Folks in todays world are up against alot of folks that claim to represent God and/or The Divine. And mostly they want/need your money or to become famous as a man/woman/person of God/The Divine, which still adds up to your money. And power!

In the US at this point in time, there is a Christian minster that is being investigated, that is telling others that, "What you give to God, He (God) will return to you ten or more fold what you give! And that you should morgage your house and your kids future and give that money to this minister and his wife so that God will bless you! Because they (this man and his wife) represent God.

All major religions in this world today are up against these kind of folks. "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!" What is interesting is that people are still interested in seeking the Divine, inspite of this mess.

One would think that anyone with any sense, by this time, would have given up.

So anyway guys, "How do we sort this mess out if we are still interested in exploring, "The Divine."" Who is real and who is not real and how do we tell who is real and who is not real? All input and possible clues to solving this delima are welcome in this topic!

Love!

john

Finding the divine isn't along a path of material things.  And one is supposed to find their own path there.  I would figure that the only way to go is to put all of that aside and find your own true way.  It is about you and the divine, not you the divine and the guy who wants you to give him money to be in someones good graces lol

For me, a Spiritual teacher, is one who empowers me to learn, grow, to help me know how to pursue my path.  One who helps me to find the path of love for myself.
We have several religious businesses in our area.  They are very political, they sell many books, at high prices, demand a great deal of the city and seem to be about power of the leader, bashing of others.  It is sad to see.  Their membership gives much money to them and some have even less than they did before they started supporting these businesses.
There are some religions in town who are very good at supporting the people who attend their churches, mosques, temples.  They are devoted to being of service and helping the people of their religion grow, rather than asking for help for the religion to grow.
I happen to be part of a religion that is not main stream.  I really honor and value the other religions.  I see myself and many others as Spiritual beings choosing a religion that best represents their Spiritual path.
I choose teachers who seem to be Spiritual beings who honor all the religious paths, even if they are of one particular religion.
I honor and enjoy the Dalai Lama.  He is so happy, he has a glow that even I can see.
I really enjoyed the last Pope.  He lived his beliefs so deeply and I felt that he would have accepted me as a Spiritual being.

When we learns how to listen there is, but One Voice and One Teacher through many vessels!

Agreed.