The Varieties of Spiritual Experience: 21st century research and perspectives, by David B Yaden and

Author: David B Yaden. Review by James McCarthy.

Have you ever had a spiritual experience? If so, you are among the thirty-five per cent of people who have, according to this fascinating book.

David Yaden and Andrew Newberg have spent many years researching and writing about spiritual experience. Their perspective is wide-ranging: they write about different sorts of spiritual experience (aesthetic, numinous, psychic, revelatory, mystical), as well as what triggers the experience, what the outcomes are, and what happens to the brain.

The book’s title reflects William James’ classic The Varieties of Religious Experience. The authors celebrate and elaborate on James’ work – the 100 years since have thrown new light on the psychology of religious experiences. Their book is full of insight, careful evaluation and probing curiosity.

What counts as a spiritual experience? Yaden and Newberg employ a definition broad enough to encompass a wide variety of relevant states, while not being so broad as to be meaningless. They refer to people’s experiences over several thousand years, but their focus is on the present. It includes surveys as well as laboratory studies. Of those who claim to have had a spiritual experience, some are atheists, some evangelical Christians; many are agnostic. The experience had, to a greater or lesser extent, changed the lives of those who had them. As the authors say, ‘spiritual experiences, on the whole and in the long run… are pervasive, positive and profound’.

A striking section recounts the experiences of those who have seen the earth from space. The Syrian astronaut Muhammed Ahmad Faris said: ‘From space I saw Earth – indescribably beautiful with the scars of national boundaries gone.’ And NASA scientist Kathryn Sullivan said, ‘I’m happy to report that no amount of prior study or training can fully prepare anybody for the awe and wonder this inspires.’

Awe and wonder crop up frequently in this book, alongside feelings of connection and a sense of meaning. One idea I found compelling was the so-called ‘noetic’ quality: the feeling some people had that they were encountering a mind separate from their own. Yaden and Newberg discuss the implications of their research for the scientific search to define consciousness – in some circles that has taken the place of the question: ‘What is God like?’

Quakers might find it encouraging that psychologists are taking religious experience seriously; and it might help us to look more closely at our own experience – to try to understand, for instance, what is going on in Meeting for Worship. The authors are keen that the positive effects of spiritual experiences are made use of.

Most Friends I know think their religion benefits them. Can this be expressed scientifically? Traditional explanations of our experiences are now being put in a wider context, using more inclusive or objective language. This may foster intelligent enquiry and a grounded sense of hope about what can be achieved in the world.

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