Dictionary.com defines supernatural as "of or relating to existence outside the natural world," and for the sake of this thread, that is the one and only true definition; let's not bother debating it.
That said, what exactly does it mean when someone believes in something "supernatural"? What exactly is this "natural" world that something can be outside of*, and why isn't this supernatural thing considered part of the natural world? What's the justification for this perceived dichotomy?
Supernatural has just always been a funny word to me, and in this thread I'd like to make some sense out of it.
*If you'd like some assistance, dictionary.com defines nature as "the material world and its phenomena." If you agree with this, what does material mean? (You could look it up, but if you do so, you'll see that you'll need to define substance, and I think it's safe to conclude that you'll never get anywhere in this matter with just a dictionary.)
That said, what exactly does it mean when someone believes in something "supernatural"? What exactly is this "natural" world that something can be outside of*, and why isn't this supernatural thing considered part of the natural world? What's the justification for this perceived dichotomy?
Supernatural has just always been a funny word to me, and in this thread I'd like to make some sense out of it.
*If you'd like some assistance, dictionary.com defines nature as "the material world and its phenomena." If you agree with this, what does material mean? (You could look it up, but if you do so, you'll see that you'll need to define substance, and I think it's safe to conclude that you'll never get anywhere in this matter with just a dictionary.)