Imagine if God were an actual being, a perfect companion who could sit down and have a cup of coffee with you. Who could grasp your hands, give you advice, and offer you total, unconditional love.

For about a quarter of Americans – many of whom are Evangelical Christians – a vivid, intimate connection with God is the goal of spiritual experience. Thinking about God like this isn’t easy; it’s a mental task that takes discernment, imagination, and above all, faith.