Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature Being the Gifford Lectures on Natural Religion Delivered at Edinburgh in 1901-1902 | 
pickThis was dense but oh, so very good. Probably one of the best books I‘ve ever read. William James, a psychologist of the pragmatic tradition tackles religion in a series of lectures. His argument, drawing from the accounts of countless psychologists, authors, swamis, theologians, philosophers, laymen and madmen, convinces that objective seeking of the why and whereabouts of a god ring useless next to subjective religious experience.
pickThere is a sincerity, generosity, and curiosity of spirit in James‘ analysis here, which was unexpected given he was a professed nonbeliever.
This work was far more engaging than the Gerth & Mills Max Weber essays on sociology I had to read last week. 😐
The book is about Phychological Study of Religion:
William James stated that religious genius (experience) should be the primary topic in the study of religion, rather than religious institutions---since institutions are merely the social descendant of genius.
#williamjames
#dirjawiharja
#bookworm
#booknerds
I tried to read this last year as part of a classics reading group I was attempting. It was more interesting than I thought it would be, but I didn't finish. I think I'm too shallow for serious books, based on my DNF list. But it does fit the day 11 prompt for #melodicmay: #experienced
