Religious Experience: Is it rational for those without the benefits of religious experiences to believe in the reports of those who have.

Peter Addy Dr. Tim Mawson Philosophy of Religion 29 May 2002 Religious Experience Many different types of people report many different types of religious experiences. If there is some truth in these experiences, then it is perfectly rational for people who have no direct experience to believe the reports of those who have. Many people have never personally experienced Australia, but it is rational for such people to believe the reports of those who have experienced Australia. …

…of religious experiences, and the rest of us have not only the rational ability but also the need to believe their reports. Which reports we hold to be truer than the others depends upon each individual and what he or she needs to get of their personal relationship with higher reality. James says, "So long as men can use their God, they care very little who he is, or even whether he is at all."