The Varieties of Religious Experience · Chapter
Lecture X: Conversion—Concluded explained
This lecture concludes the discussion of conversion, focusing on instantaneous conversions as a significant phase of religious experience.
What happens
This lecture concludes the discussion of conversion, focusing on instantaneous conversions as a significant phase of religious experience. James presents concrete cases, such as Henry Alline's dramatic transformation, to illustrate the phenomenon. He then examines whether such conversions are miracles or natural processes, concluding that they are psychologically grounded, often linked to the subliminal self, and that converted individuals are not inherently different from natural ones. The lecture emphasizes that conversion's significance is personal and psychological rather than doctrinal.
Themes in this chapter
Conversion and Transformation
The lecture focuses on instantaneous conversion as a dramatic transformation, examining its nature and significance.
Pathology and Genius in Religion
James discusses the psychological mechanisms behind conversion, including the role of the subliminal self and emotional crises.
The Role of Feeling and Emotion
Emotional experiences, such as despair and jubilation, are central to the conversion narratives and analysis.
Characters to notice
- William James
Lecturer analyzing the nature of instantaneous conversion, questioning whether it is miraculous or natural.
- Henry Alline
Provided a detailed personal account of his sudden conversion experience in 1775.
- Jonathan Edwards
Quoted on the supernatural nature of gracious affections and the necessity of prior despair.
- Edwin Diller Starbuck
His statistical studies are referenced as supporting the view that conversion is akin to ordinary spiritual growth.
- George Albert Coe
His analysis of seventy-seven converts is cited to show a connection between sudden conversion and an active subliminal self.
- Saint Paul
Mentioned as the most eminent example of instantaneous conversion.
Key passages
“Conversion is not the putting in a patch of holiness; but with the true convert holiness is woven into all his powers, principles, and practice. The sincere Christian is quite a new fabric, from the foundation to the top-stone. He is a new man, a new creature.”
Conversion is not a superficial addition of holiness; rather, it permeates every aspect of a person's being, making them entirely new.
Quoted from Joseph Alleine, illustrating the transformative nature of conversion.
“Those gracious influences which are the effects of the Spirit of God are altogether supernatural—are quite different from anything that unregenerate men experience.”
The divine influences experienced by the regenerate are entirely supernatural and distinct from anything natural persons experience.
Jonathan Edwards' view on the supernatural character of conversion.
“Surely it cannot be unreasonable, that before God delivers us from a state of sin and liability to everlasting woe, he should give us some considerable sense of the evil from which he delivers us, in order that we may know and feel the importance of salvation, and be enabled to appreciate the value of what God is pleased to do for us.”
It is reasonable for God to make us aware of our sinful state before delivering us, so we can appreciate salvation.
Edwards' justification for the necessity of despair before conversion.
“The real witness of the spirit to the second birth is to be found only in the disposition of the genuine child of God, the permanently patient heart, the love of self eradicated.”
The true evidence of spiritual rebirth is a lasting change in character, marked by patience and selflessness.
James notes that this disposition can also be found in non-converts, challenging the uniqueness of conversion.
