Originally Posted by Bbucko

That depends on which sect/denomination one wishes to embrace one's dogma and revelations. For Catholics, the pope is required (eventually). For most Protestants, it could well start with one true believer and spread from there.

We also seem to be leaving Moslems out of this, and they're some of the biggest nuts on the Fundamentalist tree.

My own bottom line: The sum total of our life's force does not communicate in words, rather in emotions, sensations and inspirations. I have felt a variety of close experiences with something beyond me, but a "personal" deity, speaking in English? Never have, don't believe it works that way.