The Religious Predisposition
Method & Theory in the Study of Religion July 23, 2020 DOI: 10.1163/15700682-12341504 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | Argues that features of deep absorption and mystical states appear in the beliefs of people who have never experienced deep absorption, and proposes an explanation for how people come to be influenced in their beliefs and practices by experiences they have not had. |
Abstract
Abstract This article first predicts, on the basis of an analysis of deep absorption, a number of features of mystical and related states of consciousness. It then observes that these very same features appear in beliefs held by people who have never experienced deep absorption. Moreover, many people engage in activities that, though not normally leading to deep absorption, bring about lesser states of absorption. The article will propose an answer to the question how it is that many people are influenced in their beliefs and practices by experiences (deep absorption) they have not had.
Citations in the library
Cited by 1
Cites 8
- Buddhist Modernism and the Rhetoric of Meditative Experience Numen 1995
- Seeing it both ways: Openness to experience and binocular rivalry suppression Journal of Research in Personality March 21, 2017
- On Mystical Experiences as: Support for the Perennial Philosophy Journal of the American Academy of Religion 1994
- Consciousness and no self? Ratio October 22, 2018
- Hunter-Gatherers and the Origins of Religion. Human Nature September 2016
and 3 more in the library