Any God I ever felt in church I brought in with me

Any God I ever felt in church I brought in with me

Alice Walker, the renowned author of "The Color Purple," is known for her powerful and thought-provoking writing that often delves into themes of spirituality, identity, and social justice. In her essay "Any God I ever felt in church I brought in with me," Walker explores her personal relationship with religion and the concept of God.

The title of the essay itself is a bold statement that challenges traditional notions of God and spirituality. Walker suggests that the God she has experienced in church is not an external force or entity, but rather something that she has brought within herself. This idea reflects Walker's belief in the power of individual spirituality and the importance of personal connection to the divine.

Throughout the essay, Walker reflects on her experiences growing up in the rural South and attending church with her family. She describes the rituals and traditions of the church, but also acknowledges the limitations and contradictions she observed within organized religion. Walker writes, "I was always aware that the God I was supposed to be worshipping was a white man in the sky, and that this did not make sense to me."

For Walker, the God she has felt in church is not a distant, judgmental figure, but rather a presence that is intimately connected to her own inner self. She writes, "The God I felt in church was a God of love, of compassion, of forgiveness. It was a God who understood my struggles and my pain, who offered me solace and strength in times of need."

Walker's essay challenges readers to reconsider their own beliefs about God and spirituality. She encourages us to look beyond the confines of organized religion and to seek a deeper, more personal connection to the divine. In doing so, Walker reminds us that the true essence of God lies within each of us, waiting to be discovered and embraced.