Source: The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature, by.William James, eBooks@Adelaide 2009
The Varieties of Religious Experience.wav
William James' The Varieties of Religious Experience is a profound exploration of the psychological roots of religious feelings and personal religious experiences, rather than a study of religious institutions. Through a wealth of first-hand accounts from individuals, James delves into the subjective nature of faith, examining phenomena like conversion, mysticism, and prayer across different traditions. His work aims to understand the varied manifestations of the religious life and to assess their significance and value for individuals, suggesting that religious experiences, despite their diverse forms, point to a deeper reality that influences human lives. James emphasizes the subjective nature of these experiences, their impact on individuals, and their potential value despite their diverse and sometimes unconventional manifestations. Ultimately, James seeks to understand how religion functions in the lives of individuals, emphasizing the personal and experiential aspects of faith.
Overall Theme: This selection from William James' "The Varieties of Religious Experience" delves into the psychological roots and significance of religious experiences, moving beyond purely theological or philosophical definitions. James emphasizes the subjective nature of these experiences, their impact on individuals, and their potential value despite their diverse and sometimes unconventional manifestations.
Key Themes and Ideas:
1. Distinction Between Existential and Value Judgments of Religion:
James immediately establishes a crucial distinction: understanding the nature and origin of religious propensities is different from understanding their importance and significance. He argues that existential judgments ("what is it? how did it come about?") and value judgments ("what is its importance?") are logically distinct and cannot be directly deduced from one another.
Quote: "The question, What are the religious propensities? and the question, What is their philosophic significance? are two entirely different orders of question from the logical point of view; and, as a failure to recognize this fact distinctly may breed confusion, I wish to insist upon the point a little before we enter into the documents and materials to which I have referred." This distinction sets the stage for James' psychological approach, focusing on the lived experience and its impact, rather than solely on doctrines or historical origins.
2. The Nature of Religious Experience: Beyond Intellectual or Sexual Reductionism:
James critiques attempts to reduce religion to other phenomena, such as perverted sexuality or intellectual aberration.
He argues that religious language often utilizes metaphors from everyday life (eating, drinking, sex) as "poor symbols" to express profound and stirring experiences. Quote: "It reminds one, so crudely is it often employed, of the famous Catholic taunt, that the Reformation may be best understood by remembering that its fons et origo was Luther’s wish to marry a nun:—the effects are infinitely wider than the alleged causes, and for the most part opposite in nature."
He emphasizes that the effects of religious experiences are often far-reaching and transformative, suggesting that the underlying causes are more complex than simple reductions allow.
3. Defining "Religion" Through Individual Experience and Response:
James explores various ways to define religion, moving from the idea of gods as primal powers to religion as an individual's total reaction to life.