Single Idea 20710

[catalogued under 28. God / B. Proving God / 3. Proofs of Evidence / d. Religious Experience]

Full Idea

Might it not be possible that experience of God requires an unusual state or psychological abnormality, just as an aerial view of Paris requires that one be in the unusual state of being abnormally elevated?

Gist of Idea

Maybe an abnormal state of mind is needed to experience God?

Source

Brian Davies (Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion [1982], 7 'Are the')

Book Reference

Davies,Brian: 'An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion' [OUP 1993], p.125


A Reaction

That would make sense if it were analogous to great mathematical or musical ability, but it sounds more like ouija boards in darkened rooms. Talent has a wonderful output, but people in mystical states don't return with proofs.