AFTERLIFE, XYZ

[Athene]

No, the only reactions testimonies of supernatural encounters get from me are a raised eyebrow or a polite nod. I believe that people making these sort of claims are confused or mistaken. Also....people lie sometimes.
I wouldn't bother trying to personally verify and test their claims by the standards of reality.

I think that you're being biased as to whom you will believe or not.  I'm trying to imagine how many intelligent and responsible people are lying about experiencing the supernatural, especially when so many of them believe it's a sin to lie.  It would also be hard to be mistaken about these type of encounters.  According to your statement, it seems you dismiss these claims out of hand because you've already decided they're not true.  I've tried to keep an open mind, and I have changed my opinions on some things since I joined this forum.  I believe it's good to keep an open mind and not let your biases cloud you opinions.

The bias is not towards who I will or won't believe, so much as it's towards what I will or won't believe. I'm not sure it's appropriate to even label such consideration bias, due to the fact that I'm not favoring explanations based in reality over supernatural claims. Reality is all that there is.

Suppose I were at a car dealership and looking to purchase a vehicle. The salesman states that he has two vehicles available that would suit my needs. One is Chevy Malibu, which I'm permitted to test drive. Upon my returning to the lot, the salesmen tells me the other vehicle available to purchase is an invisible time machine. He tells me that he personally uses one as his primary mode of transportation and that it's the smoothest, most comfortable ride ever...but I'm not allowed to witness him use his. He then, cheerily informs that I am welcome to test drive the invisible time machine that's available....if and when I'm able to find it.

If I were to purchase the Chevy, would you suggest that my decision was based upon bias, or something else?