Exploring the Paranormal: Miracles, Magic, and the Mysterious

“Exploring the Paranormal: Miracles, Magic, and the Mysterious,” by R. Alan Streett, reads like a memoir of mysticism. The author takes the reader on his lifelong journey that led him to the occult, to Christ, to deep skepticism, and deeper understanding of the marvels of creation. Along the way, Al held to his convictions but never allowed his convictions to paralyze him. Instead, he continued to question and challenge his assumptions and those of his guides. Exploring the Paranormal traces his growth into a depth of faith grounded in the person of Jesus Christ.

I came to faith in 1984, at the height of what we’ve come to call “The Satanic Panic.” I broke my Ouija Board, burned my rock music, and knew demons would get me if I played Dungeons and Dragons. Now I look back and see what my youth leaders and ministers told me was faithfulness was, in reality fearfulness. It’s not their fault, though; they were afraid too.

While reading Alan Streett’s “Exploring the Paranormal,” there were so many times when I wished Al’s voice had been there for me in those formative years. Of course, he was still moving through his story at the time, but some points feel like they overlap with my own journey, and there are other points where Al went places that would have terrified me. Ultimately, I’m thankful he’s come out the other side of the story and now shares his experiences and convictions in this book.

I’ve long been a fan of Al Streett’s writing. As an undergrad with a weekend preaching ministry, I found in Al’s book, “The Effective Invitation,” an empathetic voice that shared my frustrations in preaching and offered solutions. A few years ago, I read “Subversive Meals: An Analysis of the Lord’s Supper under Roman Domination during the First Century” and found it a fascinating exploration of the history and culture into which the Lord’s Supper was born. In “Exploring the Paranormal,” he turns those qualities of empathy and dogged research onto the story of his lifelong search beyond the natural realm.

Having been familiar with Streett’s writing, it was fascinating to learn his story. I was not expecting it to begin with Al as an aspiring baseball player whose search for relief from an injury led him to spiritual healers. The unrest of the late 60s left him open to seeking answers beyond conventional thought, therapies, and religion. Between the pain of shattered dreams and the possibilities offered in those open and accepting days, Al found himself in seminary, training for ministry while still finding his way in the Christian faith.

Suddenly the floodgates of heaven opened, and God’s love poured into the room and enveloped me. Unable to move, I sat paralyzed for nearly two hours and wept openly. – page 69

While Al’s conclusions have allowed him to see through the chicanery and deception of the spiritual practitioners that once fascinated him, his clarity does not dissuade wonder at the God who fills this natural world with his presence. The end of his journey is filled with encouragement for the reader to see beyond the natural to the wonders of God’s creation–especially his creation of the human mind.

“Exploring the Paranormal” is well-written, clearly organized, and filled with fascinating stories. For those who have had their own explorations into the paranormal, this book will show you you’re not alone and offer you a guide to the clarity and wonder you seek.