Value to Faith

• Bernadette Soubirous


  1844-1879

  • had a vision of the 'immaculate conception' (Virgin Mary)
  • 18 visions
• Teresa of Avila

  1515-1582

  • example of mystical experience argues experiences should be tested
• Who said religion is secondary to experience?

  William James
• What does James suggest about God?

  • doesn't have to be the God in classical theism
  • could be a collection of God-like selves
  • God is temporal: doesn't know the future
• Issues of James's claims to Christians

  • predestination is impossible
  • God isn't omnipotent
  • God is finite
  • Could be a collection of Gods
  • God isnt necessarily christian
• What are the three beliefs of christian life

  1. visible world is significant as it draws significance from a spiritual realm
  2. The end of humanity is union with higher universe
  3. prayer is efficacious
• Psychological benefits of religious experience

  • 'lyrical enchantment'
  • inspires heroic deeds
  • assurance of safety, love and affection
• How does James explain religious experience?

  roots and fruits:

  roots=experience

  fruits= what happens afterwards

  -its important to judge an experience on what happens afterwards