How does Brian D Smith's approach to spiritual awakening differ from traditional teachings?

Brian D. Smith’s approach to spiritual awakening is:

1. Evidence-based, not faith-based
   Instead of “believe this because a religion says so,” the focus is on afterlife research, NDEs, mediumship, and consciousness studies. Spirituality is built on data, experience, and inquiry, not blind belief.

2. Individually tailored, not one-size-fits-all
   There is no fixed dogma or required label. Brian talks about having his own evolving “Brianism” rather than fitting into a denomination. Each person’s path is unique.

3. Grief-centered as a doorway to awakening
   The catalyst is often loss—like the passing of his daughter Shayna. Grief is honored as a transformative teacher, not something to “get over” and return to life as usual.

4. Love-focused instead of fear-based
   Traditional models often lean on sin, judgment, and punishment. His core message: we are already loved, can never be separate from the Divine, and death is a transition, not an ending.

Would you like this contrasted with a specific tradition you come from (e.g., Christianity, no faith background, something else)?