The question regarding religious experience is the definition of it. In my view, religious experience pertains to the individual encounter with a divine presence or force that exceeds their own existence. These encounters are typically extraordinary and difficult to verify, which complicates giving a definitive answer.
Conversion is a significant religious experience, with one notable instance being Saul’s conversion described in the Bible. While walking along Damascus Road, Saul was suddenly enveloped by a heavenly light.
After falling to the ground, Saul heard a voice calling out his name twice: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” The voice identified itself as Jesus and revealed that Saul was persecuting him. It instructed Saul to go into the city where he would receive further instructions. When Saul got up, he realized he was blind and had to be led by hand into Damascus.
For a span of three days, he experienced blindness and refrained from consuming any nourishment. This ultimately resulted in his transformation into the most eminent Christian missionary. This account shares similarities with the situation of C. S.
Lewis was in his room alone, constantly sensing the presence of God whom he did not wish to encounter. One evening, he surrendered and acknowledged God’s supremacy, and offered a prayer. Furthermore, there are modern occurrences of religious experiences.
Brother Yun, a Chinese Christian, successfully escaped from Zhengzhou Number One Maximum Security Prison. As he walked towards the iron gate outside his cell, he whispered prayers with each step. Coincidentally, at the very moment he reached the gate, another servant of the Lord was coming back to his own cell.
He successfully passed through the gate unnoticed and continued to evade all the guards until he reached the open front gates. Stepping outside, he was greeted by a small yellow taxi pulling up.
He urgently stated the need to quickly go to his office. They immediately left. In a hospital, Betty Malz had a religious experience outside of her body while she was in a coma. During this time, she found herself walking up a scenic and vibrant green hill.
Walking barefoot, she experienced no pain and wondered if she was dead. Despite the lack of a path, her inner compass guided her. Eventually, she realized there were others with her.
Jesus, a masculine figure wearing a robe, walked alongside another person without exchanging words. They continued walking together in the same direction as light filled the surroundings despite the absence of the sun.
In 1985, Bernhard Langer, a famous German golfer, had a spiritual encounter where Jesus Christ delivered a message. The message emphasized the importance of undergoing rebirth to enter the kingdom of God. This momentous event deeply influenced Langer’s life, shaping his priorities and their hierarchy.
Before his conversion to Christianity, his main focus was on himself and performing well in golf. However, after his transformation, his primary concern is to please God, with his family coming in second, and golf only ranking third in importance. Prayer plays a pivotal role in his life, as he engages in daily prayers, even during breaks between shots on the golf course.
Jason Robinson, a renowned rugby player, has experienced a remarkable change. Previously dedicated solely to his personal achievements in golf, he now wholeheartedly embraces Christianity. In a difficult period of his life, Jason sought solace and assistance from his friends John and Anne, who impressed him with their accepting nature. His despair was so profound that he even considered ending his own life. However, John and Anne compassionately suggested that he invite Jesus into his life. Without hesitation, Jason responded positively to their suggestion.
He sought forgiveness from God and prayed with two others, asking for God to enter his heart. He believed that God could assist him and desired His guidance, as he was certain it would guide him towards a new path in life.
These are four distinct instances of religious experience. However, I will now take a more expansive approach. People worldwide attend church, suggesting that a portion of these individuals have had a religious experience, which led to their conversion and subsequent church attendance.
Many people may have had encounters with God that go unreported, suggesting that there are numerous religious experiences we are unaware of. God chooses to reveal himself to those who are open and have faith, rejuvenating their belief while those who reject the idea of a higher power remain unaware. Skeptics, often called ‘non-believers’, tend to be cynical towards these religious experiences but fail to understand their significance, causing them to see them as false.
The comprehension of a religious encounter ultimately requires personal experience. In my perspective, the existence of God is both plausible and implausible. God is a reality for those who possess religious faith, while being nonexistent for atheists. Gaining acceptance from God does not hinge upon encountering religious experiences, but rather upon harboring a heart brimming with love and devotion.
