ATW - Chat with Gil Hodges

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Melissa Lapin speaks with Gil Hodges about his spiritual journey from being a Seventh-day Adventist pastor to exploring a more expansive understanding of God and spirituality. Gil shares his experiences of questioning traditional beliefs, facing crises of faith, and ultimately embracing a more loving and inclusive view of God. He discusses the importance of letting go, flowing with life, and understanding the energy of God as love. The conversation delves into the deconstruction of faith and the quest for authenticity in one's spiritual journey. In this conversation, Gil Hodges and Melissa Lapin explore profound themes surrounding the nature of God, love, and the importance of free will. They discuss the concept of egregores and how collective energy influences our lives, emphasizing the necessity of self-love and meditation as tools for personal growth and connection. The dialogue culminates in the vision of building a community rooted in love and acceptance, where diverse perspectives can coexist harmoniously.

Takeaways

• Gil Hodges shares his journey from a Seventh-day Adventist pastor to a broader spiritual perspective.
• He emphasizes the importance of questioning traditional beliefs and doctrines.
• Gil discusses the concept of God as love and challenges the idea of eternal punishment.
• He reflects on his crises of faith and the transition away from the Adventist church.
• The conversation highlights the significance of letting go and flowing with life.
• Gil introduces the idea of Christ consciousness and the energy of God as love.
• He encourages listeners to meditate and tune into the frequency of God.
• The discussion touches on the importance of community and unconditional love.
• Gil advocates for a deconstruction of faith to understand God beyond religious confines.
• He concludes with the idea that everything God is, we are, as we are part of Him. God is everything and is infused with love.
• True love requires the freedom to choose.
• Evil exists because of the freedom to choose love.
• Our thoughts create our own hells or heavens.
• Meditation connects us to the heart of God.
• We must learn to love ourselves to love others.
• Egregores feed on our collective energy and division.
• Self-love is essential for personal transformation.
• Community can be built on love, joy, and peace.
• Diverse perspectives enrich our understanding of love.