Why I Left Christianity for Spirituality – The Journey to a Deeper Connection with God

The journey to spirituality is a deeply personal and transformative one, shaped by our upbringing, culture, and personal experiences. For many, religion serves as an introduction to the concept of God, but for some, it becomes a stepping stone to a broader and more profound understanding of spirituality. My name is Dr. Abundant, and I want to share my journey—how I transitioned from Christianity to a spiritual path that allowed me to truly connect with the divine.

Growing Up in Christianity: A Familiar Tradition

I was raised in a Christian family, though we were not devout churchgoers. We attended church for special occasions, said grace at meals, and ended prayers with "in Jesus' name, Amen." Like many, I accepted Christianity as my default belief system because it was all I knew. However, as I grew older, a quiet curiosity began to stir within me—one that would eventually lead me beyond the confines of traditional religion.

I began to wonder: Is Christianity the only way? What about other religions? What is God really, and how do I connect more deeply with it?

Exploring Beyond Christianity: A Spark of Curiosity

My exposure to other beliefs started within my own family. While most were Christian, some members were Muslim, and I was fascinated by their devotion and commitment. Observing their practices made me question why their connection to God seemed stronger than what I had experienced within Christianity.

This curiosity led me to actively seek out knowledge. As a teenager, I decided to explore different religions, learning about Islam, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions. My mother, recognizing my interest, even suggested I attend a Muslim school in New York. I eagerly accepted the opportunity, immersing myself in the study of Islam, its culture, and its teachings.

While I didn’t convert, I was captivated by the experience. It was eye-opening to see people of different backgrounds coming together with a shared purpose—to connect with God in a way that was deeply meaningful to them.

Shifting Between Religious Paths

After spending a year at the Muslim school, my mother introduced me to another educational opportunity—this time at a Seventh-day Adventist school in New Jersey. As a Christian denomination that emphasized worship on Saturday rather than Sunday, the teachings of Seventh-day Adventism felt familiar yet distinct. I attended for two years, eventually converting to the faith.

What drew me in wasn’t just the theology but the lifestyle. Seventh-day Adventists advocate a plant-based diet and holistic living, and I adopted these principles, which have since become a cornerstone of my health and wellness journey. However, even though I embraced this new religious identity, something still felt incomplete. My spiritual hunger remained unsatisfied.

Realizing Christianity Wasn’t Enough

By the time I reached college—where I continued in a Seventh-day Adventist institution—I began to feel a deep disconnect. Despite following all the religious practices, I didn’t feel a true spiritual connection. Instead, I was simply following a system, adhering to rituals without a deeper sense of personal fulfillment.

The more I questioned, the clearer it became: I wasn’t truly experiencing God—I was just subscribing to a belief system that had been handed down to me.

This realization was unsettling at first. Christianity had been my foundation, yet it no longer provided the answers I sought. I yearned for something deeper, something beyond religious labels and structured doctrine.

Breaking Free and Embracing Spirituality

Leaving Christianity wasn’t about rejecting God—it was about finding God in a way that resonated with my soul. I realized that every religion contains wisdom, but no single path holds the ultimate truth. Truth is found within, in the depths of our own consciousness.

As I studied more philosophies, including Buddhism and metaphysical sciences, I began to see spirituality as an inward journey rather than an external practice. The Bible itself took on a new meaning—I no longer viewed it as a literal historical record, but as a book of metaphors, allegories, and lessons meant to guide personal transformation.

For example, I saw the story of Jesus not as an unattainable divine figure, but as an example of what all of us can become. If Jesus was the son of God, then so are we. If he could perform miracles, then so can we. Christianity had conditioned me to see Jesus as separate from myself, but spirituality showed me that divinity was already within me.

Why I No Longer Call Myself a Christian

Christianity, like all religions, is a framework—a way to interpret the divine. But I found that true spirituality transcends religious labels. It is about direct experience, self-discovery, and the realization that we are the creators of our own reality.

My departure from Christianity was not an act of rebellion, but an act of self-empowerment. I no longer needed an external system to dictate my relationship with God—I could cultivate that connection through meditation, self-awareness, and conscious living.

The Bible still holds value for me, but I read it differently now. I see it as a spiritual text filled with metaphysical wisdom, not as a rigid rulebook. The same applies to the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts. They all offer pieces of the greater truth, guiding us toward enlightenment.

Embracing the “I AM”

One of the most profound realizations I’ve had on this journey is the power of the statement I AM. It is the ultimate truth. We are not just followers of a religion—we are divine beings, creators, and manifestations of infinite consciousness.

To me, the goal is not to be Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or any other religious identity. The goal is to be Christ-like, to embody divine love, wisdom, and power. It is about recognizing the I AM within us all.

Final Thoughts: Follow Your Truth

If you’re feeling disconnected from the religion you were raised in, know that it’s okay. Your spiritual path is unique to you, and questioning is a natural part of growth. Don’t be afraid to explore, to seek answers beyond what you’ve been taught. True spirituality is about direct experience and inner knowing, not just blind faith.

My journey from Christianity to spirituality was not about rejecting faith—it was about deepening it. It was about finding God not in a church, but within myself. And that, to me, is the most liberating realization of all.

What are your thoughts on spirituality versus religion? Have you had a similar journey? Share your experiences in the comments!

Peace and abundance always

Dr. Abundant