Religious Experience Research Articles

Hebrews 5:5–10: A synthesis for the hermeneutical challenge in Pentecostalism on suffering?

Pentecostals adopt a distinct hermeneutical approach when reading and interpreting the Bible, emphasising the New Testament more than the Old Testament and, when they do engage the Old Testament, are more inclined to focus on narratives of victory, success and triumph, which align with their emphasis on triumphalistic faith. Conversely, texts addressing lament, suffering, persecution and defeat receive less attention in Pentecostal hermeneutics. It is important to recognise the perplexity that not all prayers are answered, not all Christians succeed and sometimes believers endure severe hardships without expecting any change in their circumstances. Hebrews 5:5–10 is a passage that discourses the suffering of the Messiah and how he achieved perfection through suffering. This text may serve as an exemplum to challenge Pentecostals to consider a new hermeneutical approach when dealing with texts on suffering. Pentecostals often read the Bible with the expectation to share in the same spiritual experiences as the biblical characters, particularly focusing on breakthroughs and victories. However, the message in Hebrews 5:5–10, on the suffering Messiah, may invite Pentecostals to reconsider their emphasis on triumphalism and to engage with biblical themes of suffering and perseverance.Contribution: This article aims to provide Christian believers, particularly Pentecostal believers, with an alternative perspective on suffering. It emphasises that suffering does not necessarily indicate a deficiency in faith or prayer. By reconsidering their hermeneutical approach to biblical texts on suffering, Pentecostals can find meaningful insights and perspectives to help them navigate their experiences of suffering.

Spirituality, Spiritual Distress and Experiences of Joy, Meaning and Growth Among Parkinson's Disease Caregivers in the United States.

Caregiving challenges of Parkinson's disease can result in loss of faith, meaning, and spiritual distress. The purpose of this study is to describe Parkinson's disease caregivers' perceptions and experiences related to spiritual distress, sources of spiritual and religious support, acts, and experiences of growth, and finding meaning and joy in the midst of spiritual distress. We conducted semi-structured interviews with caregivers of persons with Parkinson's disease (n = 16) and identified five themes: (a) Bearing witness to suffering underlies spiritual distress; (b) Prayers are pleas for "soul help"; (c) Spiritual guidance and support are important; (d) Faith and community are sources of spiritual support; and (e) Joy, meaning, and growth help to transcend spiritual distress. Interventions that target sources of spiritual distress and joy are needed.

Spiritual Care Experiences of Nurses Caring for Gynecologic Cancer Patients in Türkiye: A Qualitative Research.

The study aimed to examine the spiritual care experiences of nurses caring for gynecologic cancer patients. The study was conducted using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods. Nurses caring for gynecologic cancer patients were included in the study. In sample selection, the criterion sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used, and the sample size was ten nurses. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data. Content analysis was performed using the MAXQDA package program. The study was written based on the COREQ checklist. The nurses' statements determined themes, sub-themes, and codes in line with the research findings. Accordingly, four themes were identified as "spiritual care practices," "emotional effects of spiritual care," "factors affecting spiritual care," and "recommendations to improve spiritual care".In line with the findings obtained, it is recommended that in-service training should be provided to nurses caring for gynecologic cancer patients to provide spiritual care at a professional level. Moreover, the excessive workload caused by working conditions should be reduced, and regulations and institutional policies should be established to increase the number of nurses.

Book Review: Harold A., Religious Experience and the Knowledge of God: The Evidential Force of Divine Encounters

Book Review: Harold A., <i>Religious Experience and the Knowledge of God: The Evidential Force of Divine Encounters</i>

Die Einstellungen des Alters und des Alterns in den deutschen Werbespots

Depending on the cultural context, age characteristics or specific portrayals of age are presented differently in television advertisements. Advertising agencies often attempt to convey certain cultural images, family values and principles or even illustrate humorous age stereotypes, which can be identified for example in the two analyzed commercials from Bluna and Teekanne, in order to attract the interest and attention of the audience. Since childhood, each person has certain image ideas that have a great influence on them from literature, society, the media, but especially from television. These influence our perception of the natural process of aging, either positively or negatively. However, such age stereotypes are also culture-dependent, because in Asian cultures the portrayal of old age is perceived differently, in the sense of wisdom, spiritual experience, long longevity, and from a state of healthy well-being. In contrast, in European cultures, perceptions of old age differ significantly, with a greater association with severe physical conditions or mental illnesses.

The Role of Spiritual Well-Being in Spanish Cancer Patients: Exploring the Relationship Between Health, Religiosity and Spirituality, and the Underlying Psychosocial and Behavioral Pathways

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the interactions of spiritual well-being with different psychosocial and behavioral aspects that have been proposed in the literature as pathways underlying the relationship of religiosity and spirituality (R/S) with physical health, specifically in cancer patients (N = 351). Using a cross-sectional research design, a series of hierarchical regression analyses show the predictive power of different elements of R/S (attachment to God, religious practice, commitment and coping, and spiritual experiences) on spiritual well-being. In turn, spiritual well-being (meaning/peace and faith) predicts gratitude and compassion (as psychological pathways). Thus, finally, spiritual well-being, together with gratitude and compassion, correlates to the rest of the psychological (positive and negative emotions), social (social support) and behavioral (healthy behaviors) pathways to different extents. Spiritual well-being may play an important role in understanding the relationships between R/S and health, so considering it along with its associated factors may be key to improving the health and quality of life of people affected by cancer in Spain.

Revealing the pattern of causality between tourist experience and the perception of sacredness at shamanic heritage destinations in Northeast China

For religious heritage tourism, the key to a destination’s reputation lies in enabling visitors to fully experience the sacredness or a unique spiritual experience offered by the site. The authenticity of the tourism experience and perception is the most significant factor influencing visitors’ perception of the sacredness of religious or holy sites. However, there is currently a lack of sufficient references and evidence to explore the relationship between tourists’ authentic experiences and their perception of sacredness in religious heritage tourism. The aim of this study is to elucidate the causal relationship between the characteristics or attributes of tourists’ authentic experiences and their perception of the sacredness of the destination. Furthermore, it seeks to explore resource development and site creation strategies for religious tourism destinations to continuously enhance the sense of sacredness of these places. The Shamanic cultural traditions in the traditional settlements of Northeast China provide a subtly different context for this study. However, the topics discussed have broad applicability in constructing the network of relationships between the characteristics of tourists’ experiences and their perception of sacredness in religious heritage tourism. This study applied the causal decision analysis model based on data mining (RSA-DEMATEL) and established a causal network diagram between core attributes based on clarifying the behavioral rule knowledge (i.e., If…Then… rules) between tourists’ travel experience (conditional attributes) and the perception of place sacredness (decision-making attributes). The study finds that enhancing tourists’ perception of the sacredness of a destination is related to authentic tourism experiences, the ability to observe believers and participate in the religious activities of local residents, landscapes that reflect local traditions and historical culture, as well as the number of tourists and the extent of commercial activities. This research offers further insights into the sustainable development of religious tourism, providing a critical conceptual framework and data analysis model for subsequent related studies, contributing significantly to both theory and practice.

Making Mind Real

Tanya Luhrmann’s notable contribution to the cognitive study of religion consists of demonstrating that religious experience is based on purposeful practice of the believer. Through this practice, the objects of religious doctrine – gods and spirits – eventually begin to be perceived as more real and present. However, considering realness only in the context of encounters with invisible beings limits the theory to theistic religious traditions. This paper suggests that the process of transforming doctrine into real experience is also evident in Buddhist meditation practice, where encounters with gods and spirits are not the primary goal. Therefore, Luhrmann’s theory of real-making can potentially be extended by examining patterns common to both theistic and non-theistic religions in the transformation of religious ideas into concrete embodied experiences.

Phenomenal similarities and phenomenological differences between religion and sport

ABSTRACT Sport as the pursuit of competition and the achievement of ever greater records goes beyond the dimension of mere physical activity and has many similarities not only with play, drama and art, but also with religion. Symbolic representations of sporting activity are then interpreted in religious terms, e.g. that sport has the power to create a new kind of religion, that sporting and religious experiences are identical, that a specific sporting sacred can be defined. The paper accepts the position that similar phenomenal resemblances (phenomenalism) are not sufficient proof of the essential correspondence of these modes of being (phenomenology), since they touch in different ways on the relation between transcendence and immanence. Sport may point to something beyond empirical reality, but it cannot be a presentation of the sacred. It can become a representation, a depiction, not a making present of it. Thus it is possible to adequately conceptualize the world of sport as an implicit, not explicit, religion.

Self, Other, and Higher Power: A “Relational Triad” Moderates Associations Between Mystical Experience and Mental Health

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to characterize the relationship between mystical experience and psychopathology measures in a general-population sample of 763 U.S. adults. The participants were assessed across various domains including psychopathology, spirituality, personality, and life experience. The analysis revealed three distinct profiles among individuals: Transcendent Wellness, Transcendent Struggle, and Non-Transcendent Wellness. The Transcendent Wellness profile demonstrated higher scores in belongingness, mindfulness, and lived/integrated spirituality compared to the Transcendent Struggle profile. Belongingness and mindfulness were identified as mitigating factors, reducing the positive association between mystical experience and depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, lived/integrated spirituality attenuated this association, particularly in relation to anxiety. Conventional religiosity measures, however, did not exhibit the same moderating effects. The authors propose a framework in which relationally grounded spirituality, manifesting in the form of connection to fellow human, self, and higher power, constitutes a foundation for processing of and sense-making around mystical experience.

The holy waters of En Four: Rituals, prayers, magic and mysticism

Travellers on the N4 highway just east of Pretoria can see evidence of a sacred spring next to the road with pilgrims moving around the landscape and collecting water. This research explored this place – called ‘En Four’ by some – and described visits and conversations had at the site in 2024. The first part of the research narrated the encounters and recorded the local and anecdotal knowledge shared by pilgrims and visitors. The research then analysed the religious significance of the water-based rituals using Rodney Stark’s religion-sociological theory of religion: it identified evidence of magic, prayer, ritual and mysticism. Finally, a number of findings considered the use, value and care of water at this religious site: En Four offers various religious experiences, contributes to mental and physical health and may enhance social cohesion and understanding.Contribution: This research recorded an important, but still undocumented, religious site, as well as the activities and rituals enacted at this place. It interpreted the African water-rituals uniquely from a religion-sociological perspective, also indicating its significance for both individuals and society. This contributed to an interreligious dialogue on, and reappreciation of water as being holy and transformative.

SPIRITUALITY, RELIGIOSITY AND WELL-BEING RELATIONSHIP IN EARLY ADULTHOOD: TESTING DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECT VIA MEANING IN LIFE

The study explored the impact of religiosity and spirituality indicators on the subjective, social and psychological well-being of individuals aged 18 to 45 years both directly and indirectly through meaning in life. A total of 199 Bulgarians took part in the study (Mage = 27.58; SD = 8.71; 82.4% females). The instruments of the study were: Brief Mental Health Continuum Short, Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiosity and Spirituality, Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Analyses showed that spiritual forgiveness predicted all domains of well-being and religious support predicted subjective well-being, all performing positive small effects. Meaning in life acted as full mediator in the relationship between daily spiritual experiences, religious support, forgiveness and all the domains of well-being. Meaning in life partially mediated the relationships between religious support and subjective well-being as well as between forgiveness and social well-being. The findings address that religiosity-based social support, daily transcendent experiences, and forgiving to oneself and the others promote well-being in early adulthood, and the underlying mechanism can be explained by meaning in life. Practical implications of the findings and directions for future research were discussed.

Commodification of Umrah through Social Media: Phenomenological Study on Umrah Pilgrims of Sociosalites in Jakarta

This research aims to find out the religious activities of Umrah pilgrims of socialites in Jakarta commodified through social media and to find out socialite individuals uploading religious activities on social media. In obtaining data in this study, researchers used qualitative methods based on the constructivism paradigm. This paradigm views knowledge as the result of the construction of human thought, not just the experience of facts. In this case humans understand social reality more based on the subject that examines rather than the object under study. The results of this study indicate that there are individual socialite factors uploading religious activities on social media, this study also found two elements of commodification that were implemented, namely Exchange Value and Use Value, and this study found that Umrah, which is traditionally a religious experience, has now been transformed into a culture of Conspicious Consumption.

Architectural Narratives of Aesthetic Form: Exploring the Perception and Psychological Design in Church Architecture

This article examines church architecture to explore the role of formal beauty in architectural spatial narratives and how perception and psychological design influence people's experiences and emotions. First, the article reviews the theoretical foundations of formal beauty in architecture, elaborating on the application of aesthetic elements such as proportion, symmetry, rhythm, and light and shadow in buildings. Then, through case studies of typical churches from different historical periods (such as Gothic, Baroque, and modern churches), it reveals how architects utilize spatial layout, verticality, light, and decoration to create unique spiritual atmospheres and enhance religious experiences. The article focuses on how architectural space guides people's perception processes, stimulates psychological resonance, and achieves emotional elevation. Finally, it summarizes the key role of formal beauty in architectural narratives, emphasizing the importance of perceptual and psychological design in enhancing the quality of architectural spaces. By deeply exploring church architecture, this study aims to provide new perspectives for modern architectural design, advocating for the creation of formal beauty to enrich the narrative and appeal of spaces while meeting functional requirements.

The modern spiritual affect of perplexed affirmation, or, the David Hume of R. S. Thomas

Abstract Long known as a poet of divine silence and Holy Saturday, R. S. Thomas is also a laureate of a modern spiritual affect we may describe as perplexed affirmation. In this state, one has difficulty inhabiting, of being fully present to, an experience of the sacred, an experience of God. In some ways, perplexed affirmation seems to be a product of cultural shifts toward what is spiritual but not religious. Here, openness toward possibilities of sacred encounter finds itself increasingly bereft of theological and liturgical systems that might mediate and at least partly explain experiences of particular intensity. Thomas frequently enacts such states of perplexed affirmation in his poetry. In this essay, I explore how this affect derives partly from Thomas’s reckoning with David Hume. Thomas names Hume in a handful of poems as a figure who complicates and perhaps destroys a traditional vision of the world. But if Hume complicates thought, including theology, he empowers experience. For Thomas, this means that Hume demarcates modern limits the poet implicitly surpasses through faith, or through experiences of the sacred he can no longer fully conceptualize. This dialectic evokes an expansive and counterintuitive vision of spiritual experience that figures in some of Thomas’s most famous religious poems.

Religious Experience Of Sapta Darma Followers In The Temple Centre Sapta Rengga Yogyakarta City

This research aims to understand the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents through the theoretical perspective of Joachim Wach. Sapta Darma believers are a group of believers who have spiritual views and practices that are 'unique' in Indonesia. In this study, researchers used Joachim Wach's theoretical framework, religious experiences were analyzed through three main components: experience dimensions, expression dimensions, and consequence dimensions. This research uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach to explore the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with believers and participant observation of their religious rituals and practices. The results of the research show that the religious experience of Sapta Darma Sanggar Sanggar Candi Sapta Rengga, Yogyakarta City includes religious experiences which are often experienced through prostration, digging and special rituals. The expression dimension is seen in the form of prayers, mantras and symbols used in religious practices. Meanwhile, the consequence dimension includes changes in behavior and outlook on life of Sapta Darma adherents. Analysis based on Joachim Wach's theory reveals that the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents not only provide meaning and purpose in their lives but also form a strong spiritual identity. This study provides insight into how religious experiences can be articulated and internalized in local cultural contexts.

Correlates of Continued Church Membership Intention: An Empirical Study of Religion in Ghana

AbstractThis study examines the factors influencing continued church membership intention in Ghana, focusing on the key correlates of this behavior. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) the survey data collected were analyzed. The findings highlight charismatic leadership, religious experience, corporate social responsibility, personal needs fulfillment, tangibles, and message credibility as significant determinants of continued church membership intention. Furthermore, the study identifies a willingness to donate as a consequential outcome. The proposed integrative model not only offers scholars essential constructs for future theoretical exploration but also provides church managers with a comprehensive framework to enhance membership retention strategies. This research serves as a critical foundation for both academic and practical advancements in understanding the dynamics of church membership.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Family Caregivers Who Provided End-of-Life Care to Hemodialysis Patients: A Phenomenological Study in Iran

Background: Providing end-of-life care involves offering care and support to patients with advanced incurable diseases who are in their final stages of life. Family caregivers of these patients often dedicate substantial time to their care, which can significantly impact their physical and psychological well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers providing care for hemodialysis patients at the end of life. Methods: This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological design. To ensure information-rich samples, nine family caregivers of hemodialysis patients at the end of life were selected from two dialysis centers using a purposive sampling method. Data collection involved conducting in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, which were digitally recorded for accuracy. Analysis was conducted using van Kaam's seven-step method. Results: Nine family caregivers, including 3 men and 6 women, participated in this study. They had a mean age of 59.44 years, and on average, they had been caring for their patients for 6.33 years. Four main themes and twelve sub-themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews. These themes, as well as their sub-themes, were: (1) complex care (individual-social struggles and healthcare hurdles); (2) care as an opportunity for skill development (experience of spirituality and development of mental capacity); (3) care as a chain of caregivers (ignorance of the caregiver, lifestyle adjustments, persistent concerns, questioning circumstances, and mental strain due to prolonged care); and (4) moments of misfortune (emotional exhaustion from witnessing the patient's physical deterioration, a sense of helplessness regarding the patient's mental and cognitive state, and a sense of helplessness regarding the patient's mental and cognitive state). Conclusions: Caregivers expressed a spectrum of both positive and negative experiences. While some viewed their role as fostering intellectual growth and development, others described feelings of confinement, entrapment, and sacrifice. Further comprehensive research is required to determine the factors contributing to this diversity of perspectives.

The Experiences of Grief in Bereaved Women Following the Death of Their Husbands During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qom, Iran: A Phenomenological Study

Background and Objectives: The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult and stressful life events in the world. The effects of death caused by COVID-19 on the mental health of individuals and families are of great importance. This study aims to elucidate the experience of grief in bereaved women following the death of their husbands due to COVID-19 in Qom, Iran. Methods: In this phenomenological study, 12 bereaved women were selected using a purposive sampling method. The information was collected using semi-structured interviews until reaching data saturation. Results: The data analysis led to the extraction of 3 main themes and 10 sub-themes: Complicated grief (ambiguous loss, farewell with no embrace, grieving alone), unconventional grief (strange death, deviation from religious burial customs, virtual mourning), and grief outcome (spiritual experiences, moral panic, social stigma, distrust in healthcare providers). Conclusion: The grief of bereaved women due to the death of their husbands by COVID-19 differs from their mourning for the death caused by other diseases in two aspects. Firstly, according to the majority of women, the cause of death was unclear. This situation intensified their grieving and mourning. Secondly, due to the specific nature of COVID-19 and the necessity of quarantine, they were restricted from having funeral and religious mourning rituals according to the prevalent culture, which resulted in an incomplete mourning process. Gaining spiritual experiences is one positive aspect of grief in women. It is recommended to provide support and care by the healthcare system during pandemics for families, especially bereaved women, to reduce the negative effects of grief.

Humanist Proselytizing in Distruptive Era Based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

Aim/Purpose: The disruptive era is an uncertain condition in social, political, and religious life that creates a new trend regarding monolithic religious understanding. A suitable proselytizing approach based on sustainable development goals is needed to improve the dignity of human life. Background: Social media plays an important role in the spread of a more monolithic religion. This triggered a significant conflict, so efforts are needed to improve religious understanding and experience, one of the fields affected by the disruptive era. Methodology: Various scientific research materials are reviewed to understand how proselytizing strategies are used in the disruptive era. Secondary data analysis was carried out for this qualitative and descriptive study. Contribution: This paper helps understand the right proselytizing strategy to minimize conflicts in the disruptive era by utilizing social media. Findings: The practice of humanist proselytizing through religious moderation and the strengthening of preachers is fundamental to strengthening literal religious understanding in the disruptive era. This study finding helps us understand how to apply proselytizing appropriately in this era of uncertainty. Recommendation for Practitioners: Implementing humanist proselytizing through religious moderation can reduce the monolithic understanding of society due to one of the negative impacts of social media. Recommendation for Researcher: To ensure the relevance of research studies, practitioners and researchers must maintain a collaborative approach with research insights to apply relevant proselytizing strategies in the disruptive era . Impact on Society: Analyze how the proselytizing approach is relevant to society in a disruptive era due to the dark side of social media in the religious. Technology evolves, so society must proactively address this problem with more literacy. In addition, the role of government policymakers, clerics, and ulama is important to reduce the monolithic understanding and cause conflict. Future Research: The study's scope will be better if it can determine the effectiveness of humanist proselytizing through religious moderation with a quantitative approach. In general, this study discusses the best proselytizing strategy in the disruptive era. The significant role of the media can be analyzed to dive deep. Similar studies could be conducted on other religious issues because of technological advancements.