This discussion explores why some visions carry weight, how to separate hallucinations from objective phenomena, and why believers shouldn’t jump to theological conclusions from every paranormal moment. We compare modern apparition research to the biblical resurrection accounts and find powerful similarities and key differences. Ultimately, this conversation asks a bold question: what exactly does it mean to “see” the Messiah — and how do we discern truth in a world overflowing with spiritual noise?
Featuring Dr. Jonathan Kendall and Matthew McGuire.

https://x.com/JKendallMD
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https://themattmcguire.substack.com/p/what-hath-apparitions-to-do-with

Timestamps:
00:00:54 Setting up today’s topic on visions and the risen Christ
 00:01:53 Defining terms and simplifying concepts
 00:03:20 Jonathan’s background & fascination with the paranormal
 00:05:12 Apparitions and how Allison’s work sparked research
 00:06:25 Criteria for verifying visions
 00:08:00 Modern apparition research explained
 00:10:31 Differentiating hallucinations from objective encounters
 00:12:01 Intentional apparition projection experiments
 00:13:37 Bi-location and projecting consciousness
 00:15:40 Altered states and apparition experiences
 00:16:25 Emotional vs relaxed mental states in encounters
 00:18:10 Large-scale religious apparitions (Fatima, Medjugorje, Zytoon)
 00:19:39 Cultural flavor in apparition experiences
 00:21:38 Subjective interpretation meeting objective events
 00:23:10 Cultural biases around Eastern vs Western experiences
 00:24:12 Comparing biblical resurrection accounts to modern reports
 00:26:42 Tangibility of apparitions (touching, eating, physicality)
 00:28:31 Apparitions of the living vs the dead
 00:29:40 Dopplegangers and apparition folklore
 00:30:19 Iceland’s phylgia phenomenon
 00:31:24 Government interest in psychic projection
 00:32:20 Differences between Jesus’ appearances and modern apparitions
 00:33:26 “Apparitional greatest hits” theory
 00:36:03 The Mary-at-the-grave encounter
 00:37:28 Touch, physicality, and post-resurrection behavior
 00:38:15 Comparing Jonathan & Matthew’s approaches
 00:40:26 Denominational views on visions
 00:41:20 Personal rose-scent encounter
 00:42:22 Olfactory apparitions
 00:44:35 Why apparitions require energy
 00:46:20 Why some apparitions are subtle, not dramatic
 00:47:43 Contrasting Jonathan’s views with Dale Allison’s
 00:49:36 Reliability of Gospel accounts
 00:50:34 The Lubavitcher Rebbe resurrection claims
 00:52:05 Apparitions within the Chabad movement
 00:53:57 How the church can recover biblical imagination
 00:56:21 Staying grounded while exploring the supernatural
 00:58:18 Why paranormal data can create metaphysical tension
 01:00:39 How believers can discern authentic spiritual experiences
 01:02:19 Avoiding “Satan of the gaps” thinking
 01:03:57 Key takeaway for skeptical listeners
 01:04:30 Scientific materialism is dead
 01:05:44 UFO encounter seen by family member
 01:06:42 Upcoming book announcement
 01:08:35 Personal paranormal story about Milo the cat
 01:11:07 UFO sighting above the tree line