Religious Experience

Question 1

What is William James’ most famous work?

Answer 1

The varieties of Religious Experience

Question 2

How did James approach this study?

Answer 2

From a secular, impartial point of view

Question 3

What were James’ two aims?

Answer 3

To find out if there are any characteristics common to the religious experiences of people from different religions

To analyse whether religious experience can form an objective argument for the existence of God

Question 4

What are the four characteristic common to an RE?

Answer 4

Ineffable
Notice
Transient
Passive

Question 5

Ineffable

Answer 5

Impossible to express in words

Question 6

Noetic

Answer 6

The person receives knowledge of God which is not otherwise available

Question 7

Transient

Answer 7

The experience is not permanent; it usually lasts half an hour or less

Question 8

Passive

Answer 8

The person was not in control of what happened to them. It feels as if it is being controlled from outside- they are the recipient rather than the instigator

Question 9

What is James’ conclusion

Answer 9

The effects of the RE point towards the possibility of a higher power

James is leaving open the possibility of God’s existence - he is offering evidence in support of God