Religious Life and Its Dependence on Experience

Religious Experience There are various interpretations of the definite meaning of a religious experience, where each are unique and different. There have been many, many stores put forward by certain individuals who have claimed to have such an experience. Various people have studied them, and have come to the conclusion that in most cases, very similar subjects are brought up in them. Some say that a religious experience involves having some sort of contact with God. For example, it has come to our awareness that people over the years have ‘heard the voice of God’.

It is hard to define religious experience as a large part of it is subjective. By their very nature religious experiences are incredibly personal and differ wildly from individual to individual. Everyone is going to react to a religious experience differently; some will dismiss it, others will take it to heart and it can change their lives. Religious experiences can happen from almost anywhere, from the beauty of being out in nature or in the middle of a church service. How one interprets a religious experience is largely “depends on the culture, ideas, and language of that particular time and place” (Thompson, 7).

True Epistemic Value of Religious Experiences For many years, the idea of what it means to have a “religious experience” has been greatly debated. Philosophers and great thinkers alike have grappled with many questions, such as what constituted a “religious experience” and the difference between that and a mystical experience. Part of this great debate involves two philosophers from a similar time period, William James and C.D Broad, who each saw these experiences, despite some similarities, as having different epistemic values. Broad offers that these religious experiences can provide strong validation of a higher existence, while James take more of a perennialist view, in which all of the religious traditions of the world have on common belief about the world; therefore, his idea of mystical experiences don’t truly support the idea of a supreme being. I believe that neither James nor Broad are completely correct and rather the epistemic value of religious experiences lies somewhere in between their views.

In his definition of personal religion, Thorkild Jacobsen tables three elements critical to living a submissive life. Firstly, there is a sense of commitment to one’s religious values that makes religious individuals see themselves as standing in a close personal relation to the divine. Secondly, they rely on the later for guidance and help in personal matters and affairs. Lastly, they expect consequences if they sin, but at the same time profoundly believe in divine love, forgiveness, and compassion love if they sincerely repent. There are many studies examining the idea of innocent suffering and notion of personal piety as they occur in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and in the story of Job in the bible. The question that arises is: how much can human

The Christian Life Introduction The Book of Romans is what Martin Luther called the most important letter that Paul ever wrote. The theological arguments and implications of Romans are far-reaching and the many topics are interconnected and entirely consistent with one another in argumentation and style. Within this cogent and comprehensive theological statement of belief and faith, Paul writes extensively on what it means to live a Christian life. He combines his understanding of the fall of humankind, the Old Testament law, and the fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ with the post-Pentecostal period where the Holy Spirit dwells in believers who have professed their faith in Jesus as their Savior. According to Rom 8, the Spirit is integral to the Christian’s sanctification.

The Principle of Credultiy, the Will to Believe, and the Role of Rationality and Evidence in Religious Experience

Religion has become part of a life style to fill the emptiness that we have as humans, although is more than just that. Even if we don’t believe in any religion we know that there is something bigger than us, it can be science, a plant, or even an animal that we could consider the superior power. Sometimes it cannot be explained with words because is like the air we can feel and we know is there, but we can’t see it. Every opinion or fact always creates a belief, and a controversy. The fact that religion it’s so important to society created different opinions about it and disagreements. There are many types of religion all around the world and each one have different beliefs and perceive life differently. Religion involves different elements such as rituals, traditions, and interpretation of the bible. However, there are outside elements that although are involved with religion, society doesn’t really perceive them as one. Some examples are the resurrection of Christ better known as Easter, or the born of Jesus better known as Christmas. Both traditions that are surely important elements of some religions, but are not celebrated or interpreted by some people as they should be. Easter and Christmas is celebrated mostly by everyone, however, most people don’t see them as religion principles of faith. Instead some people prefer to celebrate Easter as egg hunting for kids, and Christmas as Santa Claus bringing gifts to those whom behave well. Some people blame commercialism for these false traditions, however, society has decided to perceive them differently and not involved them with religion.

Carmela Tayag William Ramsey TA: John Anders 3 March 2014 Phil 101-1001: First Assignment In this essay, I will be arguing about humanity’s spiritual evolution. For humanity to evolve spiritually, it must go from an inferior state to a superior state. First, I will defend my conclusion by stating my reasons to support my conclusion.

Religions play a crucial role in impacting how adherents live their lives and their understanding of humanities enduring questions of life. Religion is an active system of faith. Christianity is a religion centred on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the bible. A living tradition is one that is active amongst followers in present society. Whereas a dynamic tradition is capable of adapting and amending in order to meet the needs of society. Christianity is formed as a living and dynamic tradition, which is defined by its distinct characteristics. Characteristics include, sacred texts and writings, rituals and ceremonies, beliefs and believers and ethics. Ultimately, Christianity is shaped as a living and dynamic tradition through the characteristics of religion’s impacts on adherents.

Kayla Akers ATH 185 Professor Cinnamon 27 April 2014 Religion Ethnography 1.) Intro: I decided to focus my Religious Ethnography on a friend whom I recently have become close with. Adhita Sahai is my friend’s name, which she later told me her first name meant “scholar.” I choose to observe and interview Adhita, after she invited me to her home after hearing about my assignment. I was very humbled that she was open to this, because not only was it a great opportunity for this paper, but it also helped me get to know Adhita better.