The Varieties of Religious Experience

William James gave a series of lectures in Scotland about the various ways that people experienced religion. The focus is on the individual experience, rather than religious ritual. These experiences were further narrowed to those that more "novel" in nature. This often involves people that would go on to found religious movements. (George Fox and St Teresa seem to get the most coverage.) However, the experiences of regular people are also explored. These can often be as significant as the religious founders, though narrowed to an individual life.

Attempts have often been made to explain religion in the terms of science. Miracles are explained in terms of scientific concepts. However, this belittles some of the true benefits of religious experience. Fatih, mystical activity and other religious experiences have tangible benefits that cannot be easily explained otherwise. Religion also encourages efforts towards an external good rather than a personal desire. This can be taken to different levels (such as monks that shun all worldly comforts.) Religious experiences can be best explored when they are legitimately respected.

The Metaphysical Club

[August 2009] This book bounces from biography to biography before tying them all together as members of a "Metaphysical Club". It then spends a while explaining their philosophy, and then brings in a some additional related biographies. The pace is extremely fast, and I often found difficulty keeping track of all the characters and why they were important. The "metaphysical club" is used to tie everything together. However, the actual club is only discussed briefly. The book left me wanting more, and is perhaps is best as a quick introduction to 19th and early 20th century American philosophers (like the James')