Did Saul really see Samuel?

You know that annoying too-cool-for-school Baptist Student Union minister who always says - as a joke - that his sermons will contemplate deep theological truths and his example is "Did Adam have a belly button?"

Yeah. Well screw that guy.

But in a similar vein...

I have a serious question. I Samuel 28. In need of godly guidance, Saul consults a witch. See, Samuel, his right hand God-talking-to man is dead. Saul wants to know whether or not he and his men will get the ax in their battle with the quickly approaching Philistines. First problem? God's not answering Saul's calls. Second problem? Saul has outlawed all witches. And now it seems as though the only way he can get in touch with Samuel is THROUGH these witches.

So, he disguises himself, consults the witch of Endor, and promptly gets found out. But she conjures up Samuel anyway. At least that's what the narrative says. Samuel gets conjured up, and he's not happy. He has bad news for Saul. Not only will he die, but his son Jonathan (heir apparent in Saul's eyes) will die too.

So, the question is this: was Samuel real? Do you believe in ghosts? Was it REALLY Samuel or was it demon disguised to look like Samuel?

Hmmm...coast guard?

Listen up, BSU leader. THIS is the sort of empty theological conundrum that should have your students rolling, NOT the navel on Adam.