From October's "Publisher's Letter" and today's blog:

My question to our readers this month is this: If you go into a given situation trying to prove your point, claiming that point as the truth, is it still the truth? In other words, if an agenda is involved, does that color facts to that individual’s belief to the point that the truth then becomes only a personal opinion and nothing more?

The reason I ask is because I have noticed for some time that there are many individuals in the paranormal community who throw out their opinion as if those opinions are inarguable truths.

So, at what point does the truth wander from the territory of unbiased fact into the realm of personal opinion?

To me, there are very few known facts about the paranormal. Yes, you can apply a scientific viewpoint to any phenomena experienced, but there is obviously a point when we begin to deal with unknown variables that, as of yet, have not been satisfactorily quantified.

That is when we begin to venture into shaky territory, and the truth reverts from that which we know into the realm of that which we have supposed in our own minds.

The problem in all this is when each separate viewpoint is pushed as fact. The victor of this battle of viewpoints touts what they consider as irrefutable evidence of their claims around as a badge.

It is very difficult to go into a situation with an unbiased and neutral stance. Our vision is more often than not colored by events that have happened in our life.

But to me, neutrality is key. Realizing that we don’t have all the answers and working together toward a common goal, the understanding of the paranormal, should be at the forefront of our minds, instead of the petty squabbling that oftentimes goes on in the paranormal community.

We need to put our personal agendas aside and together try to seek a better understanding. That way, we can share in the truth of whether an afterlife exists . . . or not.

People will disagree with anything, even provable fact, because they will have an opinion, feelings, and beliefs, even about facts.

It will not change the facts, or make the facts wrong.

Then we all have our opinions, which people love to debate. I snicker. /smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> I think, people love to debate opinions for the sole purpose of proving themselves right. Many seem to forget, everyone is entitled to an opinion, and we all have them. At times, I think people don't read, or listen close enough to see it's someone's opinion. My opinion is, opinions are not right or wrong. They just are someones point of view. I can disagree, or agree with someone's opinion, but it does not make it MY fact, or THEIR fact. Nothing provable, but could be understood.

It's just what we think, our opinions.

So, I think credible facts can't logically be debated. Incorrect facts can. I feel, it's worthless to debate opinions.

But, there will be opinions on everything, from facts to opinions.

It's just human nature.

In the paranormal field, it's even more difficult than most topics. I think it falls with religion and politics.

When faith is involved ( in any topic) it's very touchy for some. Some want proof of faith, in my opinion, it's impossible because it's someones opinion, and feelings.

I think of this as the hamster wheel effect. Goes round and round and get's nowhere, sometimes.

I approach this from neutral ground also. Conversation becomes pointless, and some like me need to walk away, particularly when nothing is gained or learned.

Of course this is all is just my opinion. /laugh.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

I also feel opinions, don't have to be proved. /smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

But, you could ask questions, if someone is willing to answer.

My question to our readers this month is this: If you go into a given situation trying to prove your point, claiming that point as the truth, is it still the truth? In other words, if an agenda is involved, does that color facts to that individual’s belief to the point that the truth then becomes only a personal opinion and nothing more?

The reason I ask is because I have noticed for some time that there are many individuals in the paranormal community who throw out their opinion as if those opinions are inarguable truths.

So, at what point does the truth wander from the territory of unbiased fact into the realm of personal opinion?

To me, there are very few known facts about the paranormal. Yes, you can apply a scientific viewpoint to any phenomena experienced, but there is obviously a point when we begin to deal with unknown variables that, as of yet, have not been satisfactorily quantified.

That is when we begin to venture into shaky territory, and the truth reverts from that which we know into the realm of that which we have supposed in our own minds.

The problem in all this is when each separate viewpoint is pushed as fact. The victor of this battle of viewpoints touts what they consider as irrefutable evidence of their claims around as a badge.

It is very difficult to go into a situation with an unbiased and neutral stance. Our vision is more often than not colored by events that have happened in our life.

But to me, neutrality is key. Realizing that we don’t have all the answers and working together toward a common goal, the understanding of the paranormal, should be at the forefront of our minds, instead of the petty squabbling that oftentimes goes on in the paranormal community.

We need to put our personal agendas aside and together try to seek a better understanding. That way, we can share in the truth of whether an afterlife exists . . . or not.