arguments for religious experiences

Question 1

Ockham’s Razor

Answer 1

essentially the simplest explanation is usually the best (in this case saying that rel exp are real and can be trusted)

Question 2

Marx’s Explanation

Answer 2

our situation causes our consciousness and experiences. How we interpret the world is caused by our circumstances

Question 3

William James & Results

Answer 3

should judge rel exp by the results, what fruit do they produce in terms of people’s changed characters

Question 4

Swinburn: Credulity and Testimony

Answer 4

unless have a good reason to doubt what is claimed, you ought to believe accounts/ rel exp as genuine

Question 5

Modern Research

Answer 5

<30% of ppl claim to have had a type of rel exp; they are described similarly and have good effects

Question 6

Similar Descriptions

Answer 6

prompts people to see a common core, and suggests believers interpret the exp slightly differently (chris seeing HS, hindu seeing Ganesh)

Question 7

Jung & psychological wholeness

Answer 7

saw development of spiritual aspect of humans as key to psych whole, indicate a presence of a God archeype within us, not same as saying exp are just psych

Question 8

Richard Swinburn

Answer 8

mill of cases of rel exp can tip the scales of theism

Question 9

C. S. Evans Description

Answer 9

sense of unity, separation, dependence