None of us have received a perfect understanding of God. Our specific relationship with God is built on who we are and our unique experiences. Yes, our parents influence our perception of God. But the church we grew up in, our current faith community, and the dominant theology of our larger culture also affect our relationship with God. Then there’s our specific theology and traumatic experiences, as well as our gender, sexual orientation, culture, personality, and psychological health.5 And of course, our direct experience with God also affects our relationship.
