Iona Portal by Robert David MacNeil Read Free Book Online

there?”  Patrick asked.
    “A man named Ademnan—one of Columba’s successors as the head of Iona—wrote a description of Columba’s experiences on the island.  Interestingly, he described pretty much the same things your grandmother told you about… strange glowing lights, angels, demons, and supernatural manifestations.
    “According to Ademnan, Columba and his followers went out from Iona with supernatural powers.  They performed miracles, healed the sick, drove out demons, and converted all of Scotland from paganism to Christianity in a single generation.
    “So Iona developed a reputation as a holy place.” Michael continued, “During the medieval period, kings from Scotland, Ireland, Norway, and even France chose to be buried on Iona because they believed it was close to heaven.” 
    Patrick stared at Michael.  “How do you know all this?” 
    “It goes with the territory, you might say.”  Michael paused and returned Patrick’s stare.  Then he leaned closer to Patrick and confided, “You see, I’ve a unique field of study.  I’m what they call an angelologist .  I study angels.”
    Patrick barely suppressed a laugh.  “ Angelologist?   I didn’t know there was such a thing.”
    “Most people don’t,” Michael said.  “But I’ve spent most of my life studying the creatures you call angels… and of course, their dark counterparts, the demons.  I’ve written three books on the subject!  Angels don’t fit easily into our modern worldview.  But when you begin studying them, it’s quite addictive.”
    “So… you really believe in angels?” asked Patrick.
    “Oh, absolutely.  We’ve been visited by these creatures throughout our history.”
    Seeing the skepticism on Patrick’s face, Michael added, “Did you know that every society in human history has recorded contacts with angels?”
    “They’re part of every religion.  You were raised Catholic...  Your Catholic Bible is filled with angels from cover to cover… and demons.  In the first book of the Bible, angels visit Abraham.  Do you know what he does?  He fixes dinner for them!  Abraham and the angels sit down and eat together as though it was the most natural thing in the world.”
    “But angels aren’t just Christian,” Michael continued.  “The pagan Greeks and Romans painted pictures of angels that look exactly like your Christian ones.  In every generation there are those who’ve claimed contact with these beings."
    Patrick looked at Michael with suspicion, “Are you a priest, or something?”
    “Heavens, no!” Michael laughed heartily.  “I’m not even religious.  When I talk about angels, I’m not talking about weird ethereal spirits.  I’m talking about beings that are as real and physical as you and I.  But they have some unique abilities.  They appear to be trans-dimensional .”
    “Trans-dimensional?”  Patrick questioned.
     “Yes.” Michael explained, “You see, you and I are limited to a universe of three dimensions… length, width, and height.”  Michael gestured broadly to illustrate the dimensions, taking care not to spill his ale.  “We can’t imagine moving in a direction that doesn’t fit one of those categories.
    “However, science now recognizes there are dimensions beyond the ones weknow.   The latest theories point to the existence of at least eleven dimensions.” 
    Patrick arched his eyebrows.  “ Eleven dimensions?”
    “That’s not some crackpot idea, Patrick,” Michael laughed again. “It’s mainstream quantum physics!  And by the way, eleven is the conservative estimate.  Some hold there are as many as twenty-six dimensions.   Some believe there’s an infinite number.  That’s why many cutting-edge physicists don’t even talk about a “ uni verse” anymore.  They call it a multi verse.”
    “You’ve lost me again.” Patrick laughed. “Now explain multiverse. ” 
    “Well…”  Michael said, pausing to take another sip of his