You can often tell if a religion contains falsehoods about the Creator of the universe by checking one thing:
Does it teach ideas that restrict your self-esteem?
That’s a red flag, it blocks real relationship.
Because a true relationship with the Creator requires one core thing:
You have to matter enough to bring your real self into the relationship.
The self-esteem test
Ask: What does this religion train me to feel about myself?
If it trains you to feel:
1. “I don’t matter”
2. “My personality is a problem”
3. “I’m basically guilty or dirty”
4. “I’m only loved if I believe the right thing”
5. “I can’t come close unless someone or something makes me worthy”
…then it’s teaching a picture of the Creator that restricts your self-esteem. And that usually breaks the very thing the Creator wants most: real relationship.
Why self-esteem matters spiritually Self-esteem isn’t arrogance. healthy self-esteem means:
• my life matters
• my choices matter
• I can take responsibility, my personality matters
• I can repair
• I can grow closer
Shame-based religion does the opposite:
1. it makes you hide
2. pretend
3. panic
4. or give up
That’s not closeness. That’s fear-based.
Green flags (signs of truth)
A true teaching about the Creator will tend to build:
1. honesty (you can admit what’s real)
2. responsibility (your actions matter)
3. repair (returning to relationship is always possible)
4. compassion + boundaries (love that protects)
5. a stable sense that you matter (not earned, given)
Because a relationship with the Creator consists of what you bring to it, and you can’t bring yourself if you’re taught to erase yourself, every part of your personality is allowed to feel awe.
Explore the NextSelf Blog. Start with this post explaining the world of souls. And my Youtube.
The blog lists all the difference patterns to study, understanding patterns is how one can develop 'Daas' [felt knowing].
Update: As awe, trust, and love deepen, they can allow greater openness and intimacy with the Creator. That intimacy can include sadness when you notice how much more of His goodness can be revealed.