William James and The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Centenary Celebration

by Jeremy Carrette (Editor)

William James's The Varieties of Religious Experience was an intellectual landmark, paving the way for current study of psychology, philosophy and religious studies. In this new companion to the Varieties , key international experts provide contemporary responses to James's book, exploring its seminal historical importance and its modern significance. Locating the Varieties within the context of James's other works and exploring James's views on psychology, mysticism, religious experience, emotion and truth, the sixteen articles offer new analyses of the Varieties from the perspectives of postcolonial theory, history, social theory and philosophy. As the only critical work dedicated to the cross-disciplinary influence of The Varieties of Religious Experience , this book testifies to William James's genius and ongoing legacy.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 11, 2004

Reviews

[Diamante Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must for a spiritual seeker and I would challenge any agnostic and athesist to read the book. The logic and rational reasoning is sensical despite the age of the book. At times he does labour the point but i believe that's part of William James personality with a background of psychology , I am inclined to use the exaggerated perception to make others understand a new idea. In my conclusion it's worth a read for the serious student because he approaches the subject from empirical subjective explanation. In short I say the book is not for the novice reader who loves pop psychology. Its helpful to have little background but not essential.

[Rayme Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very dense book, but as interesting as FUCK for anyone interested in studying religion psychologically, philosophically, mystically, metaphysically and as natural phenomenon. This book has got it all and takes on all perspectives. William James was a GENIUS, and this text will always be relevant, which is one of the reasons why it's so iconic - its eternal significance.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not actually certain of the edition I have read , as mine is missing the first and the last pages, but I am glad to have read this first systematic approach to the science of mind, written in the beginning of the 20th century by a formerly depressed theology and philosphy scholar. Fortunately for the modern reader, the language is very understandable and the references pulled from the personal papers of the described 'patients' avoid the obtuse expressions of the 18th century which persisted to some degree in the theosophy field and open a very modern or should I say a very timeless set of problem of human emotional pain. Moreover the book also puts into light the problems of the organized religion, to keep - well, organized, under the onslaught of the pityable, and certainly mentally ill people , those who often did horrible things to themselves, and somethimes others, and who thusly felt legitimate and even mandated by god to change the doctrines of the church to reflect their personal insanity. in this book we can see the roots of both the good - positive psychology, self help through exposure to natural beauty and exercise and many other techniques recommended by the psychologists today, as well as the bad - rejection of medical treatment in favour of the nonexistent faith healing, normal people urged to forgo their loves at the call of psychotics, schyzophrenics, bipolar or antisocial people, most of which has unfortunately transformed today into 'legitimate' religious movements. The takeaway lesson is pehaps we should reestablish the monasteries as a safe and permanent measures for those who are unwilling or unable to live in the society.

[Bill Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The major turning point of my entire life.