GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

Which of the following is a main feature of a religious experience?

1. Always scientifically explainable

2. Going beyond the usual senses

3. Commonplace and ordinary

4. Always coincidental

The correct answer is: Always scientifically explainable

The main feature of a religious experience is that it often involves going beyond the usual senses. This type of experience typically encompasses feelings of deep connection, transcendence, or profound insight that are not easily articulated through standard sensory perceptions. Individuals may describe religious experiences as encounters with the divine or altered states of consciousness, highlighting a sense of the extraordinary or the mystical. The other choices do not accurately represent the nature of religious experiences. For instance, religious experiences are frequently described as profound and transformative rather than commonplace and ordinary. Additionally, they are not always coincidental; many people actively seek out these experiences through practices such as prayer, meditation, or ritual. Furthermore, while some aspects of religious experiences could be analyzed through scientific lenses, they often elude complete scientific explanation due to their subjective and deeply personal nature.