Did God Just Talk to Me?
Shortly after my 22nd birthday, I had a mystical experience. I had actually had several of them over the years, but this was the only one involving direct communication with God. When I came out of the experience I was flabbergasted! What just happened? It took me years to process the event, and I still find myself discovering new layers of meaning.
Fast forward 37 years later, and I am now an Episcopal Priest who finds that these sorts of experiences also happen to many people in the pews. In fact, they happen to people all over the world, from all religious backgrounds, or none at all, and all of us are trying to makes sense of the transcendent in a world which is firmly rooted in the physical. We inhabit a post-enlightenment Western world in which science has convinced many of us that only that which is tangible is real. For those of us who have had distinctly NON-tangible experiences, which are more real than real, we are left with no guide to make sense of these events. Even churches are often not helpful because we too are products of our society, either finding transcendent experiences works of the devil, or assuming miracles stopped happening 2,000 years ago, or perhaps believe the miracles of scripture are simply mistaken stories created by a more primitive people.
I found myself over the years getting involved with the International Association of Near-Death Studies, a place where I could safely share my experiences and learn from others. I eventually became the founder and facilitator for their Christian Sharing Group, and their Christian Clergy Support Group. I am humbled by the stories and insight that is shared by these brave souls.
I decided to start this Substack newsletter to explore the meaning of mystical experiences in light of the Jesus story and message. To consider the theology of some churches and where they help or hinder the wisdom of experiences. And where the insight of mystical experiences may help us more deeply understand the Good News of Jesus.
I expect to post once a week, on Tuesdays. All subscriptions are free. If you know of someone who you think would be interested in this newsletter, please pass it on.
This I know for sure: regardless of your religion, or lack of religion, or ethnicity, or socio-economic background, or gender, or who you love, or whatever mistakes you have made in your life, you are profoundly precious to, and loved by, God. No exceptions.