Biblical Angels Were Just 'Lucid Dreams'

What if Biblical characters who saw angels were all simply dreaming? Researchers in Los Angeles tested that theory by asking participants to re-enact the experience of Elijah, the prophet who was awakened by an angel carrying much-needed bread and water. Following instructions, volunteers at the Out-of-Body Experience Research Center tried to control their dreams in order to make an angel appear with food, the Daily Mail reports.

One saw "a fairly traditional-looking angel—large and with wings. I then went to look for food, found an apple in the kitchen, and took a bite." In fact, 15 of 24 dreamers succeeded in the study, the center says. The point being? "To dispel the stereotype that out-of-body travel is something make-believe or exceedingly difficult," says Michael Raduga, who set up the center and wrote a book called School of Out-of-Body Travel. (More angels stories.)