Spiritual Living Podcast Archive · Centre for Spiritual Living, Edmonton

The God We Believe In or The God Who Is?

·25 min·2 clips

Reverend Tammy asks: are you worshipping the God you believe in or the God who truly is?

This episode features a talk by Reverend Tammy Batching, an ordained minister, delivered at the Center for Spiritual Living Edmonton South. She reflects on the demanding role of a career minister, using the center's spiritual director, Dr. Patrick, as an example of dedicated service. The core theme explores the distinction between worshiping "the God we believe in" and "the God who is." Reverend Batching references the teaching of Ernest Holmes that "it is done unto each of us as we believe." She argues that examining the outward manifestations in one's life provides infallible proof of what kind of God one truly believes in. The talk critiques a belief in a vengeful, elitist God that creates fear, judgment, and chaos, attracting more duality into personal and global experience. It suggests such beliefs are not "wrong" but an invitation to examine ideas that may limit joyful expression. A memorable insight is that rituals and traditions are beautiful and important for community when surrounded by an energy of love. Reverend Batching claims, from "reliable sources," that God does not care about what you eat, wear, or who you love, only that you love. She posits that the holiest place is not a geographical location but within the depths of one's own heart. The talk includes the story of eight-year-old Tess, who believes a "miracle" for her sick brother costs exactly one dollar and eleven cents, which leads to a surgeon providing a free operation. Another key story involves a 17-year-old girl who finds an old journal entry showing her father's transformative decision to change his life before her birth. Reverend Batching uses a Sufi parable about two travelers to illustrate that one's experience in a spiritual community depends entirely on "who you are when you show up." She emphasizes that there is "no one on the inside track" to God, as everyone is equally "rooted in the divine" and "God in expression." The tone is inspirational, educational, and conversational, blending personal anecdotes, scriptural references, and illustrative stories. The style is that of a spiritual lecture delivered within a supportive faith community, affirming core New Thought principles. Listeners interested in New Thought philosophy, Science of Mind principles, and personal spiritual development would appreciate this episode. Those seeking a secular, debate-driven, or strictly scriptural analysis of theology might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A calm case for faith as lived practice rather than distant doctrine.

This piece returns to a plain but charged question: whether God is outside the self or already present within. It moves from affirmative prayer into a broader view of oneness, conscious thought, and the idea that belief quietly shapes daily life.

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Why you'd press play

When you want a faith talk about oneness, belief, and a reset.

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