Name : Chhon Phalla Room : Nokor Bachay (301) Supernatural Beliefs Cross-culturally For as long time age’s, we have been fascinated with the idea of other worlds and other creatures that are somehow 'supernatural'. All around us is the physical world and the reality of that world is something we deal with on a daily basis. But since the dawn of man we have been telling stories of something else, something 'other', which might take the form of ghosts, of demons, of aliens or of elves. On the one hand these are horror stories, designed to scare and frighten and that makes them popular around campfires. The supernatural includes all that cannot be explained by the laws of nature, including things characteristic of or relating to ghosts, gods, …show more content…
There are many functions in Specific approach functions, such as cohesive function, Supportive function, Educational function, Disciplining function, Revitalizing function, Explanatory function, euphoric function and Ecological function. Cohesion and Support functions supernaturalism apply to both individuals and groups. People come together for ceremonies and rituals. Individuals are provided with social, economic, and political support from other group members during trying times. Education and Discipline functions are often interwoven. The Ten Commandments of the Jufeo-Christian religions serve as an example. Revitalization functions involves regular and repetitious rituals and practices that result in a renewal and revitalization of the belief system, which serves to motivate and lift the mood of the individual participants as well as the entire group. For instant, the forest, they say, is like their mother and father, and it must care for them. The euphoric function is that believer’s experience a sense of well-being when they participate in the supernatural rituals. Individual and group anxiety is relieved, and a profound sense of joy and happiness occurs because the appropriate actions have been taken. Observe participants at a Christian tent revival meeting and you will see examples of this euphoria. Ecology functions involve any belief or ritual that contributes to the maintenance of the society’s