Let's Talk Religion

Why do religions begin and why are people religious? Theologian Rudolf Otto proposed that the origin of religion lies in the spiritual experiences that one person has. This person then becomes the founder of a religion based on such experience and any revealed knowledge that might come with it.  Other people might have then followed what that one person did  and thus have their own  experiences... In fact, in every generation, in every religion, it seems there are  people who do  have religious/spiritual experiences following one or another religion and then inspire other people through the knowledge or even miracles that occur as a result of these experiences. Mind you, these people might be in the minority (especially in the general public). But, at least amongst people who do  follow and practice a religion, they do  witness people who have had these experiences and some may even have such experience themselves. But I can see how it would be difficu...

What is a spiritual experience and what might cause such? Manifestations of the Spirit: Psychomotor responses : uncontrolled movement ( being slain in the spirit ) Speaking in tongues ( glossolalia ) Visions and voices : seeing and hearing things beyond scope of the physical senses (visions of Mary) Miracles Feelings of ecstas y, “peak” experiences Feelings of peace and well-being Kinds of Spiritual Experience:  Confirming : an undeniable “knowing” that what one believes is true Possession : being overtaken by a spiritual power (e.g. channeling , being “slain in the spirit”) Saving : deliverance from affliction or sense of wholeness Commissioning : being charged by the holy to accomplish a task, being given a mission Mystical : sense of being one with the holy Mysticism is the direct, inner experience of the One, All-Pervading, and Supreme Reality Mystical experience can be… Introvertive or Extravertive ( nature mysticism ) Theistic or non-theistic Spontaneous or induced (e.g....

I had my first truly mystical experience when I was a junior in college. I recognized it as God's revelation of himself to me, making his presence known in my life. I was deeply depressed. I roomed alone (by desire). My few friends rarely visited me. I did not party or play loud music. And there I was on a Saturday night in the dorm with a "mixer" (dance) going on downstairs and a loud party going on in a room down the hall and I was locked behind my door feeling sorry for myself and angry that others were having fun while I was feeling left out, even though that type of fun was not the something I enjoyed. "What's the point?" I asked to no one in particular. "Why do I even continue to live?" My deep depression was leading me to suicidal thoughts. In an instant, I had my answer. A thought occurred to me: "I'm OK just the way I am. I do not have to be like everyone else." A great sense of inner peace and joy came over me and washed my ...