Electric Monk

Something I’ve thought about before, but I don’t know if I’ve properly articulated it.

I generally don’t like the way the term “supernatural” is used. The word describes something as being above nature, or outside or other than nature. But if you’re talking about something that actually happens, then it’s a part of nature.  If ghosts are real, then they’re natural. Not supernatural at all. It’s kinda like black holes. They’re totally weird objects that in some ways are totally counter to common sense. And yet they’re products of nature. I don’t understand how ghosts or spirits or psychic powers might work in the real world. Yet, if they do, they’re automatically a part of nature, simply by virtue of existing in the first place. Converseley, if I believe in vampires, for example, then, strictly speaking, they’re a part of nature, at least nature as I see it. “Nature” refers to the things in our universe, and we all just take for granted that most of the stuff we think exists actually does exist.
I guess “supernatural” could be used to refer to the concept of a phenomenon that the writer/speaker doesn’t believe actually exists, but wants to talk about anyway. In this way you could describe a zombie movie as covering supernatural events. But you can’t say “I believe in zombies. Yes, I believe in other supernatural stuff too.” If you’re talking about something that you believe is real, then I guess “paranormal” is a better word for it.

Does that make sense. It’s been a while since I’ve tried writing something thoughtful.