can be foundational e.g. Abraham had a religious experience which led to the founding of Judaism, Islam + Christianity
are inspirational: convince others that faith is worth standing up for e.g. Joan of Arc
are at the heart of the experience of pilgrimage e.g. Bernadette of Lourdes + founding the pilgrimage centre at Lourdes where annual no. of pilgrims is 5m
are life-changing: development of empathy, hope, courage; "energetic zest for life" (James); e.g. C.S. Lewis conversion
value of religious experiences for religious faith: