Finding God, Losing God, Becoming God: Discovering the Transformative Truth of God and the Meaning of Life Beyond Religion, by Way of Observation, Contemplation, and Intuition
For thousands of years, humanity has searched for the ultimate truth, the elixir of eternal life, the promise of peace, and the ability to harness godlike power. What if the key to fulfilling this timeless quest lies within us, hidden all along, awaiting our realization?
After deconstructing his cherished Christian faith of thirty years, former pastor John Rainey embarked on a deeply transformative spiritual journey to uncover the ultimate truth, guided by the light of unconditional love. Through surrender and self-realization, the eternal truth of oneness was unveiled.
Finding God, Losing God, Becoming God blends modern insights with timeless spiritual wisdom to reveal how unconditional love through unity consciousness is the direct path to illuminate your divine nature, unlocking the potential to transform your life. Through personal stories, enlightening metaphors, and practical applications, Rainey demonstrates how shifting conscious awareness toward oneness leads to inner peace, profound joy, and boundless love. He also explores the higher truths of Christ through a metaphorical approach to the Bible and teaches how to apply spiritual knowledge to live your optimal life path.
If you’re on a spiritual journey, exploring consciousness, a Christian drawn to contemplation or mysticism, or just seeking guidance for your personal evolution, this book is a gift from the Universe to you.
“Finding God, Losing God, Becoming God” delivers articulate language for the intuitions and impulses I’ve long felt but never fully understood. Rainey’s introduction is a deliberate plunge into his core ideas, immediately revealing his worldview and the foundational paradigm that shapes the rest of the book. He boldly presents provocative concepts right from the start, taking a calculated risk by challenging conventional perspectives. However, his thoughtful writing and clear explanations invite even cautious readers to lean in.
The first chapter details Rainey’s deconstruction of “mainstream” (i.e., evangelical) Christianity — a process that ultimately led to his spiritual awakening. At times, the book reads almost like a memoir, shifting between personal storytelling and broader metaphysical discussions. I found Rainey’s style engaging, with his long yet carefully structured paragraphs skillfully navigating the reader through innovative ideas in a clear and coherent way.
However, I did find a significant gap: the book’s limited engagement with social issues. Rainey focuses almost exclusively on individual enlightenment, without addressing the structural injustices that contribute to human suffering. This emphasis on personal awakening, while valuable, leaves an incomplete picture, particularly in light of the social dimensions of Jesus’ teachings about the kingdom of God. Though this may have been beyond the book’s intended scope, the discussion of suffering and spiritual transformation within the larger cosmic drama feels somewhat circumscribed.
I also wrestled with Rainey’s neo-mystical framework, which, despite eventually integrating his Christian upbringing, initially presents an ironically dualistic view of religion and nondual awareness. Personally, I find Richard Rohr’s notion of mature religion (re-ligio) as a means for “re-ligamenting” — reconnecting humanity to a unified reality — more aligned with my lived experience. Rainey's subtle antagonism toward Christianity in his personal accounts struck me as unnecessary and potentially alienating for readers deeply rooted in their faith tradition.
Despite these critiques, the book is profoundly thought-provoking. More than once, I had to put it down and begin journaling as Rainey’s reflections unlocked a flood of new insights. I particularly appreciated his synthesis of David Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness and Joseph Campbell’s metaphorical hermeneutic in the second half of the book.
Rainey’s writing is both precise and accessible. He conveys complex ideas without overcomplicating them, allowing his core message to resonate deeply. Like many great wisdom teachers, he prioritizes simplicity, reinforcing key concepts through repetition. As the book progresses, his ideas crystallize into actionable next steps, while keeping the reader grounded in the expansive vision of oneness.
In “Finding God, Losing God, Becoming God,” you have a book that can change your life. May its wisdom fuel your intentional ascension on your spiritual path!
You are either ready to learn from this book or you are not. You will either despise this book, or you will cry in Joy over this teaching. Just like the Christ Jesus, when people met him, they either loved him, or they hated him. I suggest you read the book with an open mind and the truths it exposes with be life transforming. Peace and Love to all