​Process Theology, Angels,
​and Channeling
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a reenchanted world

​The famous monastery in France that was started by a priest at the behest of Archangel Michael is Mont Saint-Michel. Located in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is an island commune that sits about one kilometer off the country's northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River. It is known for its stunning medieval architecture and is one of France's most iconic landmarks.

According to legend, the construction of Mont Saint-Michel began in the 8th century when the Archangel Michael appeared to Aubert, the Bishop of Avranches, in a vision and instructed him to build a church on the rocky island. The bishop initially dismissed the vision, but after the archangel's repeated appearances and the fact that his finger had burned a hole in the bishop's skull, Aubert decided to heed the divine message.
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Islam In Islam, the angel Gabriel, known as Jibril in Arabic, plays a central and crucial role. Jibril is one of the most important archangels and is believed to be the chief of all angels. He is considered a messenger of God and is entrusted with delivering divine revelations to the prophets.
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According to Islamic beliefs, Jibril was responsible for delivering the Quran, the holy book of Islam, to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately 23 years. This process is known as the revelation of the Quran. Jibril would communicate the verses of the Quran to Muhammad, who would then recite them to his companions and followers.

Do angels exist? In the context of Western modernity, the prevailing belief is that "reality" is limited to what can be perceived through the physical senses, such as sight and touch, and what can be measured scientifically. Even the visions that manifest in dreams are often dismissed as mere products of the imagination. The very idea that angels might exist, and that they might communicate with us through channeling, is quickly dismissed if not also ridiculed.

However, before this perspective gained prominence, people across different cultures believed in a multidimensional world teeming with spirits. Among these spirits were archangels, who were believed to have the ability to communicate with humans. Figures such as Aubert in the ninth century, and Prophet Muhammad in the sixth century, are said to have experienced interactions with archangels. Indeed, many Muslims today continue to believe in the existence of angels, with Gabriel being recognized as a frequent visitor to individuals.

One prominent thinker challenging the limitations of modern, sense-based epistemology is David Ray Griffin, particularly through his work in parapsychology. See his book "Parapsychology, Philosophy, and Spirituality: A Postmodern Exploration." (1997, State University of New York Press.)

Griffin delves into evidence supporting phenomena such as telepathy, out-of-body experiences, past-life memories, and psychokinesis, finding them plausible. He argues that skeptics, who rigidly adhere to a worldview denying the possibility of other dimensions of existence and actions occurring at a distance, hinder the acceptance of these phenomena. Griffin sees Whitehead's philosophy as providing a constructively postmodern worldview that allows for a more empathetic and open interpretation, acknowledging the potential for diverse dimensions of existence.

Among the aspects of Whitehead's philosophy that Griffin finds helpful is Whitehead's view of a multi-dimensional space-time continuum. According to Whitehead, this continuum allows for the existence of actual entities in dimensions beyond our familiar three-dimensional reality. Griffin appreciates Whitehead's openness to the possibility of diverse dimensions of existence.

Additionally, Griffin finds value in Whitehead's concept of "hybrid physical prehensions." This idea suggests that individuals have the potential to directly experience the mental states of other actualities, independent of the conventional limitations of three-dimensional, space-time contiguity. Through these hybrid physical prehensions, individuals may engage with and comprehend the mental aspects of entities residing in alternative dimensions.

In short, Griffin draws on Whitehead's philosophy to support his perspective, acknowledging the existence of other dimensions within the space-time continuum and proposing the ability of individuals to connect with the mental states of entities in those dimensions, transcending the confines of our familiar three-dimensional reality.
Those of us who are influenced by Griffin and Whitehead’s work do not summarily dismiss the idea that angels exist, along with other spirits.  We think they may or may not exist, and we want to be open to evidence. The question then becomes, what counts as evidence?

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In the realm of parapsychology and the existence of spirits, determining what constitutes evidence is a complex matter. The nature of these phenomena often falls outside the purview of traditional scientific methods and empirical measurements. However, researchers in this field employ various approaches to gather evidence and support their claims.

One form of evidence commonly considered in parapsychology is anecdotal accounts and personal testimonies. These can include firsthand experiences of individuals who claim to have encountered spirits, witnessed paranormal events, or communicated with the deceased. While such accounts may be subjective and open to interpretation, they serve as a starting point for investigation and exploration.

Another avenue of evidence in parapsychology involves experimental studies. These studies aim to replicate and examine paranormal phenomena under controlled conditions. Researchers may investigate psychic abilities, telepathy, clairvoyance, or other paranormal experiences. They employ rigorous methodologies, statistical analysis, and controlled environments to collect data and assess the likelihood of paranormal effects.

Furthermore, researchers may utilize various technological tools and devices, such as electromagnetic field detectors, EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recorders, or thermal imaging cameras, to capture potential evidence of spiritual or paranormal activity. These tools are employed to detect and measure anomalies or unexplained phenomena that could suggest the presence of spirits.

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If anecdotal accounts and personal testimonies are part of what counts as evidence, the question then becomes: Might channeling be a kind of evidence?

Channeling refers to the practice of individuals purportedly receiving and relaying information or messages from non-physical entities, such as spirits, guides, or higher-dimensional beings. The person who engages in channeling is often referred to as a "channeler" or "medium."

During a channeling session, the channeler typically enters a trance-like state or altered state of consciousness to establish a connection with the entity or source they are channeling. This connection is believed to allow the information or messages to flow through the channeler, who then communicates them to others.

The channeling process can take various forms. Some channelers may speak the messages they receive aloud, while others may write or type them. In certain cases, channelers may also convey messages through artistic expression, such as painting or music.

The content of the channeled messages can cover a wide range of topics, including spiritual guidance, personal advice, philosophical insights, predictions, healing techniques, or historical information. The entities or sources claimed to be channeled can vary, with some channelers claiming to communicate with specific deceased individuals, ascended masters, angelic beings, extraterrestrial entities, or even collective consciousnesses.

Channeling is a highly controversial practice, with varying perspectives on its validity and authenticity. Skeptics often attribute the messages received through channeling to the channeler's subconscious mind, imagination, or deliberate deception. Others, however, believe that channeling provides access to higher realms of consciousness and valuable insights.

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How about process philosophers and theologians, what do they believe? The answer, of course, is that they have different beliefs. Some will be skeptical for the reasons named above. They will think channeling is a produce of the subconscious mind, imagination, or deception. Some will be open to the possibility that channeling provides access to higher levels of consciousness. But even the skeptics will keep an open mind. Theirs will be an open and relational skepticism, not a dogmatic skepticism. And should evidence change their minds, they will be open to the evidence. All agree that a limitation of modernity is its reduction of the world to mere stuff moving through time in three dimensions. Griffin speaks of the importance of rediscovering an enchanted world, and he, along with other process philosophers and theologians, believe that part of the re-enchantment lies in recognizing that consciousness is more, much more, than modernity understands, Additionally, they believe that there is a healing Spirit at work throughout the universe, seeking to promote well-being and healing.  The Christians among them see Jesus as a channel for this spirit, and he himself believed in angels. Might angels exist? And might they communicate through channeling. The process answer is: Decide for yourself. Keep an open mind. Don't be dismissive. Know that what counts are the fruits of the spirit: love, tenderness, justice, generosity, cooperation, and a sense of mystery.

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