Human Experience of God

by Denis G. Edwards

Departing from human experience the book deals with the theological underpinnings of religious experience, then draws practical conclusions or implications for the spiritual life.

Genres: Spirituality

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 1983

Reviews

[Beth]

This is a very theological book. It contains many references to other Catholic theologians, Mystics, and other writers. I'm sure if I were more familiar with their work much of Edwards' book would make more sense.

Still I enjoyed how he wove together the arguments of what it means for anyone to "experience" God in their life (be they believers or no); and then progresses to the ways in which a person devoted to prayer may experience God in various ways both consciously and unconsciously.

The chapter I enjoyed the most was The Social Structure of the Experience of God - which was a clarion call to action for anyone who takes the time to be in personal communion with the divine...

I would recommend this book for anyone wishing to better understand or interpret their personal prayer life. But it is a tough one to get through.

[Melinda]

This book is like slogging through knee deep water. It's a chore to get through. There are bits and pieces that explore faith in community with Jesus that are fascinating and not mentioned in other books of this genre in quite the way Edwards does it. Glad I read it. Wouldn't have read it unless it had been required reading. I will keep some of it rattling around in my thoughts. The rest of it would be good for the recycling paper bin.

[Elisha]

Assumes too much of the reader - assumes too many beliefs are held by both author and reader... I like the theory behind it though.