Expert in theology and biblical languages Mike Heiser discussed ghosts & spirits in the Bible and other ancient literature.The Old Testament occasionally writes of spirits of the deceased and differentiates them from demons. But mostly, the Bible makes prohibitions against contact with the dead (necromancy), such as with a medium. One exception is the incident involving Saul and the Witch of Endor.

Belief in disembodied spirits and the underworld was prevalent across many ancient cultures such as in Israel, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Assyria. Interactions between the living and their family ancestors was common place-- in Mesopotamia, the dead were thought to lead normal leaves and even pay taxes, he noted. In the Egyptian concept of the afterlife, the "akh" was a spirit or ghost that could dwell in our realm.

The underworld (called Sheol by the Hebrews) had its own "cosmic geography" with both good and bad areas, such as the abyss, pit, meadows, and fields, and was inhabited by a range of beings, including angels, demons, and departed spirits, he detailed. Heiser also touched on his study of Sitchin, UFOs and ETs.

Haunted White House

First hour guest, author Jeff Belanger talked about the haunted White House. First reports date back to the early 1800s with the ghostly sighting of a British redcoat. Later, visitations from Lincoln's deceased son were said to be witnessed by Mary Todd Lincoln and others. Lincoln himself has reportedly haunted the White House, and was seen by Queen Juliana in the 1950s, Belanger said.

Bumper Music

Bumper music from Wednesday October 29, 2008