Question

Think about the feelings and sensations associated with religious experiences. What are they?

When and in what circumstances can you find similar feelings of religious experiences in secular or non-religious settings?

What does this tell you about how humans are wired?

What makes humans look for and appreciate feelings of unity with Nature, with all peoples, a mystical state of reverie, being suffused with joy, being thrilled, feeling helpless and small in the universe...and impulse to surrender to something outside of ourselves?

Answer 1

1. Some of the feelings and sensations that are associated with religious experiences include:

• Wonder at the infinity of the cosmos
• Awe and mystery in the presence of the sacred or holy
• Dependence on a divine power or an unseen order
• Guilt and anxiety accompanying belief in a divine judgment
• Peace that follows faith

2. In situations marked by high emotional intensity wherein one maybe pushed towards self-reflection and introspection, similar feelings of religious experience may occur. This can include extremely stressful circumstances such as being diagnosed with a threatening illness, facing a natural disaster or those meant for relaxation such as being amidst natural settings or experimenting with psychoactive drugs.

3. This tendency of humans allows us to conclude that we are capable of experiencing highly complex emotions that allows us to relate to an unknown or unseen order.

4. According to Abraham Maslow, a human being’s hightest need is to self-actualise, that is, maximise their highest potential. In order to do that, it is necessary to step outside’s our preoccupation with our own self and attempt to attain some knowledge and wisdom with respect to our position in the universe.