Investigations into Religious Phenomena

A common topic amongst some of you and other philosophical friends in the past was what is philosophy of religion, its method, and what can it accomplish? We have discussed the place of theology (and "physical theology"), James' science of religion, transcendental philosophy of religion, and other possible avenues that might be unique (such as the ontological argument; not that I buy the argument, but it does take a different route). In general, I imagine our philosophical thinking in religion (amongst others) shows and attempts to remove contradiction and ellucidates/explains particulars, often through greater distinctions. These particulars are often done theologically (or intra-religiously), working and explaining a text or doctrinal propositions based on revelation claims. I have been interested, ever since reading James' Varieties of Religious Experience, in thinking about and explaining less "textual" religious matters, which are more external, in the sense of at least being intersubjective phenomena. And then I am interested in all elements of subjective religious consciousness. To poorly use "phenomenology" (as honestly it feels all do), I like trying to look at and explain phenomena that have a quasi-religious character about them(religious phenomenology). I wrote a quick list down of some of these (inluding more general thoughts) that probably needs to be pruned somewhat:

• The holy


• Beauty of existence


• Conversion


• Prayerfulness


• Revelation


• Religious testimony


• The ideal (heaven) and the longing for it


• Harmony


• Perfection


• Life's "purpose"


• Duty to the divine and religious guilt.


• The mystery of being (why do I exist, and in a greater sense, why is there anything at all instead of the nothing that might be in its place?). This one is strange, because it seems semi-religious, and yet also a place where the strictly philosophical emerge too. Perhaps it is a place of shared kinship?


• Covenant relationship and Covenant community


• The limits of reason and the feeling of something "more"


• Other "religious" values

Any others you might add to this list? My personal "acquaintance" with these things has made me want to examine them more fully, and the study of them seems a different track (investigatory) than other religious thought (which feels more puzzle piece fitting). I have started my study with a famous book that I haven't wanted to read for some time: Rudolf Otto's The Idea of the Holy. In it Otto, tries to isolate the unique content and feeling of holiness, which he will call the "numinous." You can find it for free off of archive.org if you want to follow along with me. I have finished the first 3 chapters and will start throwing up summaries as I go. After Otto's book, I will probably return (again) to James' Varieties, and from there I am open to suggestions. Some my old Faulconer readings come to mind...