The Entity Letters: A Sociologist on the Trail of a Supernatural Mystery

A Host of Phenomena that Boggle the Mind

The Entity Letters describes a years-long sociological investigation of a sitter group that witnessed table movements, table levitations, poltergeist phenomena, earthquake effects, and other startling physical events. The group was known as the Society for Research on Rapport and Telekinesis (SORRAT), founded in 1961 by John G. Neihardt, the famous poet and author of the best-selling book Black Elk Speaks. SORRAT hoped to replicate Spiritualist phenomena to increase scientific understanding of psychokinesis (mind over matter). After meeting weekly for a few months, the group heard rapping sounds, seemingly from Black Elk and other spirits. The phenomena grew to include ostensibly spirit-written messages found within a sealed container called a mini-lab specially designed to preclude the possibility of fraud. Eventually, the "spirits" began communicating by mail with dozens of S0RRAT members, describing life after death, the nature of time, and spiritual development. The Entity Letters explores the idea that these kinds of experiences shaped ancient religions.

1128498311
The Entity Letters: A Sociologist on the Trail of a Supernatural Mystery

A Host of Phenomena that Boggle the Mind

The Entity Letters describes a years-long sociological investigation of a sitter group that witnessed table movements, table levitations, poltergeist phenomena, earthquake effects, and other startling physical events. The group was known as the Society for Research on Rapport and Telekinesis (SORRAT), founded in 1961 by John G. Neihardt, the famous poet and author of the best-selling book Black Elk Speaks. SORRAT hoped to replicate Spiritualist phenomena to increase scientific understanding of psychokinesis (mind over matter). After meeting weekly for a few months, the group heard rapping sounds, seemingly from Black Elk and other spirits. The phenomena grew to include ostensibly spirit-written messages found within a sealed container called a mini-lab specially designed to preclude the possibility of fraud. Eventually, the "spirits" began communicating by mail with dozens of S0RRAT members, describing life after death, the nature of time, and spiritual development. The Entity Letters explores the idea that these kinds of experiences shaped ancient religions.

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The Entity Letters: A Sociologist on the Trail of a Supernatural Mystery

The Entity Letters: A Sociologist on the Trail of a Supernatural Mystery

by James McClenon
The Entity Letters: A Sociologist on the Trail of a Supernatural Mystery

The Entity Letters: A Sociologist on the Trail of a Supernatural Mystery

by James McClenon

Overview

A Host of Phenomena that Boggle the Mind

The Entity Letters describes a years-long sociological investigation of a sitter group that witnessed table movements, table levitations, poltergeist phenomena, earthquake effects, and other startling physical events. The group was known as the Society for Research on Rapport and Telekinesis (SORRAT), founded in 1961 by John G. Neihardt, the famous poet and author of the best-selling book Black Elk Speaks. SORRAT hoped to replicate Spiritualist phenomena to increase scientific understanding of psychokinesis (mind over matter). After meeting weekly for a few months, the group heard rapping sounds, seemingly from Black Elk and other spirits. The phenomena grew to include ostensibly spirit-written messages found within a sealed container called a mini-lab specially designed to preclude the possibility of fraud. Eventually, the "spirits" began communicating by mail with dozens of S0RRAT members, describing life after death, the nature of time, and spiritual development. The Entity Letters explores the idea that these kinds of experiences shaped ancient religions.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781938398797
Publisher: Anomalist Books
Publication date: 04/09/2018
Pages: 382
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

James McClenon, Ph. D., a sociology professor and licensed clinical social worker, has written three books: Deviant Science: The Case of Parapsychology (University of Pennsylvania Press), Wondrous Events: Foundations of Religious Belief (University of Pennsylvania Press) and Wondrous Healing: Shamanism, Human Evolution, and the Origin of Religion (Northern Illinois University Press).

Table of Contents

Preface

Cast of Characters

Part 1- The Entity Letters (Original Manuscript: 1970-1983)

Chapter 1 – Beginning at the Edge

Chapter 2 – Drama in Rolla

Chapter 3 – Skyrim

Chapter 4 – Letters from the Spirits

Chapter 5 – Entity Games

Chapter 6 – Seeking Proof

Chapter 7 – Teaching and Healing

Chapter 8 – Cognitive Dissonance

Chapter 9 – Belief

Photo Gallery

Part 2 – The Entity Letters Update (2017)

Chapter 10 – A SORRAT History and Update

Part 3 - Theories

Chapter 11 – Psychical Research

Chapter 12 – Comparing SORRAT to Equivalent Cases

Chapter 13 – The Ritual Healing Theory

Appendix A – Comments from Participants

Appendix B – Do It Yourself: A Guide to Group Psychokinesis

Appendix C – SORRAT-Related Videotapes Available on YouTube

Endnotes

Acknowledgements

References

Index

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