The Varieties of Religious Experience

by William James
The Varieties of Religious Experience cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5386
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781447499329
  • Publisher: Read Books Ltd
  • Published: 2012-10-30
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

William James, a renowned American philosopher and psychologist, delves into the nature of religious experiences and their impact on the human psyche. This volume, a cornerstone of philosophical literature, examines topics such as the relationship between religion and neurology, the reality of the unseen, and the unification of the divided self. James's insights offer a timeless exploration of faith and its psychological dimensions. Originally published in the late 19th century, this book remains a seminal work in the study of religion and psychology. It is republished here in an affordable, high-quality edition, complete with a specially-commissioned biography of the author, making it accessible to modern readers.

Reviews
The Sober Curator · 2025-02-18
timeless 4.75

This book is a timeless classic that explores human encounters with the divine. It is a significant work by a renowned philosopher and psychologist.

The Sober Curator praises 'The Varieties of Religious Experience' as a timeless classic, highlighting its enduring relevance. They appreciate James's deep exploration of human encounters with the divine, noting his unique perspective as both a philosopher and a psychologist. The reviewer emphasizes the book's significance in understanding religious experiences, making it a must-read for those interested in the subject. They also highlight James's long tenure at Harvard, underscoring his credibility and expertise. Overall, the book is seen as a profound and insightful work that continues to resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    It is a significant exploration of human encounters with the divine.

    James was a philosopher and psychologist who had a long tenure at Harvard.

    This book is a timeless classic.

The Guardian · 2017-02-06
revolutionary 4.50

This work brought a democratising impulse to the realm of religious belief. It is revolutionary in its approach to understanding religious experiences.

The Guardian highlights how William James's work democratises religious belief, making it accessible and relatable to a broader audience. They appreciate the revolutionary nature of James's approach, which challenges traditional theological perspectives. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the understanding of religious experiences, offering a fresh and inclusive perspective. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of James's work in bridging the gap between personal faith and academic study, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in the intersection of psychology and religion.

Quick quotes

    This revolutionary work written by Henry James's less famous brother brought a democratising impulse to the realm of religious belief.

    It is a significant exploration of human encounters with the divine.

    James was a philosopher and psychologist who had a long tenure at Harvard.

Philosophy for Life · 2013-08-08
marvelous 4.25

This book is a marvelous attempt to take a pragmatic and empirical approach to religious experiences. It remains open to various interpretations and insights.

Philosophy for Life describes 'The Varieties of Religious Experience' as a marvelous book, appreciating James's pragmatic and empirical approach to religious experiences. They highlight the book's openness to different interpretations and insights, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the diverse nature of religious experiences. The reviewer emphasizes the book's relevance and depth, noting its ability to provoke further reflection and thought. They also appreciate James's ability to remain open-minded and inclusive in his exploration of religious experiences, making the book a significant contribution to the field.

Quick quotes

    It is a marvelous book, in which James attempts to take a pragmatic and empirical approach to religious experiences.

    Remaining open to the various interpretations and insights.

    It is a significant exploration of human encounters with the divine.

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