Realism and religious experience
David Brown
Religious Studies December 1, 2015 DOI: 10.1017/s0034412514000389 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that three common objections to a realist account of religious experience—the unusual character of its object, its unusual accompanying conditions, and conflicting content—can be addressed by noting parallels with ordinary perception and by observing that experiences occur within traditions whose surface incompatibility does not necessarily indicate deep divisions. |
Abstract
Abstract: In this article three types of objection to a realist account of religious experience are explored: (1) the unusual character of its object; (2) its unusual accompanying conditions; and (3) the conflicting content. In response to (1) it is noted that despite divine freedom not all types of encounter preclude predictability, while parallels are drawn with perception of other complex objects such as persons. At the same time the whole notion of simple perceptions is challenged. In response to (2) parallels to the affective element are found not only in moral and aesthetic experience but more widely. Finally, in response to (3) apparent irreconcilable conflicts are lessened by observing how all such experiences take place within the context of traditions whose surface incompatibility does not necessarily indicate deep divisions.