A History of Ghosts

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Ep 4 Impossible Ghost

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A History of Ghosts: 4. The Impossible Ghost

4. The Impossible Ghost

BBC Radio 4 - A History of Ghosts, 4. The Impossible Ghost

Kirsty Logan discovers how ghost lore survives, even when we are told they are impossible.

Kirsty Logan discovers how ghosts survive, even when we are told they are impossible, because they have great social and psychological value.

Illustration by Seonaid Mackay

'When people are told explicitly that ghosts do not – cannot – exist, this should mean an extinction, the end of the line. But…'

The three main Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, teach a belief in the unseen, but with ghosts… there is a struggle.  While ghosts make an appearance in the bible, in the tale of Saul and the Witch of Endor the meaning of the story is ambiguous. And when it comes to Islam, it is very clear, no ghosts. 

And yet, tales of ghosts survive even when we’re told they’re impossible. Kirsty discovers how they survive by diving into the tales of the spirits of Malaysia, where ghosts not only survive but thrive alongside the various religions and cultures in the country - because they have become part of life.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Kirsty Logan explores the evolution of Ghost Lore.

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A History of Ghosts

4. The Impossible Ghost

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