In this deeply moving episode of God: An Autobiography, The Podcast, philosopher Richard Oxenberg—co-author of Two Philosophers Wrestle With God—shares his full spiritual story for the first time.
His journey begins with childhood tragedy: witnessing the sudden death of his seven-year-old sister. The shock shattered his early understanding of God, safety, and reality. From that moment, Richard became a lifelong seeker.
He describes moving through secular Judaism, atheism, and years of intellectual searching. Zen Buddhism, Hindu philosophy, and the symbolic theology of Paul Tillich each opened new doors, yet none fulfilled his deeper longing for spiritual connection.
Everything changed when he encountered an Indian guru and experienced overwhelming energetic phenomena—experiences that were both exhilarating and terrifying. This crisis pushed him toward Christianity, where a transformative encounter at a monastery in Conyers, Georgia offered unexpected peace.
Richard speaks honestly about trauma, mystical experience, fear, grace, and the long struggle to discern truth. He explores the difference between understanding God intellectually and encountering the divine directly.
Through reflections on samsara, the ground of being, baptism, communion, and the “peace that passeth understanding,” Richard reveals how faith finally took shape in him as trust in the ultimate goodness of reality.
This episode is a profound look at doubt, longing, spiritual awakening, and the human search for meaning—and at a God who meets us through every question.
Other Series:
The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:
The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.
From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.
Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.
Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.
What’s Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.
What’s On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.
What’s On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue.
Stay Connected
- Share your thoughts or questions at questions@godandautobiography.com
- 📖 Get the God: Book
- 📖 Get Two Philosophers Wrestle with God
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