Religios Experiences Flashcards
What are the four types of religious experiences
Numinous experience
Conversion
Payer
Miracle
Why do some people believe in God
Because they have had a religious experience. This convinces them that God exists
What is a numinous experience
An experience which completely amazes someone and often inspires awe and wonder. Usually words are not enough to describe the experience but it leaves a person aware of being greater then themselves
What is conversion
An experience that causes an individual to change their beliefs, ideas or complete lifestyle. An atheist may suddenly become a believer of God or a person may change from one religion to another
What is a miracle
An act of God that appears to be impossible as it goes against the laws of nature. It is usually performed for a religious reason
What us prayer
A method which believers use to communicate with god. Prayer can be personal, or can be a group experience when believers worship together. Believers pray to share their ideas with God, to praise him, to thank him for forgiveness or to show gratitude.
Give an example of a numinous experience
A sunrise
Give an example of conversion
In the bible Saul originally persecuted Christians. After his conversion experience he became a Christian
Give examples of a miracle
Jesus performed many miracles in the bible such as calming of the storm, the feeding of 5000 or the healing of the crippled man
Give an example of prayer
Carmelite monks have an hour of silent morning prayer every day
