How To Identify A Hoax Religion

[tama]

97. I'm quite positive there's no such "thing"

aside from culturally deified material objects, with or without "the". And also the words "God", "deity" "divine" are all already cultural products, not universal concepts with exact translations in other languages and cultures. What can be said, I believe, that there are various experiences, practices and interpretations of. And attempts towards meaningful generalizations and more holistic comprehension.

So we can for example use comparative methodology, are there common elements in Haitian "divine possessions", what Latin word "inspired", Finnish "haltijoitunut" etc. refer to, in all their variety. And/or subjective(/asubjective) experiences one could try to relate some of those meanings.

More approaches you take, more experiences you gather, the more comprehensive your view of a phenomenon tends to get, do you agree? There's vast amount of literature, all kinds of studies from many angles, and more and more research is being done. But how does it really feel, to be "possessed" or some other word? Can I experiment and experience some aspects of those? Are there limits to what we can experience?

How do I really want to feel and experience, and what choice do I have?

In regards to the "question" implied in OP, my suggestion for rule of thumb would be: if you have questions and seek answers, but want to avoid hoaxes, seek from those who may or may not be willing to talk about their own experiences, but any case advise not just to take their word for anything, but to see and experience yourself what their traditions/practices/methods may offer.