I've really enjoyed this series. Funnily enough, you do come of as a bit crazy to me—but the type of crazy I'm drawn to. Let me put it this way—I don't know if I'm the type of person to throw out clothes with synethic fibers or avoid floride, but I admire the person who does because you seem quite sure of yourself, so quick to trust your intuition of wrong and right. I find that quite often with people who engage with psychedelics—they all seem very comfortable with themselves.
Your case for religion also makes total sense to me! I'm an athiest and cannot convince myself to believe in God, but I've adopted buddhist beliefs in the last year and a half. I never thought I'd be a "We need more religion" person, but with each passing year I come to understand that everyone needs a guiding framework for life. I think people largely select a religion based on what they need, on what completes them and pulls their brain in the direction it needs to go to achieve balance. I think I needed Buddhism because I've always been very intellectual and disconnected from my body. It forces me to Meditate instead of ruminate. Other religions have slightly different methods that attract other personality types, but convey the same principles.
Funnily enough, I learned about Iain McGilchrist's work in a book called "No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology is Catching Up to Buddhism." You might like it!
Thanks for a good article, full of honesty and vulnerability. I appreciate the references to Robert A. Wilson's work -- sounds like it's worth checking out.
He had some weird ideas, lots of predictions that didn't work out, and honestly, my biggest takeaway from his books is that LSD can make people more than a little bit crazy (synthetic and semi-synthetic psychedelics seem to send people off into techno-utopian insanity). But very interesting from a historic perspective, good background on the 1960s and 1970s psychedelics scene.
Meghan, would you summarize for us how the mushrooms affect people at different doses? Kinda in a general way. I have been wondering if lower doses can be curative too. And how much is a microdose? I know people say that heroic doses begin at about 6 grams, but am unclear about the rest of it. Many thanks!
- It depends A LOT on the person and how healthy you are. I naturally had a fairly high tolerance from the beginning. If you haven't tried them before, start SMALL.
- Not all the magic mushrooms you can buy are the same strength -- so they can be unpredictable. 2 grams of really strong mushrooms can feel more like 4 grams of a weaker batch.
- If you have any stomach issues, they will probably make you sick. That's part of the healing process, but clean your bathroom really well first because you're probably going to spend a lot of time in there.
- Eat healthy (no processed foods, no alcohol, and a lot of people recommend avoiding hard to digest stuff like meat too -- look up the ayahuasca "dieta" and use as a guideline, but you don't have to do the whole thing) for a few days before doing a big dose.
- Mushrooms are best taken on an empty stomach, about 4-6 hours after you last ate.
Regarding dosing --
- A "microdose" is usually around 0.1 - 0.5 grams, depending on the person. Many people go to work on doses around 0.1 - 0.3 and find it increases energy and focus and boosts mood.
- You'll start to experience psychedelic effects over 0.5 grams, especially over 1 gram. Not recommended for work, but fine if you're hanging around the house and just need to do some housework or hang with family.
- Between 1.5 grams - 5 grams, lots of psychedelic effects.
- Over 5 grams is a "hero dose", you might experience an "ego death". Tends to be very intense.
People report mild benefits from low doses, usually taken frequently (tolerance builds fast so there's no point taking mushrooms every day, but micro-dosing 2-3 time per week can have some benefits).
However, if you're trying to heal a health issue, address a mental health problem, or treat an addiction, you probably need a higher dose -- closer to 5 grams. Setting is important, and there are other non-psychedelic plant medicines you can use to make the process more effective and easier (e.g. chamomile will calm you down, ginger will help nausea, turmeric and black pepper amplifies the anti-inflammatory benefits). Only do in a safe space, with healthy snacks available after you come down (chicken bone broth and fruit are good options). Ideally with someone you trust with you, or at the very least available to you after the trip to discuss.
Doses between 1 - 4 grams go well with walks in nature. Over 4 grams, you'll probably want to lie down so I recommend doing at home. Mushrooms increase sensitivity, so wear comfortable cotton clothing, play calming music, make sure the space is clean.
I chose to believe in God a long time ago. One of the best decisions I've ever made. I don't pretend to know what the ultimate reality is. But I do know that it's made my life immesurably better. :-)
I like Reason #2 as to why Judaism appeals...I agree. It is about following the Law rather than by birthright.
So much... Iain McGilchrist...want to read him.
My recommendation in this avenue is Julian Jaynes, The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind. He explores consciousness via the right / left hemispheres and he talks a lot about ancient Hebrew tribes in the days of when a supposed rewiring of the brain was happening to populations in the ancient world.
Early Consciousness was characterized by auditory hallucinations. Each home had its own idol.
Going back to the idea of pain in childbirth due to larger heads...I often wonder if there is a connection between cooked animal fat. When you read Exodus there is so much about burnt offerings, and eating animal fat ( certain pieces? All pieces) is forbidden.
It's as if eating cooked animal protein and fat expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden, but, once out, (once more conscious of having free will) the eating of cooked animals had to be tightly controlled.
Thank you for the recommendation! I just bought the audiobook so I'll give it a listen. Also an interesting point about animal fat -- though it's just mammals right? Fats from chicken, duck etc are kosher.
On that note, while I didn't include this, I really think Judaism needs to update the kosher rules. It's largely about staying healthy, right (e.g. dairy prevents iron absorption, so if you don't mix dairy and meat you'll have better iron levels), and it seems to me that there's a whole bunch of modern "food" products that should be added to the list of what's prohibited. We attend a conservative synagogue and a reform one (the latter has a great kids' program during the service), and the reform synagogue has goldfish crackers and Froot Loops in the kids' room! Also, a rabbi explained to me that food dyes from bugs are not kosher, but food dyes made from petroleum are? Absolute insanity.
This is such a monumental journey you are on. Two things occurred to me to offer. One, I think of religion and spirituality this way: the first requires a “middle man” between you and the Divine, whereas the second is an opportunity for a direct connection, which personally is my preference.
Also, with respect to believing in God, I have certainly read things by seekers wondering why God doesn’t reveal itself or even demanding proof of God’s existence before they will believe. But I think we forget something that is important in all of this human experience and that is almost a prime directive: we have free will. That means we get to choose what we do or do not believe which then creates a unique experience for our time in the physical realm. If the existence of God or Unity or whatever we label that, was made known in unequivocal terms, that would in effect eliminate the beauty and necessity of free will and its offering of choice as we navigate a life here. Let’s face it - there is no way that we could ever “know” on a conceptual basis the ultimate truth about the universe and all of its mysteries. Certainly not by using our tiny toolkit of physical senses. Is it better to simply determine that we can never know such things while incarnate and instead spend our time here practicing kindness to everything and everyone we encounter on the trip, and learning how to choose love over fear in everything we do?
I agree! And the thing is, even if God appeared -- would we believe? Every time I saw "God" on magic mushrooms, in the moment I fully believed it was real and it was God. But when I sobered up, I began to doubt and entertain other explanations. Also, funnily enough, "God" has only appeared to me when I'm alone or the only person in the room who has taken mushrooms. The many times I've taken mushrooms in a group -- even though those were typically much higher doses -- "God" never appeared. I guess because if God did appear in those cases, I could ask other people if they saw God too. This way, it's on me to believe or not believe.
Wow, that was painful. I feel like I was put on a New Age roller coaster, but now you are taking Kabbalah classes? I am still praying for you Meghan.
You mentioned that the Christians that comment are steering you towards religion, I never mentioned that. I urged you to seek a relationship with Jesus and only Jesus. If you have doubts about Him ask Him to reveal Himself to you, you have nothing to lose. Christians do not "worship a book", we worship Jesus and we read the Bible because it teaches us His Way.
I hope you are serious about laying off the psychedelics, you have a responsibility to your children to stay sane and sober. Every time you do them you are opening doors that allow things in that endanger your soul.
You are correct about us humans having a connection to a higher being, we do and His name is Jesus. We have a hole in our hearts that only He can fill. Many who chase the agnostic/New Age religions will never be filled, because they all lead to hell, all while promising you peace and enlightenment. It is a carrot dangling always out of reach.
As for the Messiah who you say never came, He did and His name is Jesus. The Old Testament contains prophesy of Him and it is unmistakable. Jews will deny it and call us "idol worshippers" and such, but it is their own "religion" that keeps them ignorant. King David spoke of Him, Isaiah spoke of Him, Micah spoke of Him, Zechariah spoke of Him, and Malachi chapters 3 and 4 even speak of His second coming. That seems pretty obvious to me.
I hope you really think about what I have said Meghan, I say it because I care and every soul is important to the Lord.
What does "New Age" mean anyway? It seems like a catch-all slur for anyone trying to understand God and spirituality outside of Christianity, and who is interested in natural medicines. I write about being interested in converting to a faith that has been around twice as long as Christianity, using plant medicines that have been used for thousands of years (including, likely, by early Christians), and being interested in other ancient faiths (Indigenous & Hinduism, both which predate Christianity) and you call that "New Age"? It seems to me I'm interested in very old ideas.
On occasion, Jehovah's Witnesses come to our door. They also hang out outside the library near my home. I usually chat with them. I tell them I'm not interested in becoming a Jehovah's Witness, but that my family is Jewish, attends synagogue, and we believe in God, and they are so friendly. They tell me it's nice to talk to someone else who believes in God. I enjoy these conversations. I think we should be able to respect different religious beliefs, and recognize that there are different pathways to God. Jesus is but one.
The point about ardent Christians worshipping a book, not a God, is that literal Christianity -- taking the Bible literally -- is about the book, which was written by men, well after Jesus's death, mostly men who never met him. It was also written in translation -- originally in Greek, when Jesus would have spoken Hebrew and Aramaic, and taught in these in languages as well. The translation to Greek would have resulted in the loss and alterations of some of the meaning of Jesus's original words. The meaning would have been further distorted when the New Testament was translated in languages like German and English. Hebrew and Aramaic are very different languages, and there's wordplay in them that does not translate easily to languages which are read left to right (as opposed to right to left) and which use vowels (which Hebrew and Aramaic do not). Hebrew and Aramaic require more use of the right hemisphere of the brain to understand -- more context, more metaphor.
"New Age" thinking was actually started in the 70's. It was an eclectic and esoteric movement of different belief systems which included early occultism, theosophy, and spiritualism among other things. It also has a strong focus on alternative healing and the coming of the Age Of Aquarius. It is not grounded in any one religion.
I never said I do not respect other religions, I just said that Jesus Himself said that there is only one way to the Father, through Him. There are not "different pathways" to God.
Many religions have holy books, Muslims have the Koran, Jews have the Talmud and the Torah, and Mormons have the Book of Mormon. Do they also worship their books or is that accusation only reserved for Christians? The Bible was written by men but inspired by God and the Holy Spirit. The Book of Revelation was written by John through divine revelation from the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote books in the NT during his ministry after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
As for the translation issues, different languages do create some variations in meaning, despite these variations the core messages and teachings remain consistent in the different translations and doesn't change it's fundamental meaning.
It just seems to me that you are very lost, and I wish you success in your journey. Just know that Jesus is waiting for you and He will only come into your life if you invite Him, He gives you free will because he loves you so much.
I'm more familiar with Christianity than other religions, but I'd include anyone who takes a holy book literally in the charge that people are worshipping a book over a spirit.
In this essay, I addressed the issues of agnostic spiritualism and said that I wanted to root myself in a specific faith and tradition because I felt I still had a lot to learn. But I found that Judaism fit me better than Christianity. If you respect other religions, then what is the problem? I have no issue with Jesus -- I think he was probably a very good man, and his teachings clearly help a lot of people. But I don't think he was the messiah, because I take the metaphorical interpretation of the Messianic Age.
You quote Jesus, from the Bible, saying he was the only pathway to God. But what if this was a mistranslation, or context is missing, or even -- Jesus didn't actually say this? Or Jesus was simply incorrect, narcissistic? This is an example of worshipping the book, taking it literally. And I'd argue it's inherently disrespectful to other religions to claim that Jesus is the only pathway to God.
"Jesus" never existed. The letter J was invented sometimes in the 1500s. There was a Yehoshua, but never a Jesus. But since he was "God" such petty details as pronouncing and spelling his name right don't matter... Might as well call him Hank, and kiss his ass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDp7pkEcJVQ
Do Muslims take their holy book literally? How about Jews? Mormons? I guess they all just think of it as a teaching/history handed down through generations. One has to ask themselves, why is Christianity always attacked in this way? Are Jews accused of worshipping the Bible also? Or is because they only read the OT (Torah) that they are not accused of this? People really seem to be threatened by the NT for some reason.
I do respect other religions, that is why I wished you success in your journey. You say that Judaism is a good fit, but you disagree with the prophets of the Bible, so how is that going to work? That is unless you are going the route of the Kabbalah and the Talmud which seeks to destroy any belief in Jesus being the Messiah in a most vicious way.
He rose on the third day, which no one can explain, but is indeed a fact witnessed by many. Last I checked no one else did that, so I would assume that would be a good indicator of messiahship. No disrespect intended towards other religions, just truth.
Jesus does not require religion, He wants faith, and relationship first and foremost, so there is really no comparison.
In this I was less trying to ask "what is true" and "what do I believe" and more "what helps me" and "what belief system will guide me toward being a better person"? Choosing a faith is less about believing that Judaism is "correct" and more about wanting a community to talk about these ideas in, and wanting my children to grow up with a stronger sense of identity and connection to Spirit / God. I also don't think God is static -- but that God evolves along with us, fractally.
Conservative Judaism is very conformist and closed. Judaism is also remarkably user-hostile; if you don't read old Hebrew, you don't have access. At least this was true then. Christianity with its ease of study, its concordances and interlinked commentaries etc spoiled me...
I converted in 86. In a Reform shul. Did the mikveh and all...
I've really enjoyed this series. Funnily enough, you do come of as a bit crazy to me—but the type of crazy I'm drawn to. Let me put it this way—I don't know if I'm the type of person to throw out clothes with synethic fibers or avoid floride, but I admire the person who does because you seem quite sure of yourself, so quick to trust your intuition of wrong and right. I find that quite often with people who engage with psychedelics—they all seem very comfortable with themselves.
Your case for religion also makes total sense to me! I'm an athiest and cannot convince myself to believe in God, but I've adopted buddhist beliefs in the last year and a half. I never thought I'd be a "We need more religion" person, but with each passing year I come to understand that everyone needs a guiding framework for life. I think people largely select a religion based on what they need, on what completes them and pulls their brain in the direction it needs to go to achieve balance. I think I needed Buddhism because I've always been very intellectual and disconnected from my body. It forces me to Meditate instead of ruminate. Other religions have slightly different methods that attract other personality types, but convey the same principles.
Funnily enough, I learned about Iain McGilchrist's work in a book called "No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology is Catching Up to Buddhism." You might like it!
Thanks for the recommendation! I'll add it to my list
Thanks for a good article, full of honesty and vulnerability. I appreciate the references to Robert A. Wilson's work -- sounds like it's worth checking out.
He had some weird ideas, lots of predictions that didn't work out, and honestly, my biggest takeaway from his books is that LSD can make people more than a little bit crazy (synthetic and semi-synthetic psychedelics seem to send people off into techno-utopian insanity). But very interesting from a historic perspective, good background on the 1960s and 1970s psychedelics scene.
Meghan, would you summarize for us how the mushrooms affect people at different doses? Kinda in a general way. I have been wondering if lower doses can be curative too. And how much is a microdose? I know people say that heroic doses begin at about 6 grams, but am unclear about the rest of it. Many thanks!
A few things!
- It depends A LOT on the person and how healthy you are. I naturally had a fairly high tolerance from the beginning. If you haven't tried them before, start SMALL.
- Not all the magic mushrooms you can buy are the same strength -- so they can be unpredictable. 2 grams of really strong mushrooms can feel more like 4 grams of a weaker batch.
- If you have any stomach issues, they will probably make you sick. That's part of the healing process, but clean your bathroom really well first because you're probably going to spend a lot of time in there.
- Eat healthy (no processed foods, no alcohol, and a lot of people recommend avoiding hard to digest stuff like meat too -- look up the ayahuasca "dieta" and use as a guideline, but you don't have to do the whole thing) for a few days before doing a big dose.
- Mushrooms are best taken on an empty stomach, about 4-6 hours after you last ate.
Regarding dosing --
- A "microdose" is usually around 0.1 - 0.5 grams, depending on the person. Many people go to work on doses around 0.1 - 0.3 and find it increases energy and focus and boosts mood.
- You'll start to experience psychedelic effects over 0.5 grams, especially over 1 gram. Not recommended for work, but fine if you're hanging around the house and just need to do some housework or hang with family.
- Between 1.5 grams - 5 grams, lots of psychedelic effects.
- Over 5 grams is a "hero dose", you might experience an "ego death". Tends to be very intense.
People report mild benefits from low doses, usually taken frequently (tolerance builds fast so there's no point taking mushrooms every day, but micro-dosing 2-3 time per week can have some benefits).
However, if you're trying to heal a health issue, address a mental health problem, or treat an addiction, you probably need a higher dose -- closer to 5 grams. Setting is important, and there are other non-psychedelic plant medicines you can use to make the process more effective and easier (e.g. chamomile will calm you down, ginger will help nausea, turmeric and black pepper amplifies the anti-inflammatory benefits). Only do in a safe space, with healthy snacks available after you come down (chicken bone broth and fruit are good options). Ideally with someone you trust with you, or at the very least available to you after the trip to discuss.
Doses between 1 - 4 grams go well with walks in nature. Over 4 grams, you'll probably want to lie down so I recommend doing at home. Mushrooms increase sensitivity, so wear comfortable cotton clothing, play calming music, make sure the space is clean.
I chose to believe in God a long time ago. One of the best decisions I've ever made. I don't pretend to know what the ultimate reality is. But I do know that it's made my life immesurably better. :-)
Rooting for you, grrl!
So much great stuff in this essay.
I like Reason #2 as to why Judaism appeals...I agree. It is about following the Law rather than by birthright.
So much... Iain McGilchrist...want to read him.
My recommendation in this avenue is Julian Jaynes, The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind. He explores consciousness via the right / left hemispheres and he talks a lot about ancient Hebrew tribes in the days of when a supposed rewiring of the brain was happening to populations in the ancient world.
Early Consciousness was characterized by auditory hallucinations. Each home had its own idol.
Going back to the idea of pain in childbirth due to larger heads...I often wonder if there is a connection between cooked animal fat. When you read Exodus there is so much about burnt offerings, and eating animal fat ( certain pieces? All pieces) is forbidden.
It's as if eating cooked animal protein and fat expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden, but, once out, (once more conscious of having free will) the eating of cooked animals had to be tightly controlled.
Thank you for the recommendation! I just bought the audiobook so I'll give it a listen. Also an interesting point about animal fat -- though it's just mammals right? Fats from chicken, duck etc are kosher.
On that note, while I didn't include this, I really think Judaism needs to update the kosher rules. It's largely about staying healthy, right (e.g. dairy prevents iron absorption, so if you don't mix dairy and meat you'll have better iron levels), and it seems to me that there's a whole bunch of modern "food" products that should be added to the list of what's prohibited. We attend a conservative synagogue and a reform one (the latter has a great kids' program during the service), and the reform synagogue has goldfish crackers and Froot Loops in the kids' room! Also, a rabbi explained to me that food dyes from bugs are not kosher, but food dyes made from petroleum are? Absolute insanity.
Interesting about different fats and what is and isn't kosher.
Hope you like the book...lots food for thought.
Now I'm going to look for the Jaynes audiobook, too!
This is such a monumental journey you are on. Two things occurred to me to offer. One, I think of religion and spirituality this way: the first requires a “middle man” between you and the Divine, whereas the second is an opportunity for a direct connection, which personally is my preference.
Also, with respect to believing in God, I have certainly read things by seekers wondering why God doesn’t reveal itself or even demanding proof of God’s existence before they will believe. But I think we forget something that is important in all of this human experience and that is almost a prime directive: we have free will. That means we get to choose what we do or do not believe which then creates a unique experience for our time in the physical realm. If the existence of God or Unity or whatever we label that, was made known in unequivocal terms, that would in effect eliminate the beauty and necessity of free will and its offering of choice as we navigate a life here. Let’s face it - there is no way that we could ever “know” on a conceptual basis the ultimate truth about the universe and all of its mysteries. Certainly not by using our tiny toolkit of physical senses. Is it better to simply determine that we can never know such things while incarnate and instead spend our time here practicing kindness to everything and everyone we encounter on the trip, and learning how to choose love over fear in everything we do?
I agree! And the thing is, even if God appeared -- would we believe? Every time I saw "God" on magic mushrooms, in the moment I fully believed it was real and it was God. But when I sobered up, I began to doubt and entertain other explanations. Also, funnily enough, "God" has only appeared to me when I'm alone or the only person in the room who has taken mushrooms. The many times I've taken mushrooms in a group -- even though those were typically much higher doses -- "God" never appeared. I guess because if God did appear in those cases, I could ask other people if they saw God too. This way, it's on me to believe or not believe.
dogshit
Which part?
Wow, that was painful. I feel like I was put on a New Age roller coaster, but now you are taking Kabbalah classes? I am still praying for you Meghan.
You mentioned that the Christians that comment are steering you towards religion, I never mentioned that. I urged you to seek a relationship with Jesus and only Jesus. If you have doubts about Him ask Him to reveal Himself to you, you have nothing to lose. Christians do not "worship a book", we worship Jesus and we read the Bible because it teaches us His Way.
I hope you are serious about laying off the psychedelics, you have a responsibility to your children to stay sane and sober. Every time you do them you are opening doors that allow things in that endanger your soul.
You are correct about us humans having a connection to a higher being, we do and His name is Jesus. We have a hole in our hearts that only He can fill. Many who chase the agnostic/New Age religions will never be filled, because they all lead to hell, all while promising you peace and enlightenment. It is a carrot dangling always out of reach.
As for the Messiah who you say never came, He did and His name is Jesus. The Old Testament contains prophesy of Him and it is unmistakable. Jews will deny it and call us "idol worshippers" and such, but it is their own "religion" that keeps them ignorant. King David spoke of Him, Isaiah spoke of Him, Micah spoke of Him, Zechariah spoke of Him, and Malachi chapters 3 and 4 even speak of His second coming. That seems pretty obvious to me.
I hope you really think about what I have said Meghan, I say it because I care and every soul is important to the Lord.
What does "New Age" mean anyway? It seems like a catch-all slur for anyone trying to understand God and spirituality outside of Christianity, and who is interested in natural medicines. I write about being interested in converting to a faith that has been around twice as long as Christianity, using plant medicines that have been used for thousands of years (including, likely, by early Christians), and being interested in other ancient faiths (Indigenous & Hinduism, both which predate Christianity) and you call that "New Age"? It seems to me I'm interested in very old ideas.
On occasion, Jehovah's Witnesses come to our door. They also hang out outside the library near my home. I usually chat with them. I tell them I'm not interested in becoming a Jehovah's Witness, but that my family is Jewish, attends synagogue, and we believe in God, and they are so friendly. They tell me it's nice to talk to someone else who believes in God. I enjoy these conversations. I think we should be able to respect different religious beliefs, and recognize that there are different pathways to God. Jesus is but one.
The point about ardent Christians worshipping a book, not a God, is that literal Christianity -- taking the Bible literally -- is about the book, which was written by men, well after Jesus's death, mostly men who never met him. It was also written in translation -- originally in Greek, when Jesus would have spoken Hebrew and Aramaic, and taught in these in languages as well. The translation to Greek would have resulted in the loss and alterations of some of the meaning of Jesus's original words. The meaning would have been further distorted when the New Testament was translated in languages like German and English. Hebrew and Aramaic are very different languages, and there's wordplay in them that does not translate easily to languages which are read left to right (as opposed to right to left) and which use vowels (which Hebrew and Aramaic do not). Hebrew and Aramaic require more use of the right hemisphere of the brain to understand -- more context, more metaphor.
"New Age" thinking was actually started in the 70's. It was an eclectic and esoteric movement of different belief systems which included early occultism, theosophy, and spiritualism among other things. It also has a strong focus on alternative healing and the coming of the Age Of Aquarius. It is not grounded in any one religion.
I never said I do not respect other religions, I just said that Jesus Himself said that there is only one way to the Father, through Him. There are not "different pathways" to God.
Many religions have holy books, Muslims have the Koran, Jews have the Talmud and the Torah, and Mormons have the Book of Mormon. Do they also worship their books or is that accusation only reserved for Christians? The Bible was written by men but inspired by God and the Holy Spirit. The Book of Revelation was written by John through divine revelation from the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote books in the NT during his ministry after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
As for the translation issues, different languages do create some variations in meaning, despite these variations the core messages and teachings remain consistent in the different translations and doesn't change it's fundamental meaning.
It just seems to me that you are very lost, and I wish you success in your journey. Just know that Jesus is waiting for you and He will only come into your life if you invite Him, He gives you free will because he loves you so much.
I'm more familiar with Christianity than other religions, but I'd include anyone who takes a holy book literally in the charge that people are worshipping a book over a spirit.
In this essay, I addressed the issues of agnostic spiritualism and said that I wanted to root myself in a specific faith and tradition because I felt I still had a lot to learn. But I found that Judaism fit me better than Christianity. If you respect other religions, then what is the problem? I have no issue with Jesus -- I think he was probably a very good man, and his teachings clearly help a lot of people. But I don't think he was the messiah, because I take the metaphorical interpretation of the Messianic Age.
You quote Jesus, from the Bible, saying he was the only pathway to God. But what if this was a mistranslation, or context is missing, or even -- Jesus didn't actually say this? Or Jesus was simply incorrect, narcissistic? This is an example of worshipping the book, taking it literally. And I'd argue it's inherently disrespectful to other religions to claim that Jesus is the only pathway to God.
"Jesus" never existed. The letter J was invented sometimes in the 1500s. There was a Yehoshua, but never a Jesus. But since he was "God" such petty details as pronouncing and spelling his name right don't matter... Might as well call him Hank, and kiss his ass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDp7pkEcJVQ
He has many names and knows them all, however I don't think "Hank" is one of them.
Do Muslims take their holy book literally? How about Jews? Mormons? I guess they all just think of it as a teaching/history handed down through generations. One has to ask themselves, why is Christianity always attacked in this way? Are Jews accused of worshipping the Bible also? Or is because they only read the OT (Torah) that they are not accused of this? People really seem to be threatened by the NT for some reason.
I do respect other religions, that is why I wished you success in your journey. You say that Judaism is a good fit, but you disagree with the prophets of the Bible, so how is that going to work? That is unless you are going the route of the Kabbalah and the Talmud which seeks to destroy any belief in Jesus being the Messiah in a most vicious way.
He rose on the third day, which no one can explain, but is indeed a fact witnessed by many. Last I checked no one else did that, so I would assume that would be a good indicator of messiahship. No disrespect intended towards other religions, just truth.
Jesus does not require religion, He wants faith, and relationship first and foremost, so there is really no comparison.
Wow. That was passive aggressive. I feel like I put on a covert abuser's roller-coaster... etc.
Why?
I don't know why you are like that. You'll have to ask your parents.
And I didn't call anyone "ignorant", so don't put words in my mouth.
No answer, typical.
It's henotheistic! Devotion to one god / belief in a Great God or Great Spirit that's everywhere, while still believing in lesser gods and spirits.
I guess it depends on how you look at it. But one of the things I like about Judaism is that proselytizing is not allowed.
In this I was less trying to ask "what is true" and "what do I believe" and more "what helps me" and "what belief system will guide me toward being a better person"? Choosing a faith is less about believing that Judaism is "correct" and more about wanting a community to talk about these ideas in, and wanting my children to grow up with a stronger sense of identity and connection to Spirit / God. I also don't think God is static -- but that God evolves along with us, fractally.
Conservative Judaism is very conformist and closed. Judaism is also remarkably user-hostile; if you don't read old Hebrew, you don't have access. At least this was true then. Christianity with its ease of study, its concordances and interlinked commentaries etc spoiled me...
I converted in 86. In a Reform shul. Did the mikveh and all...