Dear G.,

Thank you for a highly engaging question and one which I'm certain many people share. And, yes, it makes perfect sense to me.

First of all, Humanism and religious practice are not mutually exclusive. For example, I define myself as a Progressive Christian Humanist. Second, if you think about it, everyone is an Agnostic to one degree or another, as Agnosticism simply means that one believes the existence of "God" is impossible to prove (and it is…Christians for example will tell you that one walks by faith not by sight). Third, you are correct in your belief that "holy" books were written by men (remember, women were thought not fit to educate at the times when most "holy" books were written), and yes, they were often misused by those in power to control the masses.

Perhaps you might try a different angle of vision and transcend the abuses of power by ignorant men/women, thereby allowing yourself to pay attention to the message of the "holy" books, rather than how they have been abused and corrupted. Reading the Bible in this way works very well for me.

Finally, you DO believe in something: "the spirit and inherent goodness of all human beings". That says quite a bit about you. As far as the existence of "Hell" goes, ultimately only you can answer that question. I will, however, point you to two references which you may find interesting:

• The Anchor Bible Dictionary has an outstanding entry on "Hades, Hell" and how those terms and concepts crept into the Judeo-Christian tradition. This series is expensive and worthwhile for the serious scholar, but for others the library should also have it available. Amazon.com offers a number of good Bible dictionaries in a range of prices, all of which have entries on "Hell".
• The recently published New York Times Bestseller, 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese.

These two references will give you more information, as well as illustrate competing viewpoints. After all, one can only make an informed decision after gathering as many facts as possible.

Thanks again for your question, G.

Be at peace and all the best on your Journey. Gavin

• Hello,
  I feel like I have digressed in my positive thought process, my integrity, and connectedness. I felt so high a couple of years ago. I was at a point that I thought I would never again question life, love, and the whole "human thing". I still have the same general beliefs, but I have been making poor decisions, feel depressed, and been "out of control". People could always count on me to be a positive role model, to think clearly, and be open and honest. My question is how do you reach and maintain consciousness, the "knowing" that we are all connected and things happen for a reason?

  A.

Dear A.,

Point #1: Feelings aren't facts. In other words, you may FEEL as if you've digressed, but that's not necessarily true. Ralph Blum, in his seminal work, Book of Runes, makes reference to "the winter of the spiritual life", "the ebb and flow of the spiritual life", and reminds us that "in the spiritual life, one is always at the beginning".

From my perspective, I am very happy that you've moved away from a place of "never" questioning life, love and the whole "human thing", because were you to stay in that place, your future growth would at best be stunted, at worst, not happen at all.

Do you have a daily spiritual practice/regimen that helps keep you connected even when you don't feel connected (e.g., prayer, meditation, devotional reading, ritual, oracles, etc.)? Personally, I've come to welcome the times when I feel spiritually "out of gas", for it is often then that I am the most teachable and humble.

I don't believe you've lost your consciousness; it may just have fallen asleep for a bit and needs a jolt to wake it up. Reaching and maintaining consciousness are choices. Ditto the "knowing" that we are all connected and that things happen for a reason. You either accept those premises or you don't. One choice leads to peace, the other to disconnectedness. I'm reminded of a quote from Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth: Awakening to your Life's Purpose. It is as follows:

"Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment."

Keep asking the tough questions and thanks for writing. Peace. Gavin

• Blessings,

  Can it be possible that all religions have it wrong? Where can I find information on the different masters that have lived in this plane, like Jesus did prior to his ascension?

  S. Leon
  Sunrise, FL.

Dear S.,

Blessings to you too. "Can it be possible that all religions have it wrong?" begs the question: What is "it"? If you'd like to rethink your question a bit and then resubmit it, I'd be happy to tackle that portion of it.

As far as information on the different Masters or Way Showers who have lived on this plane, the Internet is your best research tool. Do a search on "Ascended Masters", or "Founders of Religions", or simply "spiritual masters". I think you'll be amazed at what comes up. With regard to Jesus specifically, I think you'd enjoy reading John Shelby Spong's, Jesus for the Non Religious.

Thanks for writing. All the best to you, Gavin