Formative Religious Experience

Again and again, I experienced that sense of oneness in direct contact with the natural world.

A 19th Century Decision Resonates Still

"Formative" experiences--especially those that involve coming to (or abandoning) faith--are not always confined to the person directly involved. They can ripple outward to affect family, friends, strangers--even those yet to be born.

A Simple Prayer, A Radical Idea

I was not expecting the soul-shaking feeling I had when I heard the words of the Sh'ma--the ancient Jewish prayer asserting monotheism over all other religious choices.

An Experience of Grace in Nature

On that beach, I experienced some all-encompassing source of love, a power that pervaded the universe with compassion.

A Moment in Madison Square Garden

Surrounded by thousands of people, I felt that I was alone in the presence of the Eternal

Selfless Consciousness Without Faith

I believe that most people are interested in spiritual life, whether they realize it or not...On the question of how to be most happy, the contemplative life has some important insights to offer.

My Father, A Rabbi With His People

Only congregational clergy interact with someone from birth to death, in good times and bad...What a magnificent calling!

A Questioning, Critical Perspective Makes Religion More Relevant

Religion is related to reality, and therefore provokes questions

A Labyrinth and A Way Out

A labyrinth and meditation offered clarity and renewal in a trying time -- and perhaps something more.

A Life Changed By Truth In Louisiana In 1937

Shaken from center to circumference in my whole being, I felt led to become the Lord’s lawyer

Near Death As A Child, I Learned Trust in God

I can’t explain it adequately but a wonderful calm descended over me.

Mystical Experiences of God

For a minute or two (and once for the better part of an hour), what I was seeing looked very different–as if there were a radiance shining through everything.

The Best Game in Town

At the age of 15 God seemed to me to have the most exciting game in town.

Memories of a Skeptical Girlhood

My first serious memories about religion date from the period when I, already a religious skeptic, began reading the Bible.

Conversion on Palm Sunday, 1953

My life changed at that moment, and I have had a personal relationship with Jesus from that day forward.

Dying Strangers Lifted Me Up

Instead of dread, we found hope

Inspiration Found In Guided Retreat of Jesuits' Founder

I came to a better knowledge of myself and came to accept myself as a loved sinner.

Career Setback Led to Spiritual Growth

Experiencing God's love and grace in a way impossible with material things

The Long, Dark Night of the Soul

It seemed dishonest to go forward with ordination when my prayer life was in shambles.

A Grandmother's Last Lesson

She was very clear that she was going to meet her maker, and that she felt calm and resolute.

Most Important Religious Experience Is Life-Long

My formative religious experience was confronting each of these prejudices and overcoming them.

Dance Of The Fishes

"Dance of the fishes" was my first encounter with sacred patterns