fascinating

Whether you simply choose to listen to/read this for the spooky campfire ghost story vibe or because you're genuinely interested in Strieber's strange experiences and Kripal's analysis/framework for contextualizing these kinds of mystical and ineffable experiences, there's something to be had here for a wide variety if listener's.

The reader's performance really lends itself to the material.

#Audible1

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Reasonable revolution

it seems these guys are more reasonable than the masses of scientists and debunkers who refused to acknowledge these phenomenon. I love this book and she'll choose to think along these lines

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Insightful But Dangerous

This book is ideal for intellectuals who either disbelieve in the supernatural or are curious to learn more about it. It is very well-articulated and thought-provoking. I suspect that even the most skeptical of minds will find at least some mind-expanding information or insight here. It is practically a must-read.

I already knew almost all the info beforehand, so it felt overlong and too patiently presented. But there were still many insights, ideas and moral considerations here that kept me interested. Its strength is definitely in explaining the 'super natural' to its readers; how real it is and why it matters.

However, I was disappointed in the intellectual dishonesty concerning the negative side of UFO and 'alien' activity. The authors are pushing an (all in all) optimistic view of these unknown beings as an argument for full disclosure. A great deal of the evil side of such events are virtually shrugged off as lies or imbelishments, even as the authors complain about the types of experiences they've had or believe in being treated the same way. They reference John Keel several times, yet they literally ignore the multiple negative aspects revealed by his research, as well as his own conclusion that it is a bizarre and unknown force which practices vast deceptive tactics, contributing to mental illness and not preventing it. The authors also equate the 'alien' beings to the gods of old and to creatures of myth, such as fairies, as Keel and Colin Wilson had in their books. But the volume of records involving demonic activity from such beings is endless and has been recorded over time.

I can appreciate the need for disclosure (I share it,) but it is morally irresponsible and dangerous to ignore all the evidence to the contrary in order to proclaim to the world that these beings are ultimately a positive guiding force. Many details of countless witnesses to such supernatural events indicate the opposite to be true. But, we really don't know. We may never know. Whitley Strieber's experience included negative aspects as well. He may have come to terms with it in a positive way, but he should never assume that this applies to everyone else and their experiences. His assumption, expressed like this, seems rather self-absorbed to me.

There is also an element of elitism in this book which bothers me. The last thing this world needs is more elitism. I do understand about enlightenment and that, by awakening in the soul, one is reborn with a deeper, fuller perspective. That is what shamanism is all about. Each of us are on a spiritual journey, whether one is aware of it or not. But the book goes so out of its way to explore moral quandries related to the supernatural, yet it avoids any moral concern for stirring up narcissism. It outright encourages meeting with such beings, to experience communion and eroticism. The implication is that, through such indulgence, one becomes superior to others. This will easily appeal to self-interested readers who want more self-empowerment and self-importance, when perhaps they need more humility. Not all souls in this world may be prepared, in this lifetime, for such an experience. Again, to assume they all are or should be is irresponsible.

Yes, we are all capable of being more than we are. But, one should discuss such a topic with far greater care.

Otherwise, this book is well-realized and heavily polished. I would recommend it to anyone who seems up to it. Its material seems greatly influenced by Joseph Campbell, whose work is suggested several times without naming him. I found this odd.

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Kind of long & meandering

At times I was bored and at other times there were some really interesting and new ideas about the paranormal.

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It's alright

It was an okay book... not what I expected. Whitley's other books are a lot better. I loved the Communion Letters, Communion, and Transformation. The Super Natural was not as interesting. Maybe because I had already heard a lot of the stories mentioned in it between reading Whitley's other books and listening to his podcast and interviews.

I did not enjoy the religious origin history and theory offered by the partnered author (Jeffrey). Some of what he said was interesting, but I wanted to hear about evidence and actual experiences from recent days, not historic theory. I guess that was the part that was unexpected. If people want to hear more about paranormal experiences, I highly recommend the Communion Letters. The entire book is full of amazing encounters that will open your mind and expand your imagination.

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