In Theology, the uses of the word are various. In the New Testament, it signifies sometimes the soul of man (generally its highest part, e.g., "the spirit is willing"), sometimes the supernatural action of God in man, sometimes the Holy Ghost ("the Spirit of Truth Whom the world cannot receive"). The use of this term to signify the supernatural life of grace is the explanation of St. Paul's language about the spiritual and the carnal man and his enumeration of the three elements, spirit, soul, and body, which gave occasion to the error of the Trichotomists (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Ephesians 4:23).
St. Thomas teaches the complete simplicity of all spiritual natures. The spirits or ghosts is completely non physical although they can take on a physical appearance that will be in every way the same as a normal human being for example. As regards the functions of spirits in the world, and their active relations to the visible order of things, it must be understood that most encounters with spirits will be evil. But there are also good spiritual messengers (angels) and Scripture abounds in instances of their dealings with men, chiefly in the character of intermediaries between God and His servants. They are the heralds who announce his commands, and often too the ministers who execute His justice. They take a benevolent interest in the spiritual good of men (Luke 15:10). For these reasons, the Church permits and encourages devotion to the angels. However, if you as a person should be contacted of a spirit or someone you know should be so, it is extremely important that you try to ignore the Spirit as much as you are able and that you directly tries to Pray Holy Prayers of different sorts in order to frighten the evil spirit. Not all, but the overwhelming majority will be evil spirits trying to communicate with you. Beware and stay away from mortal sins, and you will generally be safe.
Real Ghosts Attack people on Camera!
St. Thomas teaches the complete simplicity of all spiritual natures. The spirits or ghosts is completely non physical although they can take on a physical appearance that will be in every way the same as a normal human being for example. As regards the functions of spirits in the world, and their active relations to the visible order of things, it must be understood that most encounters with spirits will be evil. But there are also good spiritual messengers (angels) and Scripture abounds in instances of their dealings with men, chiefly in the character of intermediaries between God and His servants. They are the heralds who announce his commands, and often too the ministers who execute His justice. They take a benevolent interest in the spiritual good of men (Luke 15:10). For these reasons, the Church permits and encourages devotion to the angels. However, if you as a person should be contacted of a spirit or someone you know should be so, it is extremely important that you try to ignore the Spirit as much as you are able and that you directly tries to Pray Holy Prayers of different sorts in order to frighten the evil spirit. Not all, but the overwhelming majority will be evil spirits trying to communicate with you. Beware and stay away from mortal sins, and you will generally be safe.
