He also analyzes the implications of his interpretation for current forms of Western therapy.

The broad-ranging concerns of this book, as well as the challenging nature of the thesis it develops, should bring it to the attention of a wide audience. Professionals in psychology, the study of religion, anthropology, and sociology will find this work to be of importance to them. However, it should also interest anyone concerned with seeking to understand the human condition in an age of crisis.

product information: