Of course you might be totally wrong. And if you say you are totally right then you are being dogmatic and doctrinal are you not?

To really KNOW God, is to have "ears to hear," and "eyes to see."  Even the most earnest layman can be a contemplative in his daily walk with Christ.   I, too, am a "seeker" after wisdom that comes from reading His Word and following His urges.

I have studied comparative religions, and find that an all-consuming PASSION to KNOW God is what drives me.  I have to confess here that I am bipolar, which explains the depth and breadth of my "contemplation" of God.  During a major breakdown, I was reading the Bible and taking it VERY literally.  My delusion was that I was living "like Christ" - in fact, "as" Christ.  This gave me a peace I haven't had since.  The doctors - in THEIR wisdom - chose to medicate me to bring me OUT of my delusion - as it was unacceptable behavior in the world.  But - while it lasted - I was IN TOUCH with the Heavens and led to believe that I had ALL the answers.

Being manic puts you in a whole NEW world of "contemplation."  I was "one with the Universe," and didn't want to leave.  I had two other breakdowns with the same delusion.  Thus, it makes me anxious to "go there" again.  However, I STILL read the Bible - though not as zealously as before.  I STILL have "urgings" that lead me to call someone, or go see them - at precisely the RIGHT time and place.  Even those without a mental aberration, can put themselves in the place of a "contemplative," and listen to God's word, and hear His word.  All you have to do is be OPEN to what you see and hear; it's not hard, or CRAZY, to feel this "one-ness" with God - all it takes is a willingness to understand the "secret" in the New Testament, that is embodied by Christ.  I wish you all a WONDERFUL journey into the depths of Christ's love for each and every person.  God bless  you real good.

Jun 8, 2009 -- 2:00AM, kurnell wrote:

I to,am a sufferer of mental illness.I read a good book on mental illness and mysticism."Dancing with God Through the Storm-Mysticism & Mental Illness" by Jennifer Elam. Published by Way Opens Press.

Jennifer is a Quaker and a therapist. She explores the thin line that divides mystical experience and psychosis, showing that it is not always so obvious.

I found it helpful and recommend it.

Peace

Jeffrey

  That does sound like an interesting book, indeed.  Obviously not everyone who thinks they are hearing from God is right.  Example...the guy who went into a church and shot and killed Dr. Tiller in cold blood.  And Andrea Yates....and others whose names I cannot remember.  They thought they were hearing from God...so that does beg the question....how do you know?  My personal touchstone is akin to WWJD.  If it isn't something that parallels the character and nature of Jesus (who is the expressed image of the invisible God) then chances are it is not God "talking to me."  But once you slip into psychosis even that touchstone might not be so clear cut.