Hi, CL. I know it seems that way, but we (if I may be so bold) at one time had a preconception that eerie, unexplainable things that scare us must be the work of demonic powers. Maybe you never did but most JWs I know thought that.
The problem is when we later experience something unexplainable, even if we've left the WT, that old preconceived idea could cause us to attribute said event to demonic powers if we don't see any other explanation.
All I'm saying is that I think strong presuppositions can get lodged deep within the subconscious and then we might settle on THAT before considering all other plausible options.
SBC,
That can be true. Yeah, I was endoctrinated in the JW version of demons. Pretty funny looking back on some of the things that they attribute to these spirits. Believe me, I dont base my conclusions on a story of a rogue smurf running down the street.
Here is something to consider. A persons lack of belief in spirits is just as likely to sway their viewpoint as much as preconception. Disbelief can actually be a stronger preconception than those who put their faith in a particular version of faith. It is just as blinding to what is actually there. If it is already determined in your mind that you do not believe in such things, than evidence that they do, would be disregarded. Works both ways.
If we are seeking to understand the unknown, things that cannot be measured physically, then comparing it to what we know, is not a accurate measuring line. For if we could do that, than it would not be the unknown. We are talking about things we cannot place a box around, but just because we cannot do that, does not make it any less possible that is real.
I do appreciate the fact that you do seem to read and consider what I am trying to say, even if you may not agree, I hope to extend the same courtesy.