This book looks worth checking out, especially given Kripal's academic street cred.  I've never been convinced Strieber is not "pulling a Castaneda" with his Communion books, but I nevertheless feel a personal connection or resonance with important parts of his account.  Shortly after I had one of the most powerful visionary / initiatory experiences of my life, I happened to pick up Communion as a fun "airport read" while on a trip somewhere and was struck by strong parallels between Strieber's story and what I had just undergone.  I wrote him a letter about this and his response was professional and non-committal, but he did close with, "there may be more to your 'dream' than you currently imagine."  I'm curious about what the "more" might be as explored in this book.

The Super Natural, by Whitley Strieber and Jeffrey J, Kripal

Views: 84

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I'm curious too, but Streiber has always been too woo woo for me. Kripal though does bring some attraction, especially the blurb: "Why the paranormal is real, but radically different from what is conventionally understood."

On a similar note, a new episode of the 6-part X-Files is on tonight. So far Mulder has been disillusioned about his heretofore belief in ETs and now sees the paranormal as "radically different from what is conventionally understood."

Yeah, I agree - Strieber has always been a bit too heavily into New Age and conspiracy circles for me to take him too seriously ... and, like I said, it has seemed likely to me that he is attempting to invent a new, literary spirituality in the tradition of Castaneda or Lynn Andrews or others. But there's a possibility that he's really faithfully reporting things he's experienced, or really believes he's experienced.  In any event, I'm interested to hear Kripal's take on him (and on this phenomenon in general).

Better the Super Natural than the Super Bowl. 

Is the new X-Files worth watching?  I heard a rather poor review on NPR...

I've enjoyed the first couple episodes so far.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

What paths lie ahead for religion and spirituality in the 21st Century? How might the insights of modernity and post-modernity impact and inform humanity's ancient wisdom traditions? How are we to enact, together, new spiritual visions – independently, or within our respective traditions – that can respond adequately to the challenges of our times?

This group is for anyone interested in exploring these questions and tracing out the horizons of an integral post-metaphysical spirituality.

Notice to Visitors

At the moment, this site is at full membership capacity and we are not admitting new members.  We are still getting new membership applications, however, so I am considering upgrading to the next level, which will allow for more members to join.  In the meantime, all discussions are open for viewing and we hope you will read and enjoy the content here.

© 2024   Created by Balder.   Powered by

Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service