spirituality

Unlocking New Perspectives: A Humanist’s Insights from the Looking Beyond Online Conference

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(Image: Looking Beyond Conference 2025 Source: E.Holohan 2025)

On Saturday, 28 June 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the online conference Looking Beyond, hosted by the Churches Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies. This event was particularly special as it marked the 50th anniversary of The Christian Parapsychologist journal. This publication has played a significant role in exploring the intersection of spirituality and parapsychology. As a humanist, I am always keen to learn about different beliefs, and this conference offered a unique lens through which to examine parapsychology from a Christian perspective.

The Churches Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies

The mission of the Churches Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies is to promote interaction and understanding between the fields of parapsychology and spirituality. By organising events such as Looking Beyond, the organisation hopes to provide a forum in which individuals can investigate the countless possibilities that exist outside the physical world. They are a significant force in the continuing discussion around the paranormal in a Christian setting due to their dedication to inclusion and open-mindedness.

The Christian Parapsychologist Journal

Founded in 1975, The Christian Parapsychologist journal has been at the forefront of research and discussion surrounding spirituality and anomalous phenomena. Over the past fifty years, it has published numerous articles that challenge conventional thinking and encourage exploration of the unseen dimensions of life. The journal’s anniversary celebration at this conference highlighted its continuing impact on both academic and spiritual communities.

The Host: Matt Arnold

The conference was led by Matt Arnold, editor of The Christian Parapsychologist. In addition to his role as editor, he is the author of The Invisible Dimension: Spirit-Beings, Ghosts, and the Afterlife and a researcher, writer, and lecturer on Christianity and the paranormal. His role was crucial in guiding the discussions and ensuring that each speaker’s insights were effectively communicated. Matt’s background in parapsychology and his passion for the subject shone through, making the event both engaging and informative.

Speaker Highlights

Alan Murdie: The Gospel Miracles in Light of Psychical Research

The opening talk of the conference came from Alan Murdie, chair of the Ghost Club and a council member of the Society for Psychical Research. Murdie is a barrister who has investigated various reports of hauntings and poltergeists in the UK and overseas. He writes and broadcasts widely, including a monthly column for Fortean Times.

Murdie’s opener was a thought-provoking talk on gospel miracles in light of psychical research. He argued that nothing about them is fundamentally contradictory, incompatible, or impossible in light of the data acquired since 1882. He explored how these ancient accounts can be understood through modern parapsychological frameworks, inviting attendees to consider the implications of faith and evidence in the study of the paranormal. His talk was a rollercoaster, taking us from the history of psychical research right through to modern parapsychology, even touching on contemporary quantum physics.

Christian J. Romer: The Discernment of Spirits: The Problem with Parapsychology

Next, Christian J. Romer, a paranormal researcher, former lecturer in religion, and former Chair of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena, addressed the discernment of spirits and the challenges faced in parapsychology. CJ discussed how he believes parapsychology went wrong by solely examining the subject from a physicalist point of view, and how Christianity can help people understand it better. His insights into the scientific exploration of the unknown emphasised the importance of scepticism and critical thinking in the field, encouraging participants to approach their enquiries with both curiosity and caution.

(Image: Looking Beyond Poster. Source: C.F.P.S.S 2025)

Dr Mark Fox: Fifty Years On: Half a Century of NDEs

One of the highlights of the conference for me was Dr Mark Fox, who delivered a captivating presentation titled 50 Years On: Half a Century of NDEs. Dr Fox is a researcher, author, and lecturer who studies Fortean occurrences, near-death experiences (NDEs), and spiritual encounters. His work combines theological, neurological, and parapsychological perspectives. He is the author of Lightforms and Cold Inn, as well as a regular contributor to Fortean Times and The Christian Parapsychologist.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the term ‘Near-Death Experience’, and Dr Fox’s talk chronicled and evaluated many of the changes in the study of such experiences over that time: what we have learnt, what we have yet to learn, and where future research may lead us. He drew on a variety of NDE testimonies to reflect on his own growing understanding of them, particularly how he has come to see them through the lens of his Christian faith.

This talk resonated deeply with me, as I have experienced a few out-of-body experiences myself. Dr Fox’s exploration of NDEs revealed striking similarities to my own encounters, such as feelings of detachment from the body and altered perceptions of time and space. Listening to the stories of others who have undergone NDEs provided valuable insights into the nature of consciousness and what might lie beyond our physical existence. It also prompted me to reflect on the psychological and emotional effects of these profound experiences.

See below from the promo video for Dr Fox’s talk:

Matthew McGuire: Catharsis, Fotisis, Theosis: Christian Wisdom for Psychic Development

The first of two speakers from ‘over the pond’ in the USA was Matthew McGuire, who has a background in parapsychology and biblical studies. He discusses the relationship between parapsychology, spiritual experiences, and Christian theology in his writings and talks. In addition to writing for The Christian Parapsychologist, he is the author of A Magical World.

McGuire shared his insights on Christian wisdom for psychic development, focusing on concepts such as catharsis (the purification of the soul), fotisis (the enlightenment of the soul), and theosis (union with God). He led us through what the Christian wisdom tradition has to say regarding psychic gifts, which he maintains are latent abilities that humans are capable of. His talk encouraged attendees to consider how these spiritual principles can guide individuals in their exploration of the mystical and metaphysical realms, bridging the gap between faith and personal experience.

(Image: Looking Beyond Festival 2025. Source: E.Holohan 2025)

Jimmy Akin: Spirit Communication: A Fresh Appraisal

Finally, Jimmy Akin, the host of Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World podcast, concluded the series of talks with a fresh appraisal of spirit communication. Akin’s work investigates the reasons behind the historical unease of many Christians regarding spirit communication techniques, including apparitions, automatic writing, mental mediumship, and spontaneous after-death contacts. His engaging presentation invited participants to reconsider the relevance of spirit communication in contemporary spiritual practices, emphasising the importance of understanding and interpreting these experiences within a modern context. His analysis, using biblical and theological perspectives, concluded that there is significantly more room for faithful Christians to engage in spirit communication than previously acknowledged.

Embracing Diverse Perspectives

Overall, the Looking Beyond conference was a remarkable experience for me as a humanist, packed with inspiring talks and engaging discussions. Each speaker brought their own unique perspective, which not only increased my understanding of parapsychology through a Christian lens but also led me to examine my own beliefs in this area. I found it particularly interesting to explore how spirituality and the paranormal can intersect with various worldviews. I wholeheartedly recommend this conference to individuals of all beliefs who are keen to learn more, as it encourages valuable insights and connections among people with diverse viewpoints. Exploring these themes is a journey well worth embarking on, and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to take part in such a fascinating event.

For more information please visit:

Churches’ Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies

The Christian Parapsychologist

Jack in the Green: Keeping Folk Traditions Alive in Bristol

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A Springtime Wander into Another World

This May, I found myself caught up in something a little bit more magical than normal. I had just popped out for a walk into town when I heard the distant rattle of drums and the jingle of bells coming up the hill. Within moments, a leafy figure emerged around the corner; towering, green, and utterly hypnotic. Behind him came dancers, musicians, people in leafy crowns and cloaks, dogs wearing garlands, children skipping to the beat.

(Image: Bristol Jack in the Green. Source: ©E.Holohan 2025)

This was an encounter with the fascinating character, Jack in the Green. It passed right through my neighbourhood in Bristol, and for a while it felt like the city had been transported into a more ancient, greener version of itself.

There is something about this May festival that pulls at something deeper. In a world full of deadlines and distractions, encountering a celebration like this, which is full of colour, laughter, and ancient spirit, feels like stepping through a portal into another time.

So, what exactly is Jack in the Green? Where did it come from, and why does it still feel so relevant?

What Is Bristol’s Jack in the Green Festival?

Jack in the Green is a celebration of the coming of summer, rooted in old English folk traditions. It centres around a tall, leafy figure known as the Jack, who is completely clad in greenery. Think walking hedge, with just a hint of face peeking out, crowned in flowers and leaves.

Each year, on the first Saturday in May and around the May Day holiday, the Jack makes his way through parts of Bristol in a lively procession of dancers, drummers, musicians, and revellers all dressed in green.

This year, the Jack began at the historic harbourside and the procession made its way through the centre and up via Kingsdown, Cotham and Redland, winding along the streets, picking up curious onlookers as it passed. Jack’s attendants even painted onlookers’ noses green as they passed by, which is said to bring them good luck this summer. I was lucky enough to get myself a green nose too!

Eventually, the parade ended in a local park in Horfield. Here, Jack’s attendants delighted onlookers with dancing and reciting Jack’s poem. Here, sadly, Jack finally died, marking the end of spring and the start of Summer. After dancing through the streets and meeting city folk, Jack brought the Summer to Bristol, but now rests in peace until next year. Finally, onlookers took foliage from Jack’s body for good luck and to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of summer.

This festival is not just something to watch; it’s very much something to join in. People dress up, paint their faces green, bring tambourines or whistles, and dance beside complete strangers. It’s joyful, chaotic, and full of heart. And it belongs to Bristol.

The History of Jack in the Green

Although it feels ancient, Jack in the Green actually has roots in the 18th century. It grew out of May Day traditions among chimney sweeps, milkmaids, and other working-class people in London and elsewhere.

In those days, May Day was one of the rare holidays working people had. Chimney sweeps would parade through the town with music and garlands, collecting money and celebrating the return of warmer days. This served an important function for the sweeps in particular, who would need this money over the summer when they’d have little income. Over time, these garlands evolved into something bigger and bolder: a full figure made of foliage, worn by someone dancing through the crowd.

(Image: The 1795 engraving of a Jack in the Green, London. Source: CC BY-SA 3.0)

By the early 20th century, however, these celebrations had mostly faded. Victorian attitudes were snobbish about anything too rowdy, and folk customs began to disappear in favour of a more sanitised versions of British traditions.

It was not until the 1970s, when there was a broader revival of interest in folk music and traditions, that Jack in the Green began to return. Hastings was one of the first to bring it back in a big way, and other towns and cities, including Bristol, followed their lead.

Here in Bristol, the tradition was revived in the 1990s, thanks to local folk groups and performers who saw value in reclaiming this little piece of seasonal magic. Local groups have helped shape the festival into what it is today; a brilliant blend of history, creativity, and local pride.

Possible Pagan Roots and Green Man Magic

While Jack in the Green as we know it is not thousands of years old, it carries hints of much older beliefs. Many see links to the Green Man, who is a symbol you find carved in stone in churches across Britain and Europe. He is usually depicted as a face surrounded by leaves, often with greenery sprouting from his mouth. The Green Man is a symbol of nature, rebirth, and the never-ending cycle of the seasons.

There is also a strong seasonal connection to Beltane, the old Celtic festival that marks the start of summer. Celebrated around the first of May, Beltane was all about fertility, fire, and celebrating the land waking up after winter. Modern Jack in the Green processions are not direct continuations of those rites, but they certainly share the same spirit of honouring growth, community, and the turning of the year.

(Image: Norwich Cathedral cloisters, roof boss. Source: CC0.1.0 Univeral)

When you see the Jack dancing through the city streets, surrounded by bells and drums, it feels like something ancient stirs. You don’t need to believe in anything mystical to sense it; it’s there in the beat of the drums, the greenery and the joy.

Why We Still Need Jack in the Green

In a time when most of us spend our lives staring at screens, racing from one task to the next, a festival like this offers something rare: connection to place, people and nature. Jack in the Green reminds us of the things we often forget. That the seasons change. That we can share a laugh or a dance with a stranger and feel like we belong.

It brings people together with no barriers; just colour and music, and a shared moment. Children wave at the Jack like he’s a forest giant from a fairytale. Adults clap along and walk around with painted green noses. There’s space for everyone.

Let’s also not forget the symbolism. A figure made entirely of greenery parading through a modern city feels especially meaningful in an age where the natural world is under threat. The Jack becomes more than just a character; he is a reminder of what we stand to lose, and why it’s worth celebrating and protecting.

A Few Thoughts Before the Leaves Fall

As I walked home from my encounter with Jack in the Green with my painted green nose, the sounds of bells and drums fading behind me, I couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t just about seeing something fun. It was about being part of something. Something old and new, silly and sacred, and wild and gentle all at once.

Bristol’s Jack in the Green is not trying to be trendy. It’s not polished or perfect. But it has a spirit, and in a world that often feels rushed and rootless, that’s exactly what we need more of.

Fancy Joining Next Year?

If you are in or near Bristol come next May, I would wholeheartedly recommend seeking out the Jack. Wear something green. Bring a rattle, a ribbon, or just yourself.

You can find updates from the organisers on: https://www.bristoljack.info/home

These traditions survive when people take part. So, let’s keep them alive because they bring joy, meaning, and magic to our everyday lives.

(Image: Lucky Green Noses. Source: ©E.Holohan 2025)

If you’d like to learn more about Bristol Jack in the Green, please check out the following documentary by Nicola Explores, “Bristol Folklore and Ritual: inside the Jack in the Green May Day Mayhem”

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