Religious Experience

• What is a Religious Experience?

  An encounter with almighty God, and is a non-empirical event.
• What is a Vision?

  Person may believe they have seen or heard someone or something that no one else can see or hear.
• What are the 3 types of Visions?

  Sensory, Intellectual & Dream-based
• What is a Sensory Vision?

  Vision is experienced through the senses. (sight, sound, touch)
• What are the features of a Sensory Vision?

  • Perceived as external and real
  • often involves seeing a divine figure, hearing voices, and feeling presence.
• What is an example of Sensory Visions?

  St Bernadette of Lourdes saw the Virgin Mary 18 times, being able to describe her as a physical presence.
• What is an Intellectual Vision?

  Non-physical vision where the experiencer gains insight or knowledge, a spiritual enlightenment.
• What are the features of an Intellectual Vision?

  Mental awareness, and clarity about God or religious truths.
• What is an example of an Intellectual Vision?

  St Theresa of Avila felt God's presence deeply but described it as "knowing" rather than seeing. Claiming the visions brought her closer to god.
• What is a Dream-Based Vision?

  A vision experienced in a dream, often containing symbolic or prophetic messages.
• What are the features of a Dream-based vision?

  Occurs during sleep or an altered state of consciousness and involves vivid imagery, divine communication, or guidance.
• What is an example of a Dream-based vision?

  Joseph Dream - An angel warned him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape danger.
• What are the 4 types of Conversion?

  Sudden, Gradual, Individual and communal
• What is Sudden conversion?

  Immediate and dramatic transformation
• What is an example of Sudden Conversion?

  St Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus
• What is Gradual Conversion?

  Slow and progressive change over time.
• What is an example of Gradual Conversion?

  C.S Lewis transitioned from atheism to Christianity through reflection and study.
• What is Individual Conversion?

  Personal transformation is where a single person changes their beliefs, faiths, or lifestyle.
• What is an example of Individual Conversion?

  St Augustine transitioned from hedonistic lifestyle to devout christianity.
• What is Communal Conversion?

  Collective transformation is when a group or community undergoes a change in faiths or beliefs.
• What is an example of Communal Conversion?

  Pentecost, a mass conversion where many were inspired to become a Christian after hearing Peter's sermon.