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Faith

Has God Ever Spoken to You Directly? TheBlaze Wants to Know About Your Most Intensely-Religious Experiences

Jan. 16, 2013 9:43am Billy Hallowell

If God Speaks to You Directly, Are You Considered Crazy? | Poll

Photo Credit: AP

If you hear God speak audibly, does that mean that you’ve gone insane — or, at the least, that you’re in the process of completely losing your marbles?

This is the very question that Tanya Marie Luhrmann, a psychological anthropologist at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., asked in a CNN opinion piece last month. The academic’s answer? Typically, an individual who reports God speaking directly is not crazy.

TheBlaze has organized a special poll to ask about any intriguing interactions you have had with a higher power. While some readers may believe that direct connection between God and man is possible, others will likely dismiss such a notion. Regardless, the poll (at the bottom of this article) is intended to understand whether or not you’ve experienced these interactions, while gauging your opinion on the matter.

Many people, including some Christians, might scoff at the idea of hearing a literal voice that is attributable to a higher power, but experts like Lurhmann argue that the phenomenon is not entirely rare. Certainly Biblical scriptures document it, but the professor notes that people in contemporary society also report hearing back from God — and, yes, sometimes even in an audible fashion.

“Hearing a voice when alone, or seeing something no one else can see, is pretty common,” Luhrmann writes. “At least one in 10 people will say they’ve had such an experience if you ask them bluntly. About four in 10 say they have unusual perceptual experiences between sleep and awareness if you interview them about their sleeping habits.”

Luhrmann further explained this dynamic, nothing the differences between those who are crazy and, as a result, hear voices — and those who claim to hear God directly speaking to them:

And if you ask them in a way that allows them to admit they made a mistake, the rate climbs even higher. By contrast, schizophrenia, the most debilitating of all mental disorders, is pretty rare. Only about one in 100 people can be diagnosed with the disorder.

Moreover, the patterns are quite distinct. People with schizophrenia who hear voices hear them frequently. They often hear them throughout the day, sometimes like a rain of sound, or a relentless hammer. They hear not only sentences, but paragraphs: words upon words upon words. What the voices say is horrid—insults, sneers and contemptuous jibes. “Dirty. You’re dirty.” … “You should’ve gone under the bus, not into it.”

That was not what Abraham, Moses and Job experienced, even when God was at his most fierce.

As an anthropologist and psychologist, Luhrmann has studied evangelicals (read more about her work here) who report having exchanges with God. While some hear God through images they see through prayer or messages in their minds, she claims that others actually report feeling the Lord touch their shoulder or speak aloud to them (usually very brief experiences).

Photo Credit: AP

The researcher even cited a 1999 Gallup poll that found that 23 percent of Americans had heard a voice or seen a vision in response to prayer — a proportion that may even the most skeptical to wonder if there is some truth to the claims. NPR adds more about similar research and polling results — one of the studies was actually conducted by Luhrmann:

Poll numbers show that more Americans are experiencing God through personal relationships. The Pew Foundation found that nearly a quarter of Americans are what they call “renewalist” Christians, which means they have an interactive sense of God’s presence. Another study cited by Luhrmann found that 26 percent of all Americans say they have been given a direct revelation from God.

Mental illness, despite what some critics might allege, is not the motivating factor among those who report hearing from God, as Luhrmann has apparently checked individuals to ensure that they are not suffering from emotional ailments. She wrote, though, that those who use their imagination while they pray and those who pray for longer periods of time are most likely to have such an experience.

So — what do you think? Is the notion of experiencing or hearing from God a silly one — or a reality? Have you ever experienced it? Take the poll, below, and let us know your views on a variety of issues associated with this fascinating issue:

Experiencing God

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Comments (305)

Jezreel
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:31am
I have miraculous manifestations of the Lord Jeshua in my life all the time because of being his child and faith. Even down to simple things like when I pray before I leave the house in the car, when I ask God to bring him home safe. The Lord never leads you into sin. He never contradicts his word or his commandments.

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Everlovinmom
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:29am
After my husband had a very bad accident, I was leaving the hospital main door when a hand took my shoulder, stopped me, & turned me around. The man said, “He’s going to be alright. God knows all about it. I just need you to know he’s going to be alright.” Currently we’re going through some awful times, a book-of-Job type situation that we don’t understand at all. A cashier in Walmart (without any more than a “Hi” from us) told us that God knows our situation & is taking care of us. A man sitting at a table in McDonald’s stopped me & told me to keep trusting & praying. God knows what we’re going through. A cashier at Home Depot opened up his line & waved me in. He turned off his light right after we were done and took me aside. “God knows where He’s taking you. Keep praying & obeying. Trust Him to know what He’s doing.” All four were dark-skinned, middle aged, graying, slightly pudgy, & wearing wonderfully quirky hats (except the Walmart cashier). God’s messengers? YES!

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Juniemoon
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:28am
Yes, he’s given me 3 dreams, one a warning of my sister dying 2 wks before it happened. One was for me on a personal level to move me on a different path and another to reveal something about someone that had me troubled. Once after a fast, the issue I was fasting about came to a head and I felt the anointing of God cover me when the problem arose again, it felt like oil was being poured over my head and ran down and covered me to the souls of my feet, I felt it on the inside. I felt like David when God anointed him and Samuel poured oil over his head, I know that’s how it felt and I will never forget that feeling, was like a spiritual pepto bismal running through my body. Calm and soothing.
I hear his quiet still voice at times. I’m filled with the Holy Spirit w/evidence of tongues, he dwells inside me, why would I not hear him? If you haven’t been filled with his Spirit with evidence of it as it is written in the bible, you better get that way.
I feel for some of you, God is real and he is not a Universal God like Glenn believes he is. He gave us the path to take, he laid it out, he sent one man to save us and that one man taught it. He said it was finished, and Joseph Smith was not a prophet, he was not sent by God. God’s prophets all taught the ways of the Torah, stop letting church tradition and man made religion prevent you from getting what God wants you to have, the truth and it will set you free.

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patriotj
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:27am
I believe that God does speak to some people in various ways. Sometimes it is audible and sometimes it is just a feeling while at other times it is a physical sensation. For me personally, no, God has never spoken to me. I am one of those people that is completely unworthy of God speaking to me.

I also don’t think that we are all here for a purpose. If I thought God could make mistakes then He would have made a number of mistakes. However, since God cannot make mistakes then some of us are here simply to take up space. This is the only conclusion that I can come to for those of us who have no talents and no gifts.

I think God must only speak to those who have a purpose in life. Since I am not in this category God does not speak to me.

(BTW, I am Jewish so no I don’t believe in Jesus or the Holy Spirit — I converted out of Christianity many years ago and I am perfectly happy that I did so.)

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SGT Rock
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:22am
I have let go of the steering wheel in life and let God guide me, never been happier or more peaceful. Life was a constant struggle till then.

Also when 10 years old I died and came back (Mom prayed over me for about an hour after I died and it must have worked, came back completely cured of my illness), what awaits us is marvelous and I fear nothing that can personally happen to me any longer.

To non believers, I pray for you. I am one of Gods many servants and feel our world is running out of time.

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ZAP
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:22am
I think the whole purpose of this test on earth is that God sees who loves Him by faith.Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.Faith is what makes us righteous before God..

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- Copo
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 5:56pm
  Except God already knows who loves him because he chose who would love him before the foundation of the earth and elected them to salvation
  
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pbrenda51
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:22am
Immature!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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bigbear_awake
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:12am
wife spoke to him when she was in a coma and he gave her the option on going home with him or to come back to us her family first TWO things she said to me when they pulled her breathing machine off was WHY DONT PEOPLE BELIEVE!!! THEY HAVE GOT TO BELIEVE!!!!

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conservativewoman
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:12am
God has spoken to me, protected me, and guided me before and after I became a Christian. He speaks audibly, and also will speak by showing images, or shows us things in a dream. This happens most when my mind is clear, I am relaxed, and thinking of nothing.
I think the reason some never have this experience is because they are not open to it, or do not have open minds.
People also give off an energy; heat when doing evil. I experienced this when a man robbed me. All this negative or positive energy goes out into the world, and it affects all of us. If great enough, it hangs in the air, like when I visit my daughter in L.A. there is a heaviness in the air.

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Angry_Tom
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:12am
I have had MANY encounters in my lifetime – the most remarkable is this. Buddy and I had waited hours to even see a car hitch-hyking in the UP of Mi. He says “Lets pray in Jesus’s name.” I told him that was a frivolous reason. I should mention you can see a mile either way – no cars were coming. We turned our back to h’way, kneeled and started to pray and INSTANTLY there was a VW van with WE LOVE JESUS all over it!! We started jumping up and down like total fools praising God! We told the male drive and female passenger we KNEW they were Angels and thanks them. Here comes the coolest part.. They dropped us off at our destination, and as we put our bags on ground and turned around the Van had disappeared AGAIN! I know God exists and watches our every step…

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AbrahamsSheepdog
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:08am
Lots! Fires, super nasty crashes of all kinds Etc….hmmm

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JEANNIEMAC
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:07am
Some years ago, while attending a meeting in a friend’s house, I got a bad coughing fit and had to leave the room. When I returned, a priest who was there came up to me and and asked if I was OK. then he said, “Jesus heals”. As he said this, he lightly touched his fingertips to either side of my throat. I felt heat start to radiate down my chest. “This is a healing” I thought. then, the thought went through my mind, “But I don’t want to stop smoking”. The heat stopped. I said to God, “Why did You stop”? The answer came, “You said no”. God would not heal me against my will. I remembered once reading “Our Creator gives us free will. With that gift comes the burden of choice”.

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- iampraying4u
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:26pm
  God does heal but not through a priest
  
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RedNeckMormon
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:05am
“Fear not little one, I am with you always”

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RedNeckMormon
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:03am
“Fools mock but they shall mourn”

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RichardClarkTX
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:01am
Does Obama making a speech with the reverb turned-up count (e.g. the 2008 DNC acceptance speech)? He thinks he’s God and he thinks he speaking to me.

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MellonCrib
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:00am
Vulgar

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kindling
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:58am
He speaks to everyone, most don’t listen. The bigger question is do you know whos voice you are listening to? The God of love……or the god of force and feel good stright to hell?

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- DeavonReye
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 11:15am
  I will answer, . . . . neither.
  
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charlanakelly
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:55am
I agree He speaks through the inspired Word of God, clearly and consistently, and whoever wants to know what God says on every matter can find it there. He also speaks to us individually concerning our personal lives, sometimes through a prompting, other times through dreams and visions, and still others less often an audible sound.

I audibly heard God one time with I was 32. I’ll never forget it. I was working at my desk and I heard loudly and clearly, “I AM coming!” It was so intense, I got up and went outside to look to the east and see if He was coming right then.

Also, when I was 4 years old, I had a visitation from Jesus who told me that He would come back in my lifetime. I’ll never forget telling my mom what I had experienced. She was driving down the road when I blurted it out from the backseat… She pulled the car over and questioned me strongly, then I remember her trying to tell me why that wouldn’t happen. It didn’t matter to me though at 4 I just believed.

God is real and He is a communicator!

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raderby
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:51am
when I was 14, I was saved from falling off a building, at night, by a hand pushing against my back (clearly felt by me) so I could grab the ladder on the side of the building I had lost grip of.

My fiends and I were sneaking in to a Saturday night dance being held in the auditorium of the local Catholic High School.

I have always attributed it to an angel’s hand. No words…. no sound.

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Voter713
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:51am
Well I am very much a Christian and believe God speaks directly to you on His timing. Well He did speak to me but with one Word – “Soon”. I was watching a show on TV that just really touched me and I thought to myself “God when are you coming back?” – Not right after that thought I heard the Word “Soon”. This was about 6 months ago and I was housesitting for a friend. I dont remember what I was watching but yy heart at the time was aching for relief in the world. So I prayed not knowingly and He responded. We are to all be watchful of His coming – its even started me on a search through revelations and the signs to come. We are getting close – Jesus does love you and wants you with Him. :)

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CBPercy
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:47am
When I was expecting our youngest, everyone told me I had to do amnio because of my age then. I really didn’t want to because I wouldn’t have ended the pregnancy anyway, but I went ahead and made the appt. During the procedure, when the Dr.tried to get some fluid, I could see the little fetus moving to where her head was right under the long needle. After two tries, I told the Dr. to stop, that for whatever reason, the baby didn’t want this done. (He was very understanding and never charged me for the visit…saying “You make your decisions on the basis of the information you have at the time and never look back.”)

That night, in my sleep, I felt a huge hand on my shoulder as a very powerful voice said, “It’s going to be OK. It’s going to be OK.”
I relaxed through the rest of the pregnancy, Now, 21 years later, our youngest is an independent, confident young woman happily working in her chosen field. It truly was OK.

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searching for the Truth
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:45am
” My sheep hear My Voice, I know them,and they will follow Me.” King James. Yes.

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- searching for the Truth
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:48am
  All of those saved will eventually hear His Voice. Has to happen! Is in His Word.
  
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chumpThreads
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:45am
Somebody once said:
When you talk to God, it’s praying. When God talks back it’s schizophrenia.

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- searching for the Truth
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:53am
  No. It’s when you ask yourself a question and you get the wrong answer- that’s schizophrenia.
  
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4truth2all
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:44am
Might want to be careful here … the government wants to keep the guns out of the hands of the mentally ill … and they will say that one who hears from God is mentally unstable … and NO I’m not joking!

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Justmee
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:39am
There certainly are a bunch of rude comments so far.
I am 40-something year old chick from the mid-west. I am as “normal” as the next. But God audibly spoke to me one time and it straightened me right up. It was directly in line with His Word. Freaked me out for quite awhile.

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