Philosophy of Religion Religious Experience Lesson 2 Mr DEzilva

Quote/Thought Exercise Is this glass half empty or half full? Why? Remember to explain and be specific as to why you feel the way you do.

Take up homework… religious experience You were to compile brief research and information on a noted Religious Experience. As a group, we will share some, I will be collecting them.

Quick Recap Monist  Numinous  Subjective  Objective  Revelation 

Forms of Religious Experience Visions and Voices: He/she can actually hear/see something supernatural Careful… “seeing/hearing” could also be metaphorical Numinous Experience: The distinctive experience of God, extremely transcendent, yet, with clear recognition that THIS is the primary source of beauty and love. For example, witnessing a baby’s birth or an amazing day on the countryside could trigger a “wholly other” experience that is beyond your understanding. Conversion Experience: This is said to happen in stages 1) The person is dissatisfied with their “system of ideas” 2) The person searches on various levels (script, celebration) 3) The person experiences a point of crisis and intense emotion 4) The person experiences a sense of peace and loss of worry. 5) The person has attained a new purpose in life and a new direction

Forms of Religious Experience Cont’d Corporate Religious Experience: Several different people at the same time have the same or similar religious experiences.  For Example: The Toronto Blessing. Groups of people all worshipped together and appeared to have had the same experience of being overcome by the Holy Spirit (this caused many to weep, laugh, pray silently, etc.)