GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

What is a philosophical argument related to religious experiences?

1. Religious experiences always involve God

2. Religious experiences are a form of hallucination

3. Religious experiences increase the probability of God

4. Religious experiences can never be trusted

The correct answer is: Religious experiences always involve God

The idea that religious experiences always involve God reflects a philosophical stance that sees these experiences as intrinsically linked to the divine. This perspective interprets religious experiences as encounters with a higher power, suggesting that such experiences are valid testimonies to the existence of God. Many theologians and philosophers argue that personal experiences of the divine can serve as a significant basis for faith, providing individuals with a subjective but profound sense of connection to God. The other options, while they address the nature of religious experiences, do not emphasize their intrinsic link to the divine in the same way. Some may argue that religious experiences can be interpreted through psychological or neurological frameworks, which downplays the belief in a divine presence. Others might suggest that such experiences provide indirect evidence rather than definitive proof of God's existence. Moreover, claiming that these experiences cannot be trusted negates the significance and meaning they hold for many believers who affirm their reality and transformative power.