Going to the source; two hardcopy dictionaries reveal the following:

• The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines paranormal as an adjective meaning “not scientifically explainable.”

• The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines paranormal as an both an adjective and a noun meaning “all the things that are impossible to explain by known natural forces or by science.

Anyone who has endured a high school Geometry class has suffered through the proof formula showing all numbers are equal to 1.  That proof is paranormal, or outside the established mathematical rule.

Normal was first used in the 1600s as a English mathematical term.  Paranormal is first noted in use beginning in the 1920s with no discernable etymology other than the obvious prefix addition of para [L. para-Beyond] to the word normal [L. normalis-In conformity with rule]: paranormal – beyond conformity with the rule.

The basic mission of Science is to define or explain that which is “not scientifically explainable,” yet today’s true paranormal investigations have a stigmata attached to them assigned by pop-culture.

The most damaging of these negative connotations is the assumption that all paranormal investigation is associated with atheists, demi-sciences, mediums, non-Judeo-Christian religions,psychics, and crackpot-ufology.

Often misunderstood in these heady days of the televangelist, paranormal investigation has been also been equated to Demonology.  Demonology is a branch of orthodox Christian Theology offered as course study at seminaries for main stream Christian denominations from Anglican, Baptist,

Episcopalian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Protestant, to Roman Catholics; “Demonology is the doctrine, science, or studies concerning nonhuman entities and their impact on the Human Soul.”  Demonology exists in some form in all major religions and the recorded study of ‘demons and spirits’, as well as ways to combat them, extends back to the earliest recorded history in every culture.

The difference between Demonology and Paranormal Investigation is the belief system:

• A Demonologist is a person that receives a Calling from God and is most often ordained or in some way beyond the standard laity.
  • A Demonologist believes in non-human entities and is concerned with the impact such entities will have on a person’s immortal soul;
  • Demonologists seek to prevent demonic influence, to assist the spiritually afflicted, and to educate about the dangers of the spiritual world, and;
  • A true Demonologist strongly attempts to dissuade anyone from investigating the spiritually paranormal.
• A Paranormal Investigator, no matter what their belief system is, seeks to document and categorize potential paranormal activity utilizing scientific methods.
  • Investigation data is used to draw conclusions
  • in the predominance of cases the data recorded is explainable, such as unexplained random EMF-detector fluctuations leading to a finding of a magnetic field variance in the Earth’s EMF or AC power surges in the wiring at the physical location;
  • Other times the research leads to the edge of hard science, like Electronic Voice Phenomena [EVP], photos, or video with unexplainable aspects;
  • Most can be explained after additional research, some cannot;
  • Investigations leading to hard evidence of the spiritual paranormal [full body apparitions, poltergeists, ect.] are rare enough to be classified as unique.

There is more to ethical Paranormal Investigation than recording and exhibiting documentation of the currently unexplainable. The unseen behind-the-scenes work often overlooked by the general public and current television shows is where true, ethical paranormal investigators shine.  Data leads to theories, leading to further research, causing additional conclusions and theories; the end result being (most often) the unexplainable explained.  Should an investigation document hard evidence of the Spiritual impacting the Human World our first goal would be to connect those investigated with the appropriate denominational ministerial authorities.

The mission of Northern Utah Paranormal is to find a better understanding of paranormal activity through the use of scientific means.  Our goal is to provide each client an accurate, thoroughly documented investigation,  follow up after the investigation is complete, and support throughout the entire process.

NUPS exceeds expectations through our offering of ethical, legitimate, quality service to those in our community who are troubled by possible paranormal activity.  NUPS investigations are confidential and any unexplainable evidence will not be shared outside the investigation without client sign-off.

Were you to travel back to the mid-1970′s and show a member of the general public your iPhone it would be treated like a magic item.  Now imagine showing that person the iPone, a Dell mini, and follow-up with the HP 17.5′ media notebook playing Transformers. All real-world items that would have been paranormal, indeed hard science-fiction a mere 30-ish years ago.

Modern equipment is able to scientifically eliminate much of what was once considered the paranormal or spiritually paranormal. Through the careful utilization of proven technology,  state-of-the-art equipment, and scientific methods the Northern Utah Paranormal will investigate any type of paranormal occurrence in a business or private residence at no cost.  In the unlikely event that our investigation documents activity of the spiritually paranormal we will refer you to the appropriate ministerial authority to assist you in resolving your concerns.

Every NUPS member has been accepted on our team for their passion about paranormal research.  The Northern Utah Paranormal Society’s drive to find answers, document hard data, and develop innovative investigate techniques is a shared passion. We are the best because this is what we truly love doing!