I AGREE with Michael Wenham (Oxford Mail, August 23) that there is strong evidence for belief in life after death.

The two great faiths commanding the allegience of millions, originated through paranormal events.

Muhammad founded Islam through his wonderful encounter with a discarnate being, an angel, who dictated to him the Koran.

Mary Magdalene, a powerful psychic, saw the risen Jesus after his death. Moreover it was St Paul’s amazing conversion on the road to Damascus, when Christ appeared to him, that inspired Christianity.

Throughout history, genuine mediums have had an immeasurable effect on religious beliefs. Unfortunately countless thousands were burnt as witches at the stake during the Dark Ages.

The scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena, assiduously pursued for well over 100 years by the British and American societies for psychical research point to the objective reality of apparitions.

Much interest is now focused on near-death experiences which indicate that the mind transcends the brain. Our shallow, atheistic, materialistic computer-obsessed age is transient.

I believe that as we explore ever more deeply the great mystery of life we shall find death is not extinction but our birth into another vast dimension of existence beyond our physical sight.

GRAHAM BUTLER, Banbury Road, Bicester