“Mankind can never discover divinity except through the avenue of religious experience and by the exercise of true faith.” 101:10.4 (1116.5)
Throughout history, humanity has searched for God through philosophy, science, reason, and observation. These pursuits have contributed greatly to our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Yet no amount of external investigation can fully reveal the reality of divinity. The deepest truths about God belong to a realm that transcends mere intellectual inquiry, requiring a more personal and experiential approach.
Religious experience provides this avenue of discovery. It is through the inner life—through worship, prayer, spiritual insight, moral growth, and the sincere search for truth—that individuals begin to encounter the reality of the divine. Such experiences are often subtle rather than dramatic, appearing as moments of profound peace, conviction, guidance, love, or purpose. Over time, these experiences build a foundation of spiritual certainty that no external argument can fully provide.
Faith is the bridge that makes this discovery possible. True faith is not blind belief but the courageous willingness to trust spiritual realities before they can be fully understood. As faith grows through experience, the individual moves beyond merely believing in God to personally knowing God. In this way, divinity ceases to be an abstract concept and becomes a living reality within the human soul.