What is the value of religious experiences for faith?

Question 1

Religious experiences can be foundational

Answer 1

• They have been a direct cause in the founding of several religions
• Ellen white and the Adventist Church

Question 2

Religious experiences can be inspirational

Answer 2

• The religious experiences of some have inspired great faith in others
• Joan of Arc’s visions have had a profound effect on France and its relationship to Christianity.

Question 3

Religious experiences are at the heart of pilgrimages.

Answer 3

Bernadette Soubirous founded the shrine and pilgrimage at Lourdes after a religious experience.

Question 4

Religious experiences are life-changing

Answer 4

• Swinburne argues that religious experiences can be life-changing as they may bring about feelings of love, hope, courage, and endurance, to name a few.
• James argues that religious experiences can bring about psychological benefits such as a zest for life

Question 5

So what is the value of religious experiences overall?

Answer 5

• Can confirm faith, e.g. Teresa of Avila
• May inspire faith in others
• Issue here is that it wont just confirm one faith but can stand as proof for all faiths (Jewish, Christian and Muslim)