Standing at the crossroads of psychology and religion, this catalyzing work applied the scientific method to a field abounding in abstract theory. William James believed that individual religious experiences, rather than the precepts of organized religions, were the backbone of the world's religious life. His discussions of conversion, repentance, mysticism and saintliness, and his observations on actual, personal religious experiences - all support this thesis. In his introduction, Martin E. Marty discusses how James's pluralistic view of religion led to his remarkable tolerance of extreme forms of religious behaviour, his challenging, highly original theories, and his welcome lack of pretension in all of his observations on the individual and the divine.
- ISBN10 0343772191
- ISBN13 9780343772192
- Publish Date 19 October 2018 (first published 1 April 1958)
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint Franklin Classics Trade Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 556
- Language English