You need to read about sikhism - no heaven or hell or god Only EK Onkar - the primal energy of the universe The life force in everything. That is what we worship the one creator which has no shape. Sikhi puts you on a path of destroying your ego so you can awaken and learn the truth. Sikh people are the one you see that have long beards and tie a turban. You are not supposed to alter your outward appearance and just live with the way it is naturally.

In my opinion.. claiming that close personal relationship is just another virtue signal. Speaking/hearing from, even more so. Just seekers like the rest of us.

TLDR; I think God exists, but traditional Christian beliefs are looking at the universe through a keyhole. However, other Godless religions miss out on the relational side of a humble, divine creator. I grew up a Southern Baptist preachers kid. And I have never seen everything the same way as my family or church people. I’ve gone to non denominational as well as Pentecostal for awhile. My wife got into essential oils, became a doula, and got into the body healing trapped emotions. I have gone to counseling and learned about internal family systems. And most recently, I gotten into Silva Mind Control Method. Also, Dune has been very influential book shaping how I view reality. There is definitely a way the universe and energy interconnects. It’s not simplified by any religion, but each religion picks up on pieces of it. Healing is possible, telepathy is possible, manifesting is possible. But on the contrary, evil is present and affects people who search for it. It preys on fear and inadequacy. Even if you don’t believe in God, there are ways in which the universe works and responds… even at a subatomic scale. And it is much more intelligent than we give it credit for. Starting from a believing in God perspective, it’s hard for me to get to a place where I don’t believe. I’ve tested any theory, questioned everything… and what I’ve come away with is that because “perfect” isn’t how we want things to be doesnt mean there is a some bigger picture that we only get a fraction of. I also subscribe to an all powerful God having nearly infinite universes of every kind you can and cant think of. Because… God.

TLDR; I think God exists, but traditional Christian beliefs are looking at the universe through a keyhole. However, other Godless religions miss out on the relational side of a humble, divine creator. I grew up a Southern Baptist preachers kid. And I have never seen everything the same way as my family or church people. I’ve gone to non denominational as well as Pentecostal for awhile. My wife got into essential oils, became a doula, and got into the body healing trapped emotions. I have gone to counseling and learned about internal family systems. And most recently, I gotten into Silva Mind Control Method. Also, Dune has been very influential book shaping how I view reality. There is definitely a way the universe and energy interconnects. It’s not simplified by any religion, but each religion picks up on pieces of it. Healing is possible, telepathy is possible, manifesting is possible. But on the contrary, evil is present and affects people who search for it. It preys on fear and inadequacy. Even if you don’t believe in God, there are ways in which the universe works and responds… even at a subatomic scale. And it is much more intelligent than we give it credit for. Starting from a believing in God perspective, it’s hard for me to get to a place where I don’t believe. I’ve tested any theory, questioned everything… and what I’ve come away with is that because “perfect” isn’t how we want things to be doesnt mean there is a some bigger picture that we only get a fraction of. I also subscribe to an all powerful God having nearly infinite universes of every kind you can and cant think of. Because… God.

I know many intelligent Christians who debate theology and apologetics from first principals. Some of my favorites are some of the Lutheran guys involved in the 1517 project. Being a Christian isn't about talking to Jesus and hearing voices in your head. It's about is the Bible true yes or no? Did this really happen? Did Christ really die and live again just to pay for my sin..... The Bible is a wonder, it's mere existence is a signal by itself.....

It sounds like we've had some similar mind expansion experiences. I found that faith only works when I lean into it. Any amount of resistance can get in the way of the connection. Alcohol also shuts off the spiritual wifi. The whole process for me was about suddender. Ultimately Buddhist concepts (releasing attachment, integrating shadow) are what caused me to open to Christ (during a deep psychedelic experience). It's been a wild ride, but I'm infinitely grateful. The primary key I had to start with was Christ ≠ Christianity 🙏