ReliReligious Experiences

Question 1

What is a religious experience?

Answer 1

A non-empirical occurrence that can’t be tested or proven by science

This definition emphasizes the subjective nature of religious experiences.

Question 2

How is a religious experience often described?

Answer 2

As a ‘mental event’ - often only experienced in the mind

This highlights the internal and personal aspect of religious experiences.

Question 3

What effect do religious experiences have on individuals?

Answer 3

They draw people close to God or a supernatural being

This suggests a strong emotional or spiritual connection formed through these experiences.

Question 4

What are ‘genuine experiences’ in the context of religious experiences?

Answer 4

An actual event experienced by a person or people that cannot be claimed as made up

This term indicates the authenticity and significance of the experiences to those who have them.

Question 5

What distinguishes the phenomena of religious experiences?

Answer 5

They have authority for those who experience them and can convince them their beliefs are true

This underscores the persuasive power of personal religious experiences.

Question 6

True or False: Religious experiences can be empirically tested and proven by science.

Answer 6

False

This statement reflects the non-empirical nature of religious experiences.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: A religious experience is often a _______ event.

Answer 7

[mental]

This term emphasizes the subjective and internal experience of the individual.

Question 8

What can religious experiences sometimes persuade individuals to do?

Answer 8

Change their religious beliefs

This indicates the transformative potential of such experiences on personal faith.

Question 9

What is a vision?

Answer 9

An image or event where there is a message/revelation.

Question 10

Define corporeal in the context of visions.

Answer 10

A figure is ‘externally present’.

Question 11

What does empirical refer to in the context of visions?

Answer 11

The experiences physically see something.

Question 12

What is imaginative vision?

Answer 12

Something that is seen in ‘the mind’s eye’.

Question 13

Imaginative vision can be described as either a _______ or in the mind alone.

Answer 13

dream

Question 14

What does intellectual vision bring?

Answer 14

Knowledge and understanding.

Question 15

In intellectual vision, is a figure seen or heard externally or internally?

Answer 15

No figure is seen/heard externally or internally.

Question 16

Who was Rudolph Otto?

Answer 16

Protestant Theologian (1869-1937) known for the idea of the Holy

Question 17

What did Rudolph Otto try to identify about religious experience?

Answer 17

What makes an experience religious rather than just an experience

Question 18

What are numinous religious experiences?

Answer 18

Experiences of the ‘wholly other’

Question 19

What does the Latin word ‘numen’ mean?

Answer 19

Power of deity or spirit

Question 20

What characterizes a numinous experience?

Answer 20

Relates to the power of a deity or spirit

Question 21

True or False: Numinous experiences can be understood through our own senses or intellect.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

How are numinous experiences described in terms of their uniqueness?

Answer 22

‘Sui generis’ - unique, of its own kind, in a class of its own

Question 23

What emphasis is placed in numinous experiences?

Answer 23

God’s transcendence

Question 24

What does numinous experience include?

Answer 24

Numinous experience includes:
* ‘Uncanny’ - unique/strange/mysterious
* Feeling of ‘dread’ - special kind of fear
* Feelings of inadequacy and awe in the presence of a supreme power

C.S. Lewis discusses numinous experiences as profound encounters with the divine or transcendent.

Question 25

What is meant by the term 'uncanny' in the context of numinous experience?

Answer 25

'Uncanny' refers to something that is unique, strange, or mysterious ## Footnote This aspect highlights the extraordinary nature of numinous feelings.

Question 26

What does the feeling of 'dread' signify in numinous experiences?

Answer 26

The feeling of 'dread' signifies a special kind of fear ## Footnote This feeling often accompanies encounters with the divine or a higher power.

Question 27

How do people typically feel in the presence of a supreme power according to C.S. Lewis?

Answer 27

People typically feel feelings of inadequacy and awe ## Footnote This reflects the humbling nature of confronting something greater than oneself.

Question 28

Provide an example of a numinous experience described by C.S. Lewis.

Answer 28

An example is Jesus' miraculous catch of fish, where Peter falls to his knees and declares, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man' ## Footnote This illustrates the overwhelming sense of unworthiness and awe in the presence of the divine.

Question 29

What are the three components of numinous experiences?

Answer 29

mysterium, tremendum, fascinans ## Footnote These components describe the nature of numinous experiences, highlighting the mystery, awe, and fascination involved.

Question 30

Define 'mysterium' in the context of numinous experiences.

Answer 30

The mystery of the experience - felt but cannot be described ## Footnote 'Mysterium' refers to the ineffable aspect of numinous experiences.

Question 31

What does 'tremendum' signify in numinous experiences?

Answer 31

Awe inspiring terror and dread in the presence of an overwhelming being ## Footnote 'Tremendum' conveys the fear and respect one feels towards a powerful presence.

Question 32

Explain 'fascinans' in relation to numinous experiences.

Answer 32

Being drawn into the experience with a strange fascination ## Footnote 'Fascinans' captures the compelling allure of the numinous.

Question 33

How does the human experience compare to the divine in numinous experiences?

Answer 33

The human is small compared to that awesome power/spirit/deity ## Footnote This comparison highlights the overwhelming nature of the divine presence.

Question 34

What is often the human reaction to a numinous experience?

Answer 34

To leave everything and follow that power ## Footnote This reaction indicates a profound transformative impact of the experience.

Question 35

Who are two biblical figures mentioned in the context of numinous experiences?

Answer 35

Moses and Isaiah ## Footnote These figures exemplify encounters with the divine that evoke a sense of awe.

Question 36

What does the phrase 'THE CREATURE IS OVERWHELMED BY ITS OWN NOTHINGNESS' imply?

Answer 36

It suggests the insignificance of humans in comparison to the Holy Spirit ## Footnote This reflects the humbling nature of divine encounters.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: The encounter with God is _______.

Answer 37

inexpressible ## Footnote This emphasizes the profound nature of such experiences that defy articulation.

Question 38

What action did Peter take after witnessing Jesus' miracle?

Answer 38

Converted and followed Jesus ## Footnote This illustrates a typical response to a numinous experience.

Question 39

What is the state of consciousness typically experienced by a mystic?

Answer 39

A state of consciousness that is passive, acceptance, or openness

Question 40

How do mystics often describe their experiences?

Answer 40

They often report feeling like they were taken over by a superior power

Question 41

What does ineffability refer to in the context of mystical experiences?

Answer 41

Mystical experiences defy expression and are beyond words

Question 42

What is a common challenge faced by individuals who have mystical experiences?

Answer 42

They may not fully be able to understand the experience

Question 43

What does noetic quality mean in relation to mystical states?

Answer 43

Mystical states seem to be states of knowledge, allowing insight into truths unattainable by intellect alone

Question 44

What do mystical experiences provide to those who undergo them?

Answer 44

New knowledge

Question 45

How long can mystical states typically be maintained?

Answer 45

For a maximum of 30 minutes to two hours

Question 46

Fill in the blank: Mystical states are often described as having _______.

Answer 46

[noetic quality]

Question 47

True or False: Mystical experiences can be easily expressed in words.

Answer 47

False

Question 48

What is a characteristic of the transiency of mystical states?

Answer 48

They cannot be maintained for long periods of time

Question 49

What did William Stace and James believe about proving the existence of God?

Answer 49

'Either God is a mystery or He is nothing at all' ## Footnote They maintained that reason is not effective in proving God's existence.

Question 50

What happens to the senses and conscious self during a mystical experience according to Stace?

Answer 50

They stop working; the experience is non-sensuous and non-intellectual. ## Footnote This highlights the nature of mystical experiences as transcending ordinary perception.

Question 51

What did William Stace and James believe about proving the existence of God?

Answer 51

'Either God is a mystery or He is nothing at all' ## Footnote They maintained that reason is not effective in proving God's existence.

Question 52

What happens to the senses and conscious self during a mystical experience according to Stace?

Answer 52

They stop working; the experience is non-sensuous and non-intellectual. ## Footnote This highlights the nature of mystical experiences as transcending ordinary perception.