I find it hard to separate spirituality from consciousness, as I think the first leads to the second, however, I suppose everyone has their own understanding of the meaning of both terms which obviously affects the outlook. Like you, I grow weary of the dishonesty and manipulation, especially because I don’t know which external forces, if any, are trustworthy. Just give me the facts, and I’ll make up my own mind! I guess that’s where your love of truth comes in. Thanks for the article.