Reviewed by Gregory M. Westlake
For everything is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, / and a time to die (Ecclesiastes. 3:1-2).
R. Alan Streett, senior distinguished emeritus professor of biblical theology at Criswell College in Dallas, Texas, has written an educative, spiritual memoir, which for the academic could be justifiably described as inspirational. Exploring the Paranormal was published by Eerdmans last year, a publisher “committed to the life of the religious academy, to the church, and to the role of religion in culture ...”
Streett first graduated in 1969, majoring in psychology, and then, in 1972, earned a Master of Divinity degree at the Wesley Theological Seminary; then, in 1982, got a PhD in Pastoral Theology from California Graduate School of Theology, and eventually, 64 years old, in 2011 got another PhD, New Testament, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.
Exploring the Paranormal is for the Christian academic scholar, a guidebook for one’s spiritual explorations, ranging from radical believers, to ESP and the demonic. Straightforward to comprehend and interpret, effortless and unchallenging to read, potentially a highly surprising declaration of what can be achieved with an inquiring mind, Streett makes it all seem possible. Clearly a devoutly religious man, always striving for authenticity, and questioning the religious motivation of his colleagues, this author is to be taken with the greatest of seriousness for the Christian worshipper. This pleasantly presented volume is vividly conveyed into four parts, with an introduction, and an amusing, thought-provoking glossary. Totalling a very respectable 212 pages, the work includes a bibliography, and a useful index. Streett is a winning penman through his unpretentious literary style, and, the unambiguous configuration of his acute, heartfelt religious beliefs. So, this chronicle, is a potentially life changing journey from his earliest days to the present moment. However, perhaps he is preaching to the converted?
The book begins with his dreams of playing professional baseball, being a catcher, “with his tools of ignorance” (p. 3). However, after a serious injury, he is advised via a visit to the Dean’s office at the University of Baltimore, to go to Wesley Theological Seminary (WTS): “… seminary is also a good place to contemplate and find yourself” (p. 30), is the information given; and so, begins his religious, scholastic odyssey. Quickly he meets L. Harold DeWolf, who had served as Martin Luther King Jr’s dissertation supervisor, and confidant at Boston University. DeWolf advises the incoming class: “Wesley is not a Bible School that seeks to indoctrinate students but a place of deep philosophical reflection and open debate” (p. 34).
Initially, the highlight of Streett’s studies was a visit from William Theodore (Ted) Swager, who sermonized to them from the lectern, in an enchanting, entertaining manner. Swager spoke of his own spiritual journey from seminary student to trance medium, peppering his talk with quotes from the Scriptures. The two men then share lunch together, and they quickly discover they are kindred spirits; to the extent that the author planned to hitch his wagon to Swager’s rising star, as he was protégé of the world’s most respected trance medium, at the time, Arthur Ford. Before returning for the next semester Streett arranged an official trance reading with Ted, which proved to be exceedingly emotional.
Moving on to Part Two, the author describes his further studies at Wesley, when as a graduation requirement he became a part-time pastor in South Baltimore, despite his fear of public speaking. Streett would practice reading his manuscript in front of the mirror, and practice-preached to an empty sanctuary; when the service began, he would be psyched up and ready. Soon he no longer feared speaking in public. Later, he passionately allows God into his life, and then the proverbial floodgates opened, and God’s love poured into the room, and enveloped him. Streett’s faith deepens with his Christian realization that psychic gifts, might be evil, and Satanic; a species of occult bondage. For the psychiatrist this is a peculiarly important theme.
The ideas or moral laws of deity are a constant in the human soul which cannot be exterminated. Therefore, every psychologist who is not dazzled by narrow minded, arrogant interpretations must deal with these facts (C.G. Jung, as quoted in Palmer, 2014, p. 278).
Streett claims to be released from the demonic darkness of false prophets, and psychic manifestations; the activities, and perils of spiritualism. Possibly a naïve assumption. To be true, his counterculture ministry grew in the 1970s, due to the occult explosion in America, as millions of citizens explored Eastern mysticism.
They, (Christians), argue that what the nascent church identified as demonic possession was actually schizophrenia (p. 166).
Indeed, a terrifying form of prejudice that is still alive and well, towards schizophrenics; I’m sure the late Glaswegian R.D. Laing would make a few very eloquent quotes regarding this matter. According to the Vatican’s latest guidelines, medical doctors must first examine the so-called possessed person to make sure they are not clinically insane.
Streett walked across the stage at the Glendale campus California in May 1982 and received his first PhD diploma; after which he was invited by the president of Criswell College, Texas, to work as professor of New Testament and Evangelism. A dream come true, if truth be told. It is then Streett redefines, and focuses on some more precise knowledge. For instance, the subconscious mind, brainwaves, and nighttime psychic phenomena. The power of the brain operating in alpha state can produce extraordinary effects, such as transcendent encounters, mystical union with God, and supernatural healing powers. Theta waves however, are associated with the momentary twilight period between deep sleep and waking, With delta waves offering prophetic insight, problem solving, and wisdom that can transform reality. A wonderful example would be the schizophrenic poet Georg Trakl, and his poem, ‘In Autumn’.
There man appears, happy and calm.
Today they press the tawny wine.
The chambers of death are open wide
And bathed in beautiful sunshine.
(Jarvie, 2019, p.103).
For over half a century Streett has attended seances, psychic events and lectures, and read hundreds of books on ESP; advocating for parapsychology, and against. Each new encounter causing a dramatic re-evaluation. Surprisingly Streett, makes clear that when it comes to paranormal phenomena, he has only touched the tip of the iceberg. He advises us not to waste time on frivolous activities, worry, and destructive behaviours. Enjoy life, let your imagination run wild, and let your dreams work their magic.
To draw to a conclusion, Professor R. Alan Streett has written a valuable theological work concerning the presence of the sacred that surrounds us, separating fact from fantasy. This memoir is an utterly original, and inspirational vision for the Christian spiritual academic. Straightforward to read, an exemplary map for the scholar to educate himself, and to always continue to question the equivocal. So, I can recommend this volume for your library; a priceless source of guidance and instruction. Perfectly passionate and soul-stirring.
References
Jarvie, M. (2019). Autumnal elegies: the complete poetry of Georg Trakl. Independently published.
Palmer, T. (2014). The science of spirit possession (2nd Ed.). Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Gregory M. Westlake.can be reached at email: [email protected]