A direct and
intimate
experience
from God. An
individual feels
a sense of
'union' with a
perfect being
that is
omnipotent
and
incomparable
to anything
human.
Characteristics:
Ineffability: the experience
cannot be communicated in
normal speech, a private
event with certain
sensations that are beyond
verbal descriptions
Passivity: occurs without any action on the part of the recipient, losing control.
Transiency: only lasts for a limited time.
Noetic Quality:
the mind gaining
knowledge and
understanding
through intuition
and perception,
and the certainty
of God's presence.
CONVERSION
Leads to an
individual
adopting a new
religion or way
of life that
differs from
their previous
ways, for a
non-religious it
may lead to a
belief in God.
Self-surrender
Unconscious and Involuntary
Volitional
Conscious and Voluntary
VISIONS
When an individual believes
that they have seen or heard
something supernatural from
a supernatural being..
Intellectual Vision
Brings
knowledge and
understanding.
Connected with
the
consciousness
of the presence
of God.
Corporeal Vision
The figure is externally
present.
Imaginary Vision
Something that
strengthens
faith when seen
in the mind's eye.