Church Life

Hallowed Haunts

“Church organs, Hell House, and The Blair Witch Project in the news”

Two British scientists have discovered that infrasound—inaudible to the human ear, but still able to vibrate human organs—can cause spine tingling, anxiousness, and shortness of breath. They say it explains why large church organs increase spiritual sentiment, and why drafty old houses can feel haunted. Perhaps producers of Colorado’s evangelistic Hell House will want to make the connection as they again “haunt” a holy place this October. The drama and its inventor/pastor have moved to an Assembly of God church too small to mimic walk-through Halloween haunted houses; Hell House is now a sit-down—but still bloody and disturbing—morality play on abortion, alcohol, and other issues. Meanwhile, supporters of Ceres Bethel AME Church in Burkittsville, Maryland, would rather the spookiness end. The chapel has been closed since 1984, but is seeing new popularity—and destruction—for its role in the 1999 horror film The Blair Witch Project. Pastor Richard Dyson told The Washington Post that he has had to spiritually cleanse the church after its frequent use for teens’ occult activities.

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Our Latest

Died: Christian Publishing Executive Robert Wolgemuth

As author, agent, and former Thomas Nelson president, Wolgemuth shaped the Christian book world for decades.

Analysis

This Year, Protections for the Unborn Won’t Come from Washington

The White House and Congress seem uninterested in new pro-life measures. But crisis pregnancy centers will continue their mission, one life at a time.

It’s Not ‘Christian Nationalism.’ It’s Conservative Identity Politics.

George Yancey

Academics and pundits critiquing evangelical voters have misdiagnosed their behavior.

Public Theology Project

How to Know If You’re Growing in Patience—or Just Giving Up

The right kind of waiting can save us. The wrong kind will destroy us.

Guerilla Art For Grit City

J.D. Peabody

Two friends are taking Tacoma by storm with paper and ink.

The Russell Moore Show

Chuck Klosterman on Football

 Cultural critic and essayist Chuck Klosterman about his new book and what the sport tells us about ourselves.

News

Christians Provide Food, Medicine, and Spiritual Hope at Venezuela’s Border

After Maduro’s ouster, ministries in Cúcuta, Colombia, don’t know if Venezuelan migrants will return home or if more will flee.

Protesting in Church Is Wrong. So Is Immigration Theater.

Demonstrators should not disrupt worship services. ICE should be competent, cool-headed, and constrained by the Constitution.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube