Religious experiences can take several forms that draw people closer to God or provide evidence of God's existence. These include numinous experiences of feeling God's presence in nature, prayer which allows communication with God, miracles which seem to defy scientific laws, and conversion where one's life is changed by dedicating it to God. The most famous biblical example is the conversion of Saul to Paul, where Saul experienced a vision of Jesus that changed his life and led him to spread the word of Christianity. Religious experiences can strengthen belief in God by providing direct contact or evidence of God acting in the world.

1. What is a religious experience?

2. Religious Experience Potential ‘A’ question “ What is a religious experience?”

3. “ An event that people feel gives them direct contact with God.” OR “ A powerful experience that draws you closer to God.” So, what is a religious experience?

4. Different religious experiences: Numinous – the feeling of the presence of something greater than yourself Prayer – an attempt to communicate with God, usually through words Miracle – something which seems to break a law of science, to which the only answer is God Conversion – when your life is changed by giving yourself to God

5. Numinous: Feeling in the presence of God... Where would you feel in the presence of something greater than you? Looking up at the stars In a church

6. Prayer: Attempting to contact God... Helps you build your relationship with God Feel God’s presence

7. Miracles: God performing acts that go against the laws of science Make you see God’s power Show you God must exist – due to God acting in the world

8. Conversion: Changing your life by dedicating it to God The most famous Biblical example of a conversion experience is the conversion of Saul to Paul...

9. Saul to Paul... Saul was on the road to Damascus, where he would persecute Christians God appeared to Saul in the form of a blinding light God said to Saul, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” God revealed who he was to Saul, and then Saul became a new man – and changed his name to Paul

10. Paul Paul then went into hiding, because he was classed as a traitor by everyone who still hated Christians and Christianity After his time of hiding, he went to many different places spreading the word of God He made his way all the way to Italy telling people about Christianity

11. Miracles: A miracle is an event which seems to break a law of science and the only explanation seems to be God The wedding at Cana – Jesus turning into wine Jesus healing Jairus’ daughter Mary appearing to St Bernadette

12. Potential Exam Questions: (A) What is a miracle? (2) (B) Do you think miracles prove that God exists? Give two reasons for your point of view (4) (C) Explain how religious experience can lead to, or support belief in God (8) (D) ‘Religious experiences prove that God exists’ i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion (3) ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you (3)

13. Plenary: (C) Explain how religious experience can lead to, or support belief in God (8) Tips: Use words like: Because, therefore, this shows that.