“God is within us all; He made us in his image. This does not mean we look like him, this means we are Him. Who is to say He did not create all the myths? Who is to say His name can’t all the names? Who is to say He can only be from […]

“We were raised Catholic, but I was never sure how we could belong to something that did nothing to provide for us. Through years of soul-searching, I found that God was everywhere. God was NOT about a church or a sanction; God was about trying to be a good person everyday.
I grew up in a […]

I experienced a spritual awakening about six years ago. It transformed my life and how I see the world. It filled me with a joy that nothing could diminish.
I know that god exists because I know what I am. Once you know that “the father and we are one” you know that the […]

Spiritual Surprise? “Occasionally I know things that others don’t.”
“I was raised Catholic, lapsed in my teens and early twenties, then came back to the Church because I read that many Catholics didn’t believe in the Real Presence. I didn’t understand what that meant, so I set out to find out. I’ve been told ‘never […]

I know Hashem exists because I survived toxic goiter that was supposed to kill me. Doctors did nothing; I had to beat it out.
I was Xian, and knew it was all wrong. When I converted to Judaism, it felt right. It’s ironic that I conceived my son only days after conversion.
JAC, 33/F, Chicago, Jewish

PROFILE:
I […]

Spiritual surprise? “Most people see me as a tough, hard-nosed person, but they don’t know how often I am enraptured by God.”
“I am a parishioner and church staff person. I believe in the Triune God. I believe in Heaven and Hell, but not in the clouds or brimstone versions. I pray nearly every hour, […]

“God relieves me of alcoholism and helps me with character defects daily. Living life the way I believe He would have me live life is 1000 times better than living it on my own.”
SRS, 37/M, Minneapolis, Episcopal, but not devout

PROFILE:
Services: weekly
Congregation: yes
Heaven/Hell/Reincarnation: no
Pray: twice a day
One true belief: no
Plan: yes

Is there a surprising aspect to your spirituality? “No, but there are some things that are personal and we are taught not to share since it is unique to us.”
“I know God exists because I know that there is a living Prophet today. I know that He loves and cares for us. I know that […]

“Heaven & Hell exist and are real places.
Jesus Christ said he was the Son of God, that he and the Father are one.  So, he was either a liar, a lunatic, or he was and is who he said he was.  Based on the archeological and historical evidence, I believe that the bible is true; […]

When I asked Jesus to be my savior, the feeling I received was indescribable, like God himself gave me a hug. Just utter peace.
AA, 33/F, New York, Born Again Christian

PROFILE:
I am a devout follower of my religion
Services: not often enough
Congregation: yes
Heaven/Hell/Reincarnation: yes/yes/no
Pray: daily
One true belief: yes
Plan: yes

“I can’t believe in the g-d I was raised to believe in; s/he just couldn’t be cruel enough to dose me with so much emotional pain early in life.”
What defined your religious beliefs? “Mental and emotional abuse by a stepmother who is devout Baptist.”
Surprise aspect of my beliefs? “I am superstitious. For example, I won’t […]

“I am certain God exists because I just am. There is no argument for faith. There is no one single experience that defines my beliefs; it’s like a strand of pearls on a necklace that gets added to and often and grows. Perhaps God has a plan for me, but I think […]

“I do not know how to identify myself. I just believe in God; somewhat Christian; AA spirituality. I go to Catholic Church for my kids, but have too many problems with the religion to get too involved. I am more into AA spirituality.”

I believe God exists. I do not have to call this higher power God - I choose to. God is in life, in others, in nature, in The Way.

I was raised to believe that Jesus died for my sins, and I choose to believe that. But my focus is on God and living a spiritual life, in my actions and connection to others and the world - not just heaven, but at each persons level.

“The human mind is limited. I believe that whatever exists is beyond our comprehension. I grew up with very little religion in my family, but had many friends who went to church regularly and believed things like, “the devil made me do it.” I never believed it, it seemed so silly to me. […]

“As a young boy, my father had a vision of Jesus after denying any belief in Him. My best mentor (not my dad) has a peace about him that is just unexplainable. I want to be like him; he points the way to Jesus.
I still resist God as God. I want to be “God” […]

“It would surprise people around me that: I find working with my hands to be as close to a spiritual experience as I will have.
I can’t be 100% sure [God does not exist], but there is enough evidence to suggest the universe simply exists without purpose and following a set of laws that can’t be […]