Seeing that both men were listening with interest, Mike continued, “Quite frankly, once you accept the fact that NDEs prove the existence of life after death, you reach a kind of plateau: What are you going to do with this information? Sure, it can have a transforming effect on your life, but unless you are content to simply spend the rest of your life traveling around and giving the same lecture over and over to smaller and smaller groups, you need to move on into other areas, if you expect to achieve any growth in this life. Besides, like you already mentioned, Abe, the NDE is really difficult to perform scientific studies on, other than demographic statistical studies and correlations; these people simply had a unique experience—it’s not something that you can take into the laboratory and analyze. You can hypnotically regress them to try and help them recall more detail about the experience, or you can interview them to see how their lives may have changed after the experience, or you can test them to see if they have psychic powers after the experience, but that’s about it.”
“Maybe that’s enough…?” Jobran suggested, tentatively.
“But it’s not enough, for the genuine seeker—for the person who really wants to know the truth, wherever it may lead. In other words, for people like me, and people like you!” Mike said, passionately. “We have to explore, try out, and experience every possible path, because that’s the only way that you can find out where the truth may lie. The truth certainly exists—’the truth is out there,’ as they used to say in the TV show The X-Files—and the knowledge of it probably exists somewhere out there, but it is a matter of bringing together all of these diverse strands and lines of evidence together, to see what they all add up to.”
Abraham finally interrupted the monologue, and said, “Are you sure that they all ‘add up’ to something? Maybe you’re trying to add apples and oranges, and it just can’t be done.”
Countered Mike, quickly, “Or maybe we’re just the first ones to perceive that both apples and oranges are part of a larger platter: fruit.”
“‘Fruit’ is the right term for the direction this conversation has taken,” Jobran said, cynically.
Mike ignored the sarcasm, and spoke directly to Jobran, saying, “Look: The reason why we initially focus on the After-Death experience is because it touches everyone at the most fundamental level: all of us are going to die, one day. And almost all of us have been touched by the death of someone close to us, as you have been; there’s no escaping it, the death rate is still 100%. But we want to show people that death not only isn’t ‘the end,’ nor is it just ‘a beginning,’ but it’s all part of the overall pattern of the spirit that we participate in, as living beings.”
Jobran remained silent, and Abraham said, “I don’t think he’s that concerned about the overall pattern, right now.”
“No problem,” Mike said, nodding. “Frankly, most people initially investigating the area simply want to know the answers to four things: (1) Is death the end?
(2)
Will I be reunited with my loved ones? (3) Is there a ‘heaven’ and a ‘hell’? and
(4)
What will eternal life be like—will I just be sitting around strumming a harp
for all of eternity, or will this life be vital and appealing?”
“Number 2 is definitely my own motivation,” Jobran said.
Abraham nodded, and said, “Jobe here is mostly interested in life after death as a potential means to be reunited with his beloved wife. His interest in theology and such matters is quite selective: As it concerns life after death, he is intensely interested; as it concerns anything else, he usually couldn’t care less. He wouldn’t have wanted to travel out here if, say, you just had some unique theory about the Trinity, for example.” Pointing his finger at his own chest, he said, “I, on the other hand, am greatly interested in the broader issues; perhaps even more than I am in the life after death issue.”
Mike nodded vigorously, and said, “So am I! I want to know the answers to the broader questions of life and existence, not just what is going to happen to me personally after I croak. Questions such as, What is God like? Why was the universe brought about? What is the purpose of everything? My interest in such broader questions as these is the reason why it is difficult for me to stay focused on NDEs exclusively, despite my continued and abiding interest in them.”
Abraham seemed to agree, and said, “In Judaism, we are very interested in anything that concerns our actions in this life; our possible existence after death is really a secondary issue for us.”
“Then you might be interested in a conference I’m going to be speaking at next week,” Mike said. “We’re bringing together an interdisciplinary group from all fields to discuss an awesome range of topics, covering everything from extraterrestrials to dowsing. We’ll have speakers and panel discussions on things like Free Energy, Alternative Health treatments, Anti-Gravity, Ancient Archaeology and Lost Science, Atlantis and Lemuria, Pyramids, and more; it should be great!”
Jobran looked at Mike in disbelief, and said, “Do you really believe in all of those things? For example, the notion of Von Däniken and his ‘Gods from outer space’ theory has been kind of discredited; take the notion that the Inca paths being like airplane runways, for instance. What would flying saucers capable of interstellar travels need with a ‘runway’? And all this nonsense about ‘Free Energy,’ ‘Anti-Gravity’ and such; if it were really possible, don’t you think these speakers would be developing and marketing it, instead of just talking at conferences about it?”
Mike shrugged his shoulders, and said, “I certainly don’t ‘believe’ in all of these things—but for that matter, nor do all of the people at the conference believe in NDEs. The point is, we want to see the degree to which we do have interests in common.” His voice rising with passion and indignation, he said, “I do strongly believe that there is a rising spiritual movement in this country, and in the world in general, that is seeking to return to spiritual ideals. All of these different areas are just explorations, people reaching out in different directions. We won’t be able to tell until much later what the final results of the research will be.”
Jobran said, “What if there isn’t any kind of great ‘coming together’ of all these disparate disciplines? I mean, Fritjof Capra wrote The Tao of Physics in 1975, and Marilyn Ferguson wrote The Aquarian Conspiracy in 1980—back when the term ‘New Age’ still seemed fresh—but both of these books seem hopelessly outdated these days.”
Defensively, Mike said, “Well, I personally still think those are great books, which I still recommend to people.” Then he threw up his hands, and said, “But suppose you’re right, and there is no great ‘coming together’—what of it? I’m enjoying the journey itself, which is bringing me as much happiness and fulfillment as I could possibly want from life.” Then he smiled, and said, “And if it turns out that there is a great convergence of parallel ideas, I’ll be right in on the ground floor.”
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and in walked a tall man with glasses and a beard. They were astonished to see that he could almost have been Abraham’s double, except that he was probably fifteen to twenty years older.
The man entered the hall, spied Mike, and walked over jauntily, extending his hand vigorously, which Mike shook with obvious reluctance.
“Howdy do, Rev.,” the visitor said. “I’m the guy who called yesterday afternoon.”
Frowning, Mike said, “Ordinarily, I would say that ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you’—only I’m not sure that’s appropriate in this case.”
“And you are…?” Abraham asked.
“Ted Thornock; President of the local Skeptics Society,” he said, extending his hand to Abraham. “Pleased to meetcha.”
24
WHEN IN DOUBT
“If you don’t mind, Mr. Thornock,” Dr. Montaine—Mike—said rather caustically, “I’m t
rying to give these two researchers an orientation to our program.”
Ted Thornock put a mock sad expression on his face, and said, “Ah, me; how sad it is, that the light I come to share is so greatly unappreciated.” Reaching into his pocket, he extracted his wallet, from which he removed four one-hundred dollar bills. “I’m here to conduct some business, remember?” And he dangled the money in front of Mike’s eyes.
Probably understandably angered at the humiliating way that the newcomer was offering the money, Mike seemed on the verge of indignantly refusing it— but he quickly reconsidered, and snatched the money from Thornock’s hand, which brought a satisfied smirk to the face of Thornock.
Indicating Jobran and Abraham with his thumb, Thornock asked Mike, “I take it that these two are some of your fellow true believers?”
Calmly, Abraham said, “I’m Abraham Kaplan; I’m the rabbi of the Reform Temple in the city.”
“Uh, oh—a man of the cloth!” Thornock said, crossing his index fingers to make a pretended sign of the cross in front of his body. Then with a grin, he said, “Just kidding; nice to know ya, rabbi. My given name is Theodore Thornock, but I go by ‘Ted,’ since ‘Theodore’ sounds too pretentious, and I believe in cutting out all forms of bullshit.” Smiling at Mike, he added, “As my name implies, I’m a ‘thorn’ in the flesh of those who dare to oppose reason and right thinking, and I
severely ‘knock’ down all forms of superstition and irrationality.”
Extending his hand, Jobran said, “I’m Jobran Winter; just call me Jobe.”
Thornock shook his hand firmly, then said, “It’s a pleasure, Jobe; call me Ted. Abe and Jobe, huh? Are you two part of the very Reverend Montaine’s sheep? Excuse me, I mean ‘flock’? By ‘flock,’ I mean, ‘those who get fleeced’.” Then he lay down a small carrying case with a shoulder strap that he had been carrying.
Jobran shook his head. “No; we’re here because we’re interested in the question of life after death.”
Looking at them intently, Ted asked, “Pardon me for being blunt, but are you two famous in this so-called field of Thanatology, or Para-poopology, or whatever the hell you want to call it?”
Abraham shook his head. “We’re not famous at all.”
“We’re independent researchers,” Jobran added. “But what difference does it make whether we’re famous or not?”
“Makes no difference to me whatsoever,” Ted replied. “But if you were some kind of well-known hotshots in this ‘area of research,’ I just thought I could get two birds stoned with one kill, and do you when I do the ‘Reverend’ here.” He shrugged his shoulders, and added, “Except that the ‘Reverend’ has cleaned me out, financially; you’d have to work pro bono.”
“I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about,” Abraham said, looking doubtfully at Ted, as if he considered him mad.
“Well, then, good Father—excuse me, I mean rabbi—please excuse me while I transact a bit of business with the ‘Reverend’ Montaine.” He then picked up his carrying case up from the ground, and opened it up to extract a camcorder, which he gingerly waved before Abraham. “All right, Reverend—I mean Doctor— Montaine. It’s ten seconds to air time.”
With an exasperated expression, Mike said, “Make it quick; I’ve got work to do.”
Fumbling with the camcorder, Ted finally looked satisfied, then counted down, “Five…four…three…two…one; we’re live!” Mike willed the disgusted expression from his face, putting his serious “TV” face on, as Ted began to film him.
Imitating a TV announcer, Ted said, “We’re here live with the Reverend Michael Montaine, noted author, after-death experience researcher, and director of the Light From Beyond Research Institute.
“The correct term is, ‘Near-Death Experience,’” Mike said, with a professional tone.
“So sorry; my bad, my bad,” Ted said, in a mocking tone. “Reverend Michael, I take it that a serious researcher such as yourself has heard of the famous Halloway Haunted House?”
“Only by reputation,” he replied modestly.
“As an expert on the question of life after death, Reverend Montaine, what is your opinion as to the possibility of departed spirits inhabiting houses, and potentially terrorizing its inhabitants?”
Mike thought for a moment, then said, “Given that all of us are in fact eternal spirits, it is certainly possible that some such spirits may not move on to the beyond immediately after their deaths. It has often been suggested that entities that are called ‘ghosts’ are simply departed spirits that do not realize that they have died; thus, they wander around, unable to move on to the next phase of their existence. It has also been suggested that entities or forces that are called ‘poltergeists’ are actually troubled, disturbed, or angry versions of departed spirits.” He shrugged his shoulders, then added, “It is also possible that there may be other spiritual beings, perhaps of a malevolent nature, which inhabit this world, rather than them necessarily being departed spirits of people who lived on Earth.”
“Malevolent spirits?” Ted asked. “You mean, like demons, or devils?”
“It’s a possibility,” Mike replied.
“So you think it’s possible. But what is your actual opinion?” Ted probed.
“As to what?” Mike asked, a genuinely curious expression on his face.
Patiently, Ted asked squarely, “Do ‘haunted houses’ exist, or not?”
“That’s difficult to say,” Mike said, wringing his hands nervously. “They have been widely reported, by some very credible witnesses.”
With a slight edge to his voice, Ted asked, “How about the Halloway House? Do you think it’s haunted?”
“Well, I don’t know,” replied Mike in a weak voice. “I haven’t really looked into the question of specific locations….”
Pointing the camcorder to the ground, Ted said sharply, “Look, Montaine; I’m paying you four hundred bucks for a two-minute interview; the least you can do is give me a goddamn usable quote!” He again pointed the camera at Mike, and asked, “Do you think that houses such as the Halloway house are actually haunted?” But before Mike could respond, he added, “Now remember: I’ve read your book, about how after death we all go into the loving arms of this ‘Being of Light,’ who loves us all unconditionally, never sends anyone to Hell, and so on. So the question is, In a world run by such a Being, would ‘haunted houses’ exist?”
Mike was now clearly uncomfortable with the direct nature of the question, but realized that he was trapped, and so replied, “Our research here at the Institute persuades us that the spiritual forces underlying the universe are of a loving, benevolent nature. We are therefore very doubtful about the existence of ‘evil’ spiritual forces, particularly as it would entail their being allowed to freely roam about the world, sometimes terrorizing people in the process.”
“So even though you believe in life after death, you’re a skeptic about haunted houses?” Ted asked sharply.
Looking as if he wanted to retract the whole statement, Mike said, “Well,…that’s not quite the way I’d prefer to put it.”
Ted cut in sharply, “You don’t positively believe in haunted houses, right? And your conception of the universe—as being led by a loving, benevolent God— leads you to doubt that such things exist, right?”
Mike had a sick expression on his face, but was unable to find any way around Ted’s ruthless logic. “Well…yes. At least, I’d want to have some solid evidence to the contrary, before I’d change my mind.”
In a voice of triumph, Ted crowed, “And that’s the Skeptics’ Society’s definition of a skeptic: One who refuses to believe, until there is evidence to prove it!” He turned the camcorder around, so that it was facing his own face, then said for the benefit of the camera, “So the Reverend Michael Montaine—as committed a life-after-death-believer as you’d
every want to meet—is himself skeptical about the so-called ‘Haunted Halloway House’!” Grinning broadly, he added, “And remember, folks, you heard it here first!” To Mike, he said with a smirk, “You’ve more than earned your consultant’s fee this time, Rev.”
Mike didn’t answer, and had an expression resembling severe nausea on his face. (He made no move to return the $400, however.)
“See you again, next time we have a haunting?” Ted asked Mike, amiably.
Ignoring Ted, Mike said to Jobran and Abraham, “Abe and Jobe, it was a pleasure to see you again; feel free to drop by again sometime.” With an askance look at Ted, he added, “Hopefully, in more positive circumstances.” And he walked off, leaving the three alone.
Jobran asked Ted, “Are you a reporter, or writer, or something?”
Ted held a hand to his chest modestly, and said, “Unfortunately, by day I am a mild-mannered Professor of Philosophy at California State University, (city); but by night—and most weekends—I am, as I said earlier, the reigning President of the local Skeptics’ Society, as well as the city’s most notorious disbeliever in ESP, LAD, NDEs, OBEs, and all of the other irrational, stupid, and generally weird beliefs of our times.”
“Then why the camera?” Abraham asked.
“Ah!” Ted said, holding it up for their inspection. “On rare occasions, one of the local TV news programs decides that in the interest of ‘fairness,’ they need to give ‘equal treatment’ to the viewpoint of scientific rationality, and that’s where I come in: who could be more ‘quotable’ than a philosophy professor who is President of a Skeptic’s Society, who can also deliver upon demand the most dazzling ‘sound bites’ of skepticism ever voiced?” He gestured with his free hand, and said, “And on other, more frequent occasions, I have to do something to force the media to pay attention to me and my viewpoint, and that is the case here: I am going to spend a night in an infamous local so-called ‘haunted house,’ videotaping the whole process for later rebroadcast, maybe with live updates throughout the night to a local radio station that specializes in publicizing the weird and the bizarre: They have a motley crew of astrologers, exorcists, mediums, channelers, witches, UFO abductees, castoffs from Lemuria, and an assorted crew of freaks and nuts on the air regularly.” Then, in a less theatrical voice, he added, “I figure that once I survive the night of haunting, the TV stations will suddenly be interested in the story, and I’ll have it all right here,” and he patted the camcorder, then continued, “Complete with quotes from local ‘authorities’ in the field—which is why I’m so disappointed that you guys aren’t.” He shrugged, and said, “And if even then the TV stations and newspapers aren’t interested, it’ll at least make a good front-page article for our monthly Skeptic’s Newsletter.” Then, with genuine enthusiasm, he said, “We recently received a bequest from one of our long-time members, so we’ve upgraded the quality of our newsletter, and we’re going to start offering it nationally.” Proudly, he said, “In a year or two, the Skeptical Stentorian should be the leading voice for rationality on the west coast!”
Beyond Heaven and Earth Page 57