What role does consciousness play in religion?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

One of the most fascinating subjects I find is that of consciousness-that is, self-awareness, and awareness of that which surrounds you. As a practicing mystic, I can see how one's field of consciousness can be increased via spiritual practices. I know that certain churches, like Unity, appear to address consciousness in people, and the Native American ceremonies I've participated in stress the consciousness found in all things. I don't recall the idea of consciousness really being addressed in the Protestant church in which I grew up. Is consciousness just a concept of mystical schools, or is it addressed in other faiths as well?

[TallahasseeGrannie]

1. I am usually conscious in church, but not always.

just joking...actually, I don't quite understand what you mean by consciousness. Can you give me an example?

TG

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. I'll try

by "consciousness" I mean self-awareness, but more than that. It also means an awareness that other things, such as plants, possess an awareness at some level. A lot of it has to do with intuition, I think, and it also can involve telepathic communication and communication through dreams. It can also mean raising your level of awareness so that you feel the interconnectedness of everything.

Does this help?

[TallahasseeGrannie]

6. Yes. I think I feel that

all the time. Especially in the classroom with my students. I am them and they are me. I feel it most intensely when looking into their eyes.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. Yes, I believe you understand

what I mean. When I taught school, I would have those feelings as well.

[Xipe Totec]

2. Consciousness is a fly,

on the ass of an ox, taking credit for plowing the field.

There are studies that show actions precede conscious decisions by fractions of seconds.

After all, the mind is a parallel processor, and consciousness is not a CPU.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

3. They don't address that issue in Protestant religion,

as it works out better for all if you are unconscious.

[SPKrazy]

4. Probably Was In Earlier Times, And Is Somewhat Beginning In Some Faiths

for instance Centering prayer is meditation

I'm a Christian with mystic beliefs

Certainly the "Christ mystics" were a branch of Christianity that was not recognized by the Roman Church.

Protestant Churches for the most part are based on Catholic beliefs

I would also think that the Charismatic churches, and the Pentecostal Churches have some mystical qualities, speaking in tongues and the whole workup to that phenomenon is ritualized, and creates a meditative state.