“The Super Natural: A New Vision of the Unexplained”

“The Super Natural: A New Vision of the Unexplained,” co-authored by Whitley Strieber and Jeffrey J. Kripal and published in 2017, is a thought-provoking exploration of the mysterious and unexplained phenomena that challenge conventional notions of reality. Drawing from a wide range of disciplines including psychology, philosophy, parapsychology, and religious studies, the authors present a fresh perspective on supernatural experiences, questioning the boundaries between the natural and the paranormal.

With a blend of personal anecdotes, scholarly research, and speculative insights, the book delves into topics such as UFO encounters, near-death experiences, psychic phenomena, and encounters with otherworldly beings. Strieber and Kripal invite readers to reexamine their preconceptions about reality and open their minds to a more expansive understanding of the inexplicable, offering a new lens through which to view the mysteries that lie beyond our current scientific understanding.

Overview

“The Super Natural: A New Vision of the Unexplained” explores a wide range of mysterious and unexplained phenomena that challenge our understanding of reality. Written by Whitley Strieber and Jeffrey J. Kripal, the book delves into various topics that are often considered supernatural or paranormal in nature. The authors draw upon personal experiences, historical accounts, scientific research, and philosophical reflections to present a thought-provoking exploration of these phenomena.

Key areas of focus in the book include:

UFO Encounters: The authors examine reports of unidentified flying objects and encounters with extraterrestrial beings. They analyze the psychological, cultural, and societal implications of such experiences and propose alternative ways of interpreting these encounters.
Near-Death Experiences: Strieber and Kripal discuss accounts of individuals who have had near-death experiences and explore the profound impact these experiences can have on people’s beliefs and perspectives.
Psychic Phenomena: The book delves into the realm of psychic abilities, including telepathy, precognition, and telekinesis. The authors explore scientific research on these phenomena and challenge conventional skepticism.
Encounters with Otherworldly Beings: The authors delve into encounters with beings that do not fit within traditional categories, such as encounters with angels, demons, and other mysterious entities. They explore the psychological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of these encounters.
Reimagining Reality: Throughout the book, Strieber and Kripal encourage readers to question their assumptions about reality and expand their understanding of what is possible. They challenge the rigid boundaries between the natural and the supernatural, suggesting that there may be more to the universe than meets the eye.
Interdisciplinary Perspective: The authors draw from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, philosophy, religious studies, and parapsychology, to offer a comprehensive and multidimensional exploration of the unexplained.

Authors Background

Whitley Strieber and Jeffrey J. Kripal, the co-authors of “The Super Natural: A New Vision of the Unexplained,” bring together their unique perspectives and expertise to delve into the realms of the mysterious and the unexplained.

Whitley Strieber is a renowned author known for his works in the science fiction and horror genres. He gained widespread recognition with his bestselling novel “Communion,” which detailed his own purported experiences with alien encounters. Strieber’s personal encounters with the inexplicable serve as a foundation for his contributions to the book, providing firsthand insights into the phenomena being discussed. His willingness to openly share his own experiences adds a personal and relatable dimension to the exploration of the supernatural.

Jeffrey J. Kripal is a prominent scholar of religion, holding the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University. With a strong background in comparative religion, Kripal brings an academic rigor to the exploration of the unexplained. He is known for his interdisciplinary approach, blending religious studies, philosophy, and the paranormal. Kripal’s scholarly contributions lend a critical and analytical perspective to the topics covered in the book, allowing for a balanced examination of the phenomena and their cultural implications.

Together, Strieber and Kripal create a dynamic partnership that bridges personal experience with scholarly inquiry. Their collaboration offers readers a thought-provoking journey into the mysteries of the supernatural, inviting them to question established paradigms and consider new ways of understanding the unexplained phenomena that continue to captivate and challenge our collective imagination.

Reception

“The Super Natural: A New Vision of the Unexplained” by Whitley Strieber and Jeffrey J. Kripal received a mixed reception from readers, critics, and the broader academic and paranormal communities.

Positive Reception:

Many readers appreciated the book’s interdisciplinary approach, which combined personal experiences, scholarly research, and philosophical reflections. The authors’ willingness to engage with a wide range of perspectives was seen as a strength, encouraging readers to think critically about the boundaries of reality and the supernatural.
Some praised the authors for tackling controversial topics and challenging conventional thinking, particularly regarding UFO encounters, psychic phenomena, and encounters with otherworldly beings. The book was seen as a thought-provoking exploration that encouraged open-mindedness and the reconsideration of preconceived notions.
The engaging writing style and storytelling aspects, including Strieber’s personal accounts, resonated with some readers, making complex concepts more accessible and relatable.

Critical Reception:

Critics of the book argued that the authors’ blending of personal anecdotes and speculative theories sometimes undermined the credibility of their arguments. The lack of a more rigorous scientific approach was a concern for some, particularly within the academic and skeptical communities.
Some felt that the book could have benefited from a more focused structure and clearer organization. The wide-ranging exploration of topics led to a sense of disjointedness at times.
Skeptics of paranormal claims expressed skepticism toward certain assertions made in the book, calling for more empirical evidence and adherence to established scientific methodologies.

Impact of Ufology

“The Super Natural: A New Vision of the Unexplained” had a notable impact on the field of ufology, contributing to ongoing discussions and debates surrounding unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial encounters. While the book did not revolutionize the entire field, it did provoke significant reflection and dialogue among ufologists and enthusiasts.

One of the key impacts of the book on ufology was its emphasis on a more interdisciplinary and open-minded approach. By blending personal experiences, philosophical contemplations, and insights from various disciplines, the book encouraged ufologists to broaden their perspectives beyond traditional methods of investigation. The authors’ willingness to entertain unconventional interpretations of UFO encounters prompted some researchers to reconsider their own assumptions and explore alternative viewpoints.

“The Super Natural” also sparked conversations about the intersection of UFO phenomena with other paranormal and supernatural experiences. The authors’ exploration of psychic phenomena, near-death experiences, and encounters with otherworldly beings resonated with some ufologists who had previously focused solely on UFO sightings. This cross-disciplinary approach encouraged ufologists to consider potential connections between UFO encounters and broader aspects of the unexplained.

However, the book also generated controversy within the ufology community. Some ufologists embraced the book’s speculative nature and its call for a more open-minded exploration of the unexplained. Others, however, were critical of the authors’ departure from traditional scientific methodologies, emphasizing the need for empirical evidence and rigorous investigation in the study of UFOs.

FAQ

What is “The Super Natural” about?

The book explores a wide range of mysterious and unexplained phenomena, including UFO encounters, near-death experiences, psychic phenomena, and encounters with otherworldly beings. It challenges conventional notions of reality and encourages readers to consider a more open-minded and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the unexplained.

Who are the authors of the book?

The book is co-authored by Whitley Strieber, a well-known author in the science fiction and horror genres, and Jeffrey J. Kripal, a scholar of religion and philosophy at Rice University.

Is the book based on real experiences?

Yes, the book draws from the personal experiences of Whitley Strieber, particularly his accounts of encounters with alleged extraterrestrial beings. However, the authors also incorporate scholarly research and philosophical reflections to provide a broader perspective.

Does the book provide evidence for paranormal claims?

The book presents a mixture of personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and speculative insights. While it explores various paranormal and supernatural phenomena, it may not always provide traditional scientific evidence in the empirical sense.

What is the main message of the book?

The book challenges readers to reconsider their beliefs about reality and the supernatural. It encourages a more open-minded exploration of unexplained phenomena and suggests that traditional scientific paradigms may not fully capture the complexity of these experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Super Natural: A New Vision of the Unexplained” by Whitley Strieber and Jeffrey J. Kripal offers a thought-provoking and interdisciplinary exploration of mysterious phenomena that challenge our understanding of reality. Through a unique blend of personal experiences, historical accounts, scholarly research, and philosophical insights, the book invites readers to embark on a journey beyond conventional boundaries.