For some reason, that really clicked something in my thought process. I don't know how to articulate it, but it seemed to make the issue in my mind a little clearer. Confidence has an incredibly effect on perception, and when we think we are following all the rules, our confidence increases. Thanks a lot.Interesting thought. I think it has something to do with confidence. ... If we feel more confident with where we currently stand in the eyes of god then we may feel more confident that god is speaking to us.
The more I've listened to people's experiences, particularly experiences if those who left the church or those in other churches, there's a common thread in that negative emotions shut down whatever the Spirit is and positive emotions bring it out. I assume that has something to do with how the brain is wired to process anger; it bypasses reason and logic, which likely plays into the perception of the Spirit talking to us (or otherwise as you said, the anger bypasses the part of our brain associated with "good judgement).Now, I have felt completely void of the spirit at times in my life when I have just been angry, acted "violently"...
On another entirely not scientific note, I sometimes aimlessly wonder if the Spirit is a single individual (God) or a group of individuals characertized as one body (like loved ones who have passed on).
Thanks, all, for helping me through this thought process with your own thoughts.