Religion

concept: test of faith

Request: wondering at what level this paradigm is experienced as true, the idea that God tests us to see if we will believe in Him, even in bad circumstances. You see it a lot in Christian teachings as a way to explain the hardships and vicissitudes of life.

Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

"It reflects her thoughts, prayers and reported visions and conversations with Jesus on Divine Mercy" -- wikipedia.

surrendering one's life to Jesus Christ

Priority request: when I contemplate this, it brings peace.

Godliness and suffering, combined

The spiritual trap of thinking you're getting closer to God by suffering, such as by endless dark nights of the soul.

church bells ringing

By request.

wearing religious jewelry

Such as crosses, stars of David, etc.

Pali Canon (tripitaka)

The standard collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, as preserved in the Pāli language. It is the most complete extant early Buddhist canon — wikipedia.

T/F: Jesus can take one to enlightenment

Request: It would be comforting to know...

Prayer life Stink? A short guide on how to talk with God, not to God

YouTube video embedded.

T/F: everyone needs Jesus

Request: Perhaps the solution to most people’s problem may just be Jesus or an enlightened teacher.

Summa Theologica, by Thomas Aquinas

Request: Since he had a major effect on Catholicism, e.g. the fonts of morality, I figured his work would be of great value to calibrate.

Mary Magdalene

"She was mentioned by name twelve times in the canonical gospels, more than most of the apostles and more than any other woman in the gospels, other than Jesus's family" -- wikipedia.

SRF Self-Realization Fellowship

"A worldwide spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920 and legally incorporated as a non-profit religious organization in 1935, to serve as Yogananda's instrument for the preservation and worldwide dissemination of his writings and teachings, including Kriya Yoga" -- wikipedia.

T/F: Bible was edited multiple times particularly to remove mention of reincarnation

By request.

T/F: yoga (asanas, pranayama) opens the door to demonic spirits

A former ashram yoga teacher claims they do: "Even though most yoga advocates are deeply desirous of a true experience of the spiritual world, what actually happens is demonic deception and possession." By request.