"The Varieties of Religious Experience"

"The Varieties of Religious Experience" is a collection of lectures by psychologist William James, exploring how different individuals experience religion. James emphasizes that personal, subjective experiences, such as feelings of the sublime or encounters with the divine, shape people's beliefs and practices. He categorizes these experiences into mystical, converting, and leading to a sense of purpose. Through examining these varied experiences, James seeks to understand the psychological underpinnings of religion and its significance in people's lives, highlighting that the essence of faith often lies in personal experience rather than doctrine.