Exploring the Divine Through Developmental Stages of Consciousness

In our quest to understand the divine, we often encounter a tapestry of perspectives shaped by the different stages of human consciousness. Each stage offers a unique lens through which we perceive the concept of God, reflecting our evolving understanding of existence and our place within it.

From the primal instincts of the reptilian brain to the intricate abstractions of the neo-cortex, and the profound insights of the heart and collective consciousness, the notion of God transforms and adapts.

At the most fundamental level, our reptilian brain might interpret God as a force of primal authority or survival instinct, reflecting the most basic needs and fears. As we move into the limbic system, the divine might be seen through the emotional lens of love, attachment, and personal experience, where God becomes a source of comfort and connection. Through the neo-cortex, we engage with complex theological concepts and philosophical debates, framing God in terms of logic, reason, and structured belief systems.

When we delve into the heart’s perspective, God emerges as an essence of deep, intuitive connection and universal love, transcending individual experience. Finally, at the ultimate stage of consciousness, where we recognize the collective field of existence, the concept of God evolves into a profound realization of oneness. Here, the illusion of a separate deity dissolves, revealing a boundless consciousness that encompasses all. In this stage, we understand that we are all expressions of a singular, unified reality, transcending the need for a distinct divine entity.

Through this exploration, we uncover that each stage of consciousness offers a different facet of the divine, reflecting our journey from the concrete to the abstract, and from the isolated self to the interconnected whole. This multi-dimensional approach invites us to expand our understanding of God beyond traditional boundaries and embrace a more holistic view of existence.

1. Perception of a God seen from the instinctive brain

If we were to imagine God solely through the lens of our reptilian brain, the vision would be raw, primal, and instinctual. This ancient part of our mind is attuned to survival, dominance, and the most basic drives—hunger, safety, reproduction. In this realm, God would likely take the form of an overwhelming force of nature or a supreme predator, a being defined by power and authority.

This God would not be understood through love, morality, or spirituality, but through the raw essence of survival and fear. It would be a presence to be revered or feared, commanding respect not through wisdom or compassion, but through sheer dominance and the instinctual recognition of something greater and more powerful than ourselves.

The reptilian brain, with its focus on survival and the basest instincts, would conceive of God not as a benevolent creator or a moral guide, but as an elemental force that governs existence with a stark and unyielding authority. It would lack the complexity, nuance, and higher consciousness that other parts of our brain might bring to the concept of the divine. Instead, it would see God as a powerful force, a protector, or a threat—something to be appeased, obeyed, or feared.

2. The perception of God seen from the limbic brain

If we imagined God solely through the lens of the limbic brain, the concept would be shaped by emotion, memory, and social bonding. The limbic system is the part of our brain responsible for processing emotions, forming attachments, and creating a sense of belonging. It connects us to others and to the world through feelings rather than logic or primal instinct.

In this context, God might be perceived as a nurturing presence, akin to a protective parent or a loving guardian. This God would be intimately connected to the emotions of love, comfort, and security. Rather than a force to be feared or an abstract concept to be reasoned out, God would be felt in the warmth of relationships, the comfort of community, and the emotional bonds that tie us together.

This divine presence would be experienced in moments of deep connection, in the solace of a comforting embrace, or in the shared joy of communal gatherings. The limbic brain might conceive of God as a source of emotional support and love, a being that understands and responds to our deepest feelings and needs.

However, this perception would also be influenced by the capacity for fear, loss, and attachment. God might be seen as a protector against emotional pain, a healer of wounds, or a source of solace in times of grief. The concept of God through the limbic brain would be intensely personal, reflecting the highs and lows of our emotional experiences.

In this view, God would be less about abstract power or intellectual reasoning, and more about the lived experience of love, empathy, and emotional connection—a divine presence that resonates with the heart, offering comfort and companionship through the complexities of human emotion.

There is a flip side though. This God is a feeling based perception. No rational thinking is involved. This God will give me what ever I ask for – and those who are disappointed not getting what they ask for, they become atheists. Seen from the limbic brain God is a rewarding and revengeful man.

3. Perception of God seen from the perspective of Neo Cortex – our intellectual and thinking brain

If we conceptualized God through the perspective of the neocortex, the process would be heavily influenced by higher-order thinking, reasoning, and abstract thought. The neocortex is responsible for complex cognitive functions, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to understand abstract concepts.

In this framework, God might be perceived as an intellectual construct, a principle or idea that emerges from our capacity for abstract reasoning and philosophical inquiry. Rather than a personal deity or emotional presence, God would be understood as a profound concept or universal principle that can be theorized, debated, and examined through rational thought and scientific inquiry.

Here’s how this might manifest:

Abstract Principle: God could be seen as a fundamental principle underlying the cosmos—perhaps as the concept of an ultimate order or a unifying force that governs the universe. This idea might take shape as the “prime mover” or the “first cause” that sets everything into motion, akin to philosophical or scientific principles such as the laws of nature or the origins of the universe.

Intellectual Pursuit: The concept of God through the neocortex would likely be approached as an intellectual pursuit, where discussions about God involve theology, philosophy, and metaphysics. God could be examined through logical arguments, ethical considerations, and theoretical frameworks, such as the arguments for and against the existence of a deity.

Symbolic Representation: God might also be seen as a symbolic representation of human aspirations and ideals, such as the pursuit of truth, justice, and wisdom. The neocortex could interpret God as an embodiment of the highest moral and intellectual ideals that drive human progress and understanding.

Cognitive Construct: From this vantage point, God could be viewed as a cognitive construct—a mental model that helps us make sense of our experiences, create meaning, and navigate the complexities of existence. This conceptualization would emphasize God as a product of human cognition and creativity, reflecting our need to find coherence and purpose in the universe.

Scientific Exploration: The neocortex might also frame God within the context of scientific exploration and understanding. This perspective could explore the idea of God in relation to the laws of physics, cosmology, and the nature of consciousness, seeing God as a concept that intersects with scientific inquiry and the quest to understand the universe.

God seen from Neo Cortex is deal based God. We have to follow HIS rules which divides good and evil (God & Devil) If you are good you go to heaven. If you are bad you go to hell. God is a powerful man.

In summary, through the lens of the neocortex, God would be a concept grounded in abstract reasoning, intellectual exploration, and theoretical understanding—a profound idea that emerges from our capacity to think critically and engage with the complexities of existence in a rational and systematic way.

4. Perception of God seen from the perspective of the heart and the frontal lobes

When we attempt to perceive God through the heart, we engage with the concept through emotional resonance, empathy, and a profound sense of connection. This perspective emphasizes how God might be understood as a source of deep emotional and spiritual fulfillment, rather than an abstract or intellectual construct.

Here’s how the concept of God might unfold when viewed from the heart:

Embodiment of Love: God, seen through the heart, could be experienced as the purest form of love—unconditional, nurturing, and all-encompassing. This view would emphasize God as a compassionate presence that deeply cares for and supports us, creating a sense of being loved and valued beyond measure. The divine presence would be felt as an embrace that transcends physical and emotional boundaries, offering solace and warmth.

Source of Compassion: From the heart, God might be perceived as the ultimate source of compassion and empathy. This understanding would focus on God’s role in inspiring acts of kindness and understanding, both towards oneself and others. It reflects a divine presence that encourages us to connect with others on a deeply emotional level, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity.

Inner Peace and Harmony: Viewing God through the heart might also manifest as a deep sense of inner peace and harmony. This perspective emphasizes God as the still center within us, providing calm and balance amid life’s turmoil. The divine presence would be felt as a source of serenity that helps us navigate challenges with grace and equanimity.

Spiritual Connection: For those viewing God through the heart, the divine presence may be experienced as an intimate and personal connection that transcends ordinary understanding. This connection is felt in moments of profound spiritual insight or emotional experiences that touch the core of one’s being, fostering a sense of unity with the divine.

Transformative Experience: The heart-centered view of God might also involve transformative experiences that deeply affect one’s emotional and spiritual state. This could include moments of profound joy, healing, or awakening that are perceived as direct encounters with the divine, reshaping one’s understanding of self and the world.

Guiding Light: God, through the heart, may be seen as a guiding light that illuminates the path towards greater love, purpose, and fulfillment. This perspective highlights God as a source of inspiration and guidance that directs one’s actions and choices towards higher values and meaningful connections.

In essence, perceiving God through the heart involves a deeply emotional and experiential understanding of the divine. It emphasizes love, compassion, inner peace, and a personal, transformative connection that resonates deeply within one’s being, shaping how we relate to ourselves, others, and the universe.

5. Perception of God from the spiritual and holistic stage

When viewing God from a spiritual and holistic angle, we approach the concept through a perspective that integrates all aspects of existence—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—into a unified understanding of the divine. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the presence of the divine in every aspect of reality. Here’s how God might be perceived through such a lens:

Unified Presence

From a spiritual and holistic perspective, God is seen as the ultimate source of unity that connects all aspects of existence. This view encompasses the idea that God is not separate from the universe but is immanent within every element of creation. God’s presence is perceived as the binding force that harmonizes and integrates the diverse threads of life into a coherent whole.

Source of Interconnectedness

God, viewed through a holistic lens, is recognized as the source of all interconnectedness. This perspective acknowledges that every being and element of the universe is interrelated, and the divine is present in these connections. It underscores the idea that understanding God involves recognizing and honouring the deep connections between all forms of life, nature, and the cosmos.

Spiritual Essence

In this view, God is experienced as the spiritual essence that underlies and infuses all of reality. This essence is not confined to any particular aspect of existence but is present in every moment, every experience, and every element of the universe. It reflects an understanding of God as the fundamental spiritual reality that transcends individual phenomena while also being present within them.

Holistic Healing

From a holistic spiritual perspective, God is seen as a source of healing and wholeness. This view integrates the idea that divine presence supports the healing of body, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes the belief that God’s influence promotes balance and well-being in all dimensions of human experience and the natural world.

Transcendent and Immanent

A spiritual and holistic perspective recognizes God as both transcendent and immanent. This means that while God transcends the limitations of the material world, God is also immanently present within it. This duality allows for an understanding of God as both beyond and within creation, reflecting a balance between the divine’s infinite nature and its tangible presence in everyday life.

Divine Purpose and Order

From this angle, God is perceived as the embodiment of divine purpose and order that governs the cosmos. This perspective sees God as the driving force behind the evolution and organization of the universe, imbuing it with purpose, meaning, and direction. It reflects a belief that everything in existence serves a greater divine plan and contributes to a holistic and meaningful reality.

Beginning Spiritual Awakening

Experiencing God from a spiritual and holistic angle often involves a journey of spiritual awakening. This view emphasizes that encountering the divine requires an open and integrated awareness that recognizes the divine presence in all aspects of life. It encourages a profound understanding of self, the universe, and the interconnected nature of all existence.

In summary, viewing God from a spiritual and holistic perspective involves perceiving the divine as an all-encompassing presence that unifies and integrates every aspect of reality. It highlights the interconnectedness of life, the divine essence that infuses the universe, and the profound sense of purpose and healing that comes from recognizing and aligning with this divine presence.

6. Perception of God seen from the collective stage

In the sixth stage of consciousness, we transcend the boundaries of individual existence to merge into a vast, collective field of shared awareness. Here, the essence of who we are becomes a grand expanse, where each of us is both a unique field and part of a greater, interconnected whole.

When our fields intersect, knowledge and understanding flow seamlessly, bypassing the limitations of time and space. This collective field, of which we are all members yet often remain unconscious, reveals the profound truth that there is no singular, separate deity.

Instead, what we perceive as divine is the collective intelligence and unity of our interconnected existence, a boundless realm where the concept of God dissolves into the vast, harmonious symphony of universal consciousness.

7. God seen from Oneness

In the ultimate stage of consciousness, the concept of God, as traditionally conceived, dissolves into a recognition of something far beyond our limited imaginings. At this profound level, the notion of a singular, external deity becomes irrelevant because what emerges is an understanding of a universal, all-encompassing reality. Here, we come to see that there cannot be a separate God, for the very essence of existence is a unified, indivisible consciousness.

In this state, we are not merely individuals experiencing a collective field; rather, we realize that the boundary between self and other is an illusion. We are not separate entities but expressions of one, singular consciousness that transcends all dualities. Every thought, emotion, and experience is a reflection of this greater, omnipresent awareness. The idea of God as a distinct entity falls away, replaced by the profound truth that we are all the same cosmic essence.

This ultimate recognition reveals that we are each a unique, yet inseparable, aspect of a boundless, universal consciousness. The illusion of separateness fades, and we experience a deep, intrinsic unity with everything that exists. In this state of pure awareness, the search for a deity outside of ourselves becomes moot, for we are living embodiments of the infinite consciousness that is the essence of all. Here, we are not only connected but are the very fabric of this ultimate reality, where the divine and the mundane merge into a singular, unbounded singularity.

Conclusion – if such a thing is possible.

We are not created in God’s image. We create God in our image.