Fr. Bill and author Paul S. conclude their discussion of Varieties of Religious Experience. In this episode they explore how “a life of love and service” are the natural fruits of any real conversion experience. There’s also an in-depth discussion of James’ own short summary of his findings. You’ll find James’ 5-point summation truly worth studying. 

Show Notes:

Paul’s book titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://rb.gy/khpbf5

Here are the five points from Chapter XX in VRE:

“Summing up in the broadest possible way the characteristics of the religious (or spiritual or 12-Step) life, include the following beliefs:

1. That the visible world is part of a more spiritual universe from which it draws its chief significance; (and)

2. That union or harmonious relation with that higher universe is our true end…

3. That prayer or inner communion with the spirit thereof - be that spirit ‘God’ or ‘law’ - is a process wherein work is really done and spiritual energy flows in and produces effects psychological or material within the phenomenal world.

4. A new zest which adds itself like a gift to life, and takes the form either of lyrical enchantment or of appeal to earnestness and heroism.

5. An assurance of safety and a temper of peace, and, in relation to others, a preponderance of loving affections.”

To contact Paul S. please write to me at [email protected] and I’ll pass your message along to him.

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