Religious Experience: Learning and Meaning
Transformation An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies April 1, 2008 DOI: 10.1177/026537880802500301 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that numinous experiences, especially those evoking creature-consciousness, can inform choices and learning, but the meanings placed on them, while expressions of faith, cannot bridge the gap between meaning, faith, and truth. |
Abstract
Some experiences, especially the ones that generate in the subject a feeling of creature-consciousness can be described as nothing less than awe-inspiring. Otto spoke of such experiences in relation to the notion of the numinous. Experiences have levels. Reaching the level where we are made aware of our true identity as creatures can gainfully inform our choices and learning. We remain however at the point where we can recognise that such experiences themselves point to a logic of meaning. The meanings that we place upon our numinous experiences may be an expression of faith but the gap between meaning, faith and truth remains unbridgeable.