Previously we posted a list on conspiracy theories, but the items on this list are not really suited to that genre. This is a list of bizarre theories or beliefs that many people subscribe to – with a list of the facts as far as modern science is concerned. This is not meant as a criticism of believers, but as a discussion of the theories and facts.
The Theory: The theory is by using certain objects such as a candle, a dagger and a wide variety of things you can bend the universe to your will completely ignoring the laws of physics and the practical laws of the universe.
The facts: Many people claim that they can use such powers as summoning demons, angels or other things and the OOBE or out of body experience under laboratory conditions but no one has been able to prove it so far. There are incidents that do defy logical explanations, such as some people’s claims of using the Ouija board, though since none of these events can be proven it is very weak evidence.
The Theory: This has to be one of the most outlandish theories ever brought forth, it is claimed most famously by David Icke but as well by several others. It states that the royal family of Britain, President Bush’s family as well as many other higher ups are actually aliens that are here to secretly take over earth, feeding off of humans to maintain their “human form”.
The facts: Most of the theorists proof consists of enhanced photos of people such as Mr. Bush with reptile looking eyes, though they have come forth with many other forms of proof such as videos and other reptile aspects of the reptoids here on earth. The videos all brought forth have been proven fake or are so obviously fake no one has wasted time and resources to look into it.
The Theory: The theory here is that the early Middle Ages never existed and we have been counting the earth almost 200 years older than it actually is.
The facts: Well, there is no solid way to prove or disprove it, since the very theory says the carbon dating of this age is flawed. They also claim the written test from that era is a forgery from people of that era. Though they have not put forth a reason why and there is no solid evidence from them to prove this theory since the basis of their theory stops us from being able to scientifically prove they are wrong. It is a matter of who believes what, though the evidence does seem to be stronger for the side against the Middle Ages not existing. Since all this theory says is that the carbon dating is incorrect and the writings are forgeries though we have an almost perfect time line with the carbon dating we use, we can almost cast this one aside without proof.
The Theory: The theory is the Nazis were much farther ahead than technology would allow them to be at the time. It ranges wildly but one of the most popular versions is that the Nazis landed on the moon as early as 1942 and established a moon base on the dark side of the moon. They also had establishments with at least half a dozen alien civilizations, and that the remaining Nazis remain on the moon to this day.
The facts: There are so many holes in this Theory, for example most skeptics believe that we haven’t had any contact at all with aliens as of yet, as well the dark side of the moon is freezing, they would need amazing machinery to accomplish living there. They would need a way to renew all their resources; this could be explained by growing plants for food and air. But they would also need an energy source of some kind, which there would have to be one not yet discovered by us back here on earth.
The Theory: The theory is the earth is actually hollow and is not filled with magma. It ranges from there being several layered shells on the inside (usually four) to the inside having ground like ours, with 800 miles of crust between us and them, most people usually say there is also an inner sun.
The facts: Though this is not quite as insane or as impossible as the others it is still highly unlikely. We don’t know for sure what’s under our earth’s crust but this theory completely forgets to mention where the magma that erupts from volcanoes comes from if the earth is hollow. As well, the inner sun would pose numerous problems such as the inner inhabitants most likely being sucked into its gravity or caught in solar flares from it. This theory is often supported by the fact that it is impossible to search the bottom of the Arctic currently for it. There is also a castle in Europe with defenses set to defend against an attack from the inside out. Since the hole to the inner earth is under a chapel in the castle, that would involve taking down the castle to check this theory, the owner’s won’t allow this, many often use this as proof. Note sometimes this and number 7 have been mixed together, saying the remaining Nazis fled to the inner earth.
The theory: The theory here is that Mars is already being terraformed behind our backs by groups such as NASA and the ESA, it is a fairly new claim and is supported only by speculation and a few pictures.
The facts: First off the price, it seems almost no theorist takes price into account when they come up with these ideas, NASA is already having trouble as it is keeping themselves funded. The price of bringing something to Mars that could terraform it would cost billions, possibly even trillions. The computer technology required to make sure it did every little thing right would cost even more. Not to mention the time, it takes a Lander to get to Mars from earth so something that big would take years to get there and might not even work when it did. Our best bet for terraforming Mars at the moment is to take prehistoric microbes that feed off carbon dioxide and others gases and let them form Mars in the same way scientists think they formed earth. Of course this in itself would take millions of years, at the present there seems no way to terraform Mars and no reason to.
The Theory: The theory is that using your mind to think positive and encourage yourself and others to feel better really helps and can replace medicine.
The facts: Sadly this is believed by many people, and though it certainly can’t hurt for the common cold, since rest and relaxation are the best things for it after all. For more serious diseases people who really believe in this may not go to a doctor, and as such they can damage their body, or even kill themselves. This is no more effective than prayer which when it does seem to work can be explained away as coincidence. Many people actually do believe in it and luckily for some of them the placebo effect makes a major appearance, since they think their getting better, their bodies get stronger and they do sometimes pull through.
The Theory: We each have seven chakras going down from the top of our head to our feet, they can be used for a variety of things and awakening one can usually help you with a specific thing, such as enhanced hearing, sudden realization and the list goes on.
The facts: There is no way to prove these things exist. But people believe in them, some more so than a soul. They are usually connected with paranormal cases and as such usually don’t have any specific stories all their own. Though there have been some reports of people having slightly greater abilities or knowing what will happen before it does. This is usually explained by a ‘sixth sense’, often described as the brain’s way to activate the subconscious mind which helps us gather information and process it in such a way that we don’t know how we acquired it but we have the information. This can explain why people think they’ve been to places they never have, and many other feelings of that nature; this can also explain away almost all if not all of the chakra cases.
The Theory: The theory here is that life does not exist, we are all in fact test programs in a giant virtual reality or the players of that reality itself.
The facts: Once again there is no specific way to disprove this theory. Though it would mean in reality we would probably look much different or not exist at all. There is not much of a base for this to stand on, since it is another ‘can’t prove can’t disprove’ paradox, it is back to our own judgment. Strange as it may seem this theory could explain a lot of the problems with the world and things such as carbon dating. If we all were/are just test subjects in a large-scale virtual reality test, then all of the anomalies we find, and many of the world mysteries could be explained as bugs and glitches in the program. There is no solid proof that it does exist though, and it is most likely just generated by people’s fears of the age of technology we’re stepping into, and what it may do to us.
The Theory: Though the theory varies greatly from religion to religion, most of them believe that there is a being or beings greater then anything else in the universe that created the earth. It is still generally accepted in western civilization that there is a god.
The facts: We find ourselves at another paradox, there is no way to prove or disprove any religion. Many believers in their religion will often say god is testing us as he has faked much of the things we see in history. Such as dinosaur bones being millions of years old. However skeptics usually point out other facts, such as the second you accept one religion you are literally rejecting thousands of others. Skeptics will also point to the overwhelming evidence that all so-called effects of prayer can be explained through mere coincidence. They will also point to errors in the Bible writings, and problems with the whole idea of heaven in general. Despite this evidence many people continue to worship their gods. Skeptics generally believe that religion was established for one of two reasons. Reason one because people were scared and looked for a way to say this life isn’t all you get. The second reason is that people were confused and tried to come up with an answer as to why and how all this stuff got here, so they came up with the ideas of gods. None the less following certain things from certain religions isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The one common thing you will find in all religions usually written in different words but with the same meaning: do unto others what you would want others to do to you. A fine motto to live by.
Contributor: Beranabus, Editor: Cyn






















I take issue with no 1 solely for calling it bizarre. I don't think it counts as bizarre when approximately half of the worlds population subscribe to the "theory". Also anthropolgists and scientists in related fields have attributed religion to a simple need to beleive in something greater, so if you look at it from that perspective it's far from bizarre.
I do agree that there is little to no way to prove or disprove religion.
The fact that a large number of people buy a theory is not enough to make it true. Also, there is not “little to no way” to prove religion, there is NO way at all.
Another nice "bizarre theory" is the "twin Earth" or "Nemesis" theory.
It claims that there is another planet, called Nemesis, that is identical to Earth in size, shape, environment and orbital plane, that orbits the Sun directly opposite our Earth. We can never see it because the Sun is in the way.
It is claimed that a variety of objects/beings come from this planet, including aliens (or the Nemesians are advanced), angels, gods (of many cultures – ancient and current), demons, dinosaurs, Atlantis myths, etc.
Proof against it comes from NASA and things like shuttle astronauts haven't seen it, Hubble hasn't seen it, etc.
Threeleggedyoyo on October 19, 2011 This song doesn’t hurt the fiegenls of English majors like me because it’s offensive. It hurts our fiegenls because it’s true.
i smell trouble with #1…
rob: I think you’re right. That one is going to cause a stir.
I’ve read David Icke’s stuff on reptilian alien races. Potent stuff for any conspiracy theorist.
Fix the grammatical mistakes please
Interesting list though
I nominate entry 8 as the longest sentence I’ve read this week…
About #7: the dark side of the moon is not “freezing”. Not always, anyway.
The dark side of the moon is not always dark: when here there is a new moon, the dark side is bright (though we don’t see it) and the temperature on the surface goes over the boiling point of water.
I read that on another list here the dark side is not always dark
The dark side is exposed to the direct rays of the sun when you see the moon during daylight hours (it orbits the Earth in 28 Days, so that’s 14 days of more sun on the “dark” side than the side facing the Earth if there’s a lunar eclipse, equal otherwise
).
Anyway, I agree than #1 has no sense. I’m not religious and I’m against religion, but religion is commonplace. There is nothing “bizarre” (i.e. grossly unconventional or unusual, following the dictionary) in it, and it feels forced to put it on a list along with the hollow Earth. The same thing could be said for other items on the list.
if you look at religion like you haven't grown up with it as such a common belief, then it really is quite a bizarre story. Think about all the "unusual" and "unconventional" things that the bible says has occurred.
Do onto others what has been done to you!
Prison *****????
Concerning numbers four and one. Positive thoughts have actually been linked somewhat to healing and being healthy. Not all on their own when it comes to serious illnesses of course. Medicine is the number one factor but people with positive outlooks have a better chance at recovering. Angry and depressed people are aslo usually physically weaker than the happy. Number four is not so far-fetched it’s one of the many mysteries within the mind-body connection.
As for number one, I don’t beleive in any particular religion or their version of god. However I do not call it stupid either. Consider this, if matter cannot be created nor destroyed then how did it get here in the first place? How did that infinately dense matter before the big bang get there if it cannot be created?
You're thinking of it from a point of view limited by linear time. If matter was never created and can never be destroyed then the obvious answer is that it has always been and always will be.
You can see on page 8 of Stephan Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" that bias of scientists toward your explanation is why (what became known as) the Steady-State Theory was the mainstream view of the Western scientific establishment for centuries. Their reasoning was, since the universe was always here, there is no need for a creator. And even when Lemaître proposed the Big Bang theory, the scientific community at largely rejected it at first for sounding too similar to the Christian creation story (it didn't help that Lemaître was a priest). Of course, it became the mainstream view once cosmic background radiation was discovered years later.
ah, the hollow earth theory. that was a short on one of my favorite mst 3ks… “the mole people”. classic.
shouldn’t #1 say “God” instead of “religion”? religion exisits, its more the question of if God exists that people ponder.
i’ve never heard of holographic reality. don’t take the red pill.
It is Mars, not Mar’s. It’s not something that belongs to Mar.
I’ll keep it short and true:
All of them are bullsh*t
So why discuss it? haha
I was Just Wondering Concerning #6, which Castle are you reffering to?
houska castle
nice list bytheway,
I grow tired of opinion lists. You can’t get excited and want to tell all your friends about somebody’s opinion. Save those for the forum and bring back factual lists!
Also, please check the grammar and spelling. Errors detract from the quality of this site.
Thanks for taking it down for a couple hours to fix *most* of the spelling and grammatical errors.
It’s still a pretty bum list though.
I liked #2 better when it was called The Matrix…
Personally though, I was hoping to see the Aquatic Ape Hypothesis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic_ape_hypothesis
It’s true, you can pseudo-science your way into getting people to believe anything!
Nice list, but yeah- number one should be “gods” rather than religion. You could say I guess that, as our “sentience” is just material stuff (ie. No “soul”- just meat and chemicals and whatever else a brain is) then it’s quite possible that the universe is material that forms some kind of “sentience”.
Hell, you’d get some believers and it’s impossible to prove either way! It’s certainly more plausible than the guy in the sky sending our “souls” to some immaterial heaven and hell (are they officially immaterial or do people still think hell’s underground like in the Divine Comedy, or what?).
nope, it should definitely be religion…
god could be referred to as a creator… and its not bullsh*t to think a creator could exist… the world is too perfectly assembled to not think about there being a someone who plotted things out…
one example: we are all made of atoms then how come some of the matter have cognition while others don't?
deism seems to be true, a creator existed and left us… one thing that sounds better if added is that a creator created science… why not?
and deism is not stupid, since a lot of world famous "intellectual" people from across the globe were/are deists…
atheism and religion are both complete narrow-mindedness!!!
lol joshua
this is off topic but what bothers me about religion is that people think it’s completely normal to believe in god but it makes you CRAZY to believe in aliens.
I mean, just because the idea of religion is older doesn’t mean it’s better, and even though 99.99999% of the claims aren’t true, there have been images, videos, and claims and stuff about people seeing aliens and ufos, so why is it so crazy to believe in that kind of stuff?
angels are aliens
agreedd..
For #10: usage of the Ouija board and other moving things has been disproved by people making small unconscious movements in the direction they expect things to go.
#5: The terraforming of Mars would start by landing machines on the surface which could travel around converting the natural minerals into carbon dioxide to pump into the atmosphere. This would thicken the atmosphere and create an effect similar to global warming here on earth, warming the place up. They would then start landing mosses and lichens on, to bring more oxygen to the place, eventually moving on to larger plants, then animals etc.
Apart from that, interesting list, but the addition of religion doesn’t seem to add anything to the list, it just looks to me like a *****-stirrer.
I liked #2 better when it was called The Matrix…
Personally though, I was hoping to see the Aquatic Ape Hypothesis included on this list.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic_ape_hypothesis
stupid list… this site has lost my respect.
you're stupid, the title is "bizarre theories" BIZARRE! do you even know what it means?
I want to know where this hollow earth castle is and see what it looks like.
The inability to prove something is not proof that it does not exist, and vise versa.
Ahh yet another list that had the potential to be interesting, but instead decided to be another self-important slander against religion. It’s always amusing to watch those who are anti-religion go out of their way to slam religion in any way possible.
Frankly, I think it detracts from the list as a whole. That’s rather sad, honestly, because many of the other theories would have been fun to discuss.
I’m not religious, but I wouldn’t call religion a “bizarre theory” and the “facts” are matters of opinion. The author of the list holds him/herself superior to those who follow religion. That’s arrogance at its finest. Quite typical with these sorts of lists.
Be irreligious, don’t be pompous about it. It’s annoying and, honestly, rather childish.
“stupid list… this site has lost my respect.”
Not really my business… but why?
I mean, it’s one list out of a gazillion on this site. And it’s interesting.
Also- I like how science and facts are blamed for somehow disrespecting religioun and the religious. Is it science’s fault that religion doesn’t tally up?
If you’re gonna get *****y at someone, get *****y at the people who tried to pass off
http://listverse.com/bizarre/top-10-bizarre-biblical-tales/
as truth- at the original fraudsters, not at the uncoverers of such fraud. Don’t shoot the messenger is what I mean to say!
Kowzilla:
“I liked #2 better when it was called The Matrix…”
lol love it. Methinks this list will have many more comment by the time I get back from lunch. Oh dear, places we’ll go…
Not to mention jfrater is not the one who wrote the list.
He published it, but I’m sure the intent was to stir up discussion.
To Hobolad – From the author of the list him/herself “We find ourselves at another paradox, there is no way to prove or disprove any religion”.
This is a list of theories. Religion isn’t considered a “theory”. The author of the list put religion on there specifically to be controversial and/or to take the pose of many, supposed, intellects who believe that anyone who practices a religion is somehow less intelligent than they. Again, it’s the height of pomposity.
Whether or not I agree with religion and belief is irrelevent. I don’t toute myself as an intellectual better because of that stance.
Theory: a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena; a belief that can guide behavior.
Now in what way is religion NOT a theory?
Primarily religion is a way of life, not a theory. But most religions are made of OF theories, such as “there is a god”, and if you don’t worship that god you MAY hell, and if you do you MAY go to heaven (using Christianity as an example). But not all religions revolve around theories like that.
A theory is a testable hypothesis. Religion isn’t testable, therefore it’s not a theory. Dumbass.
One last thing, when someone states they will be listing supporting facts I expect to actually see facts. Things like, supporting documentation would be nice. When the ‘paranormal’ and psychics were on the chopping block, at least there were clips showing how such things were debunked.
Actually this was not meant to be a “*****-stirrer”. Nor was it meant to be a slam against any religion, I had originally had something else for the first place and religion as a bonus, J obviously figured it would be better this way. People are free to think what they want, and it’s in no ones place to judge them for what they do.
The intent by putting it as a bonus was because overall, religion/god’s are just theories. I’m not saying that in a bad way, I’m saying it because it is the most widely accepted and believed theory, and I thought it would be an interesting addition. Apologies to anyone who might have been offended by that, but understand this was not a bash against religion.
You can’t disprove the others on this list, either. You can point out how religious claims, or magical claims, or Holographic-reality claims compare to the facts.
To not include religion would be a major cop-out, criticism of a *theory* (what makes religion more than that?) isn’t saying that a person is intellectually better, it’s challenging a theory and waiting for a response. “You think you’re better than me because of your science and *questions*” isn’t an intellectual response.
People can believe whatever the hell they like, but I don’t see why they should expect their beliefs to never be questioned, though if they reply to questioning is up to them.
well this was a great list, Great job beranabus!
I agree with those who say there is nothing “bizarre” about religion, or the need for it in society. I would say bizarre would be something that a minority This is probably the most obvious attempt to stir the pot that I’ve seen.
Also, the “facts” section should be deleted from all the entries. A theory is no longer a theory when it’s a fact, and conversely, if it is proven incorrect (inasmuch as possible) with facts, a theory cannot remain a theory any longer, can it? Also, if you can’t disprove the theory, why list a section called “Facts” or attempt to dispute them.
This list is probably a low point for Listverse. I think the theories are interesting, but the surrounding text is poor.
you mean they are just theories to *you*. to others it is a very real thing.
A theory by definition is something that cannot yet be proved. Unless the "others" for whom these things are "very real" have some hard evidence then the author is justified in calling them theories.
I can’t understand the criticism this list is getting! There’s no claim that the theories are definitely false, it’s an explanation of what the theory is and then comparing that theory to accepted fact. What’s so bad about that?
“This is a list of bizarre theories or beliefs that many people subscribe to – with a list of the facts as far as modern science is concerned.”
I merely state that religion is used to stir controversy because it is listed under this heading of bizarre. I don’t disagree that the others may be construed as bizarre. There are fewer adherents. But when we’re referring to, at least, half the world’s populace I don’t think “bizarre” truly applies.
Also the author states that a list of facts to disprove the theory would be provided. None of the theories listed have any scientific ‘facts’ noted, at all. There is no supporting evidence or documentation, just other theories from the scientific community or vague references that it can’t be proven.
Regarding #2, holographic reality:
There is a theory out there that, logically, this is almost a 100% certainty. I don’t personally subscribe to it (too mind boggling), but it something along the lines of ‘the universe has existed for so long that some civilization must have come up with the computing power to create virtual universes, and have then likely created millions or billions or infinite fake universes. Therefore, the odds that we are in the sole ‘real’ universe among billions of fakes are staggeringly low.
Great Great list Beranabus!
Very interesting
From author: “People can believe whatever the hell they like, but I don’t see why they should expect their beliefs to never be questioned, though if they reply to questioning is up to them.”
I haven’t any issue with my beliefs being questioned, just as any good scientist wouldn’t have issue with their theories being questioned. That’s why they’re still theories and not ‘laws’. I take umbrage when someone claims to have facts to disprove said theories, but provides opinion and/or vague references. Solid research/evidence would be nice – if you’re claiming to have it (which you do in your introduction)
Fair enough, but it is an interesting piece on a website rather than some kind of scientific journal. The Astonishing Miracles list didn’t go into heavy detail, either- but it’s easy enough to google should complete clarification be required.
About the bizarre thing, bizarre may be in the eye of the beholder, sure. Can’t really argue with that.
I really liked this list. I’m curious about #8. How the hell did this theory get started and how do the explain the missing time?
Seems to me like someone needs to take a logic class. As mentioned before, “cannot prove or disprove” does not mean that something does or does not exist. There IS such thing as inductive reasoning, ya know.
Critical Thinking 101.
proofread! what is Mar’s?
Colinius Romul: haha, i had that same thought
I’m not the author though (post 42)
I do like it though, it was interesting- I enjoyed it. It made attempts to placate the followers of these theories and make it obvious that no monopoly of the truth is claimed that I certainly wouldn’t have. I can’t understand the criticisms.
I do find it delicious that people say those who challenge religions are claiming to be intellectually superior, when it’s the religions that make unsupported claims of being the One True belief etc.
Not all religions make that claim. In fact, not even ‘most’ do.
“Not all religions make that claim. In fact, not even ‘most’ do.”
I can only really think of Buddhism that doesn’t. Christianity certainly does, as does Islam. From what I remember of church, it’s very little “this is what we think and this is why and this is the opposing viewpoint, it’s up to you to decide” and a whole lot of “this is correct, it’s BIBLE!”
Lol. Sounds like you have trouble interpreting what a Religious and/or any other belief system is really saying.
Shinto, Taoism, Sikhism, Wicca, Confusionism, Santeria, Hinduism, etc. do not claim to be “The One”. I am well aware of the patriarchal monotheist’s proclamations of the “one true faith”, but I wouldn’t paint all religions with their brush.
I have to say this list had the potential for being very interesting, but in all honesty I had a difficult time following the text, and stopped reading altogether by item number three. This, of course, is coming from someone who spends all day proof-reading articles, so I’m trained to nit-pick. It was rather distracting, though, and took away from the overall impact of the list.
Other than that I thought the concept was a good one, and will be spending my afternoon looking some of these theories up!
Johnny T: energy cannot be created or destroyed, not matter.
matter sure as hell can be created and destroyed.
energy just transfers from one thing to another.
Wow, great (and INSANE) list! All of the items are worth discussion as long as several list discussion put together!!!
After being led to a dead link when trying to click its link on the latest lists thingie, I thought this one was a goner! Thank the gods it’s here now for everyone to enjoy and rant about
krysten: Actually, according to the Law of Conservation of Mass/Matter it can’t.
Do a bit of research, I don’t just want to copy/paste from 900 scientific websites.
*All of the items are worthy of discussion as long as several list discussions put together!!!
Oh, to still dream of a wonderful edit button…
It makes me sad that a list this interesting is made so unreadable by extensive grammatical errors.
Otherwise, though, fun entry!
“Shinto, Taoism, Sikhism, Wicca, Confusionism, Santeria, Hinduism, etc. do not claim to be “The One”. I am well aware of the patriarchal monotheist’s proclamations of the “one true faith”, but I wouldn’t paint all religions with their brush.”
Sure, thery’re hardly the norm though. Taosim isn’t the immediate association with the word “religion”. The ones that do claim a monopoly of the truth tend to be the ones criticised in any case precisely because of their claims of the Truth (which a capital T).
It would have been nice to see the inclusion of things like the String Theory or parallel universes. People really believe in those and I would definately call those bizarre.
this list is certainly not among the better ones on listverse.
Some of the arguments against some of the theories plainly states “there is no proof”. That’s a great reason to not believe in the theory but had made this quite a dull read. (although some examples are interesting)
the author doesnt seem to have done much research into this