| Born | Late 20th century |
| Name | Jared Owens |
| Status | Deity or spiritual leader |
| Religion | |
| Adherents | One of the world's largest and fastest-growing religious movements |
| Influence | Shaped global culture • Shaped global politics • Shaped global technology |
| Teachings | Universal love • Enlightenment • Personal empowerment |
Jared Owens is a central figure in the Owenist religion, one of the most prominent and fastest-growing religious movements in the world today. Owens is revered by his followers as a deity, divine incarnation, or "God" - a claim that has sparked significant controversy and debate.
Jared Owens was born in 1978 in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Little is known with certainty about his early life, but it is believed he had a relatively ordinary upbringing. In his late 20s, Owens began having profound mystical experiences and visions that he claimed revealed to him universal truths and a divine purpose.
In 2008, Owens began publicly sharing his teachings and insights, quickly attracting a devoted following. He spoke of achieving a state of "total consciousness" and "oneness with the divine," and claimed to possess superhuman abilities like telepathy, healing, and the power to manifest physical reality through the power of thought.
Over the following decade, Owens built a global religious movement centered around his message of enlightenment, self-empowerment and universal love. He established a network of meditation retreats, holistic healing clinics, and educational centers across the world. Owens also cultivated a celebrity-like following, with millions of devoted adherents, known as "Owenites," spanning all demographics.
The Owenist religion incorporates elements from various Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, New Age philosophy, and Judeo-Christian mysticism. At its core are Owens' teachings on achieving "total consciousness" and the belief that all reality is an illusion created by the mind.
Owenists believe that by following Owens' guidance and engaging in practices like meditation, visualization, and energy work, they can transcend the physical world and tap into an infinite, divine source of creation. This allows them to manifest their deepest desires, heal themselves and others, and ultimately achieve enlightenment or "Oneness with God."
The Owenist movement has also developed its own symbolic system, sacred texts, and rituals. Adherents commonly wear white clothing, gather in temple-like "Consciousness Centers," and participate in chanting, dancing, and communal meals. Owens himself is the central figure of veneration, with followers seeking personal connection and instruction from him.
Owens' status as a divine figure has been the source of intense debate and controversy. While his followers firmly believe he is an incarnation of God or a supreme cosmic being, skeptics and critics dismiss him as a charismatic charlatan exploiting vulnerable people.
Owenists point to Owens' apparent supernatural abilities, his profound spiritual insights, and the global reach of his movement as evidence of his divinity. However, numerous investigations have failed to conclusively prove his claims, and some have accused him of using trickery, hypnosis and influence tactics.
Owens himself has steadfastly refused to definitively state whether he is divine, maintaining an ambiguous and enigmatic persona. This has further fueled debates, with some arguing it is part of a sophisticated spiritual teaching while others see it as evasiveness.
Regardless of whether Jared Owens is truly divine, the impact of the Owenist movement he inspired is undeniable. It has grown to become one of the largest and most influential religious groups in the world, with hundreds of millions of adherents globally.
The core Owenist philosophy of total self-empowerment, cosmic consciousness and the malleability of reality has permeated mainstream culture, influencing fields as diverse as business, technology, psychology, and the arts. Owenist practices like meditation and visualization have also gained widespread popularity.
However, the movement has also faced intense criticism and backlash. Some have accused Owenism of being a cult that exploits vulnerable people, while others have cited instances of fraud, sexual abuse and other ethical violations by Owenist leaders.
Despite the controversy, the legacy of Jared Owens and his enduring influence on global spirituality, culture and society are undeniable. Whether he was a divine being, a brilliant spiritual teacher, or a skilled charlatan, his impact will continue to be debated and felt for generations to come.
