There is a difference between thought forms and other spirits, including ghosts.

A simple thought form contains an idea. This is the equivalent of an alarm clock. It has a single function, to make a noise at the appointed time.

A thought form can, however, be complex, and contain many ideas. This is the equivalent of a computer program that has many functions.

A thought form can achieve enough complexity to take on a life of its own. It is then best considered to be an entity.

It is very difficult to tell a thought from from an entity, from the average person's perspective. This is like having a computer program attached to you, or existing within your mind. When A happens, a simple thought form is triggered, and B is the result. A may be a thought or a feeling or an action or an experience. B will be a reaction of some kind.

The human mind naturally contains many thought forms. These are like the zillion subroutines contained within a complex computer program.

It could be said that a 'habit' is a thought form, or that it is driven by a thought form. When A occurs, habit B is the reaction.

The idea of classing most or all spirit beings as only 'thought forms', is, I think, an attempt at deconstructing and minimizing the whole concept nonphysical 'spirits'. This theory seems to particularly focus on negative spirits, lessening their importance to a level where they are less threatening. This, in turn, also simplifies and clears the field, so to speak. Once this is done, the only things left are those spiritual beings that are 'chosen' and 'approved' by those that hold to this theory.

It should be kept in mind that this idea is a hypothesis only. It cannot be supported through personal experience. It is a chosen belief only.

Experience is needed to tell the difference between a spirit influence and the influence of a thought form.

Robert