There are certain persistent problems with visionary experiences. Take an example. I am sitting here at the computer. My wife can see the computer, so there is a public character to the perception. If I, however, can see the Virgin Mary standing in the corner, but she cannot, then we have some explaining to do. The following possibilities occur:either I have special powers that she does not; or we both have the same powers, but only I have been chosen to receive the vision; or I am hallucinating, due to temporary or permanent impairment of my sanity [she is convinced of the latter!] No one can prove that visionaries in these cases have not experienced something, but the status of what they have seen is difficult to ascertain.
The problem is the relationship between image and reality. Many people do not realize that we do not see the world, as it is, but as it is interpreted by the mind. Even when we are observing realities in the physical world we do not perceive them as they are. We perceive in an interpreted way. The reason is that what strikes our eyes is merely light, which is converted into electrical impulses by the brain. We are not born with a developed perception. Perception must be learned by the child. Kant was aware that we see not the noumenon, the thing as it is, but only the phenomenon, the thing as it appears to us.
Now a thinker called Tennant argued that our brains have evolved to get our view of the world right. Otherwise our species would be unable to cope and would have become extinct. But this applies to the common sense, everyday world, which we can agree we see aright. But what of the world revealed by religious visions? It is not as easy to handle, because the common sense on which we rely does not apply here. The phenomenon is essentially mysterious, so we must be more chary.
So what is happening when we have a religious vision? If it is a genuine vision, we are in some kind of non-sensory contact with a religious reality.As the religious reality is spiritual it has no visible form, but our minds impose a form upon it, for this is the only way in which we can handle the phenomenon. Yet the form imposed may not be visual. Richard Rolle, one of the fourteenth century English mystics, enjoyed religious experiences in the form of exquisite music.
Comments
You are right that we must make religion a life-long study. I have made a point of knowing something about all the world's religions, but the subject is vast and full knowledge unachievable. At the moment I am starting to re-read some religious books that I read in yesteryear to refresh and deepen my knowledge.
Frank, I found this article as it now appears in the sidebar of one of mine. I was intrigued with the title and had to open it. Once again it was a sound piece of informative work. I appreciate you writing on religion, as I believe we are all compelled to make religion a lifelong study. Thanks for providing the article.
Yes, people seeking profits from supposed experiences is a danger. These experiences will generally be fictitious. However, even genuine experiences need to be treated with caution, for the following reasons: 1, we can delude ourselves; 2, something nasty might be trying to delude us;3, we can misinterpret our experiences.
I view any quasi sensor experience, vision and illusion with a cautious eye, though I believe in spiritual experiences of extreme nature which science cannot explain. The reason is very obvious, people who have achieved higher stages of spirituality do not boast of it. The propaganda and claims are made by persons who want to make it a case for personal profits and are seeking popularity for financial gains.
I believe that God communicates by inspiring us with ideas, which our minds apprehend through the medium of language. But we always have to be aware that we are fallible people, so we must be ready to discuss our experiences/inspirations with people who are wise, holy and experienced in spiritual matters.
Hi Frank, you are right. We have to be very discerning when someone claims to have a vision, even though, throughout history, God has spoken to his people. This is why I rely upon the local bishop to investigate and discern.