The Path to Belief in a Personal God: Understanding and Connection
Belief in a personal god or higher power has been a deeply personal and enriching journey for many individuals. This belief stands apart from organized religions that often come with structured frameworks and hierarchical systems. It is a pursuit of understanding that transcends the complexity of organized religion and embraces a more intimate and direct form of spiritual connection.
The Evolution of Religious Belief
Historically, people have ascribed personalities to a wide array of gods, demons, and spirits, which helped them understand the world's complexities and the dualities of good and evil. As human understanding of the world progressed, the number and nature of these gods became more abstract, leading to the current state where most religions are effectively monotheistic. However, the essence of religion remains personal, independent of organized structures.
A Personal Journey to God
As a young Christian, I had long been aware of inconsistencies within the Bible. This discrepancy pushed me away from traditional religious texts. Yet, the existence of a higher power did not dissuade me; instead, it ignited a drive to seek accurate and meaningful information. My search led me to channeling, where I found Barry Strohm, a Christian channeler. His insights and readings provided me with a profound and unshakeable connection to God. Barry's transparent and common-sense message was a revelation that helped me navigate the complexities of faith and resolve misunderstandings within the Christian canon. His Christmas message, in particular, offered a comprehensive understanding of God's intentions and the reasons behind the return of Jesus.
Psychological and Mental Traits
Belief in a personal god often requires certain psychological and mental traits. Gullibility, the willingness to believe others, and a self-deprecating character can be seen as inherent to faith. People who believe in a personal god are often considered mentally lazy, as they may avoid conducting extensive research on their own faith or other religions. On the other hand, those who do not believe often engage in thorough research and critical thinking. Religion, in its true sense, acts as a placebo, providing comfort and guidance, especially for those who are mentally vulnerable.
A Retreat from Organized Religion
Many individuals who believe in a personal god do so because they are disillusioned or disgusted by the rigid structures and hierarchical systems of organized religion. This may include the entire layout of religious observances, texts, and prayers. While they may retreat from these formal structures, they still seek a sense of guidance and comfort that a personal connection to God or a personal spirituality can provide. This belief serves as a personal crutch, a safety valve, a form of personal guidance that helps them navigate life's challenges. Their relationship with a personal god or spirituality is both harmless to themselves and to others, allowing them to maintain a sense of personal peace and purpose.