Hello Dana,

First a big smile and hello :-)

I loved what you said about your own perceptions and beliefs. I think you have a good understanding and yearning for finding out and experiencing the truth. Which is basically the core concept to Gnosis.

There have been many people through the ages that have had a direct understanding of Truth and have conveyed that through writings and teachings. This information was usually given in a way that was relevant to the time and place and much of the esoteric(secret) wisdom was hidden within its symbolic structure.

Unfortunately over time the secrets of these teachings became obscured and the foundation of this knowledge became the many types of religions we see today.

The Christian religion is just one example of this and is talked about as some of its teachings can be still be 'uncovered' if one is working seriously to know and understand such things.

Today though such teachings have been given in a literal and direct format so that those who desire can put these things into practice and find out for themselves without the element of confusion.

So there is no need for you to become Chirstian so to speak if you really want to investigate the mysteries of such things, just stick to the straightforward courses that are given here and work hard in the aspects that is taught. Over time you will find your understanding will grow as will mystical experiences. Then you will have a better idea of how everything fits together and why Christian references are made not by what you are told but by what you know.

I too had a major aversion to all religious faiths when I came here, especially Christian as that was what I was raised as. All I could see of them were these evil and corrupt institutions that through the ages had committed many crimes. This stirred a lot of hate in me which I am so glad didn't avert me from looking into what I found on this site.

I find the teachings here to not be religious in any way just ultimately spiritual in every way.

All the best Dana. I know thats a long post so sorry about that. Hopefully I have answered your question and cleared up some confusion. I am sure that someone else will post something up which will be much shorter and much clearer- as often happens, lol.

Take Care.

Hi Adam,

I appreciate the long post, so don't apologize. Thanks so much for explaining. I will continue ever onward in my spiritual quest, and see what i discover through my own explorations, and with guidance from the courses on this site. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm hoping to take the astral course in person at the Berkeley center. I emailed regarding the class that starts in January, so hopefully I can get in. If not, I'll do the online course since I'm reading the book anyway.

I do have an intense aversion to Christianity due to my own upbringing, getting dragged off to church every Sunday, and then having family and people I meet thereafter contradict the teachings with a lot of judgments and stereotypes. The narrow thinking makes me nuts, but I'm also struggling with realizing the extent of my own judgments on people, particularly Christians;-) That is something I have to work on as well!

Thanks!!!

~ Dana

Hey Dana,

I understand what you mean about those who talk the talk but don't put it into action and actually walk it. Also to the working on the judgment of those that judge....lol. Thats really great though you managed to see that. Its hard to look within and see such things without bias or excuse.
Taking the courses in person at a Centre is ultimately the best way to go. The Berkeley Centre I am sure will love to have you there and I am sure you will get a lot out of meeting and talking with them.
I was blown away the first time I went to a Centre the people there seemed really genuine and the place itself felt quite special. I hope you get the same impressions.
All the best with your investigations until then Dana.

Hi Dana,

Thank you for sharing your present perspective on Christianity and thank you Adam for answering with yours.

All I want to say is, lets keep on looking deeper into our selves and into the world around us, it is all there, we just need to look better for any confusion to disslove.

I wish us all to see things as they are, and not like we think they are.