Beyond Physicalism to Mystical Spirituality

Two books share a positive point of view on what one calls a “spiritual sense” (Living Religion, 123–43) and the other “mystical experience” (The Shape of the Soul, 16–21). Both urge the reader to accept the deliverances of spiritual/mystical perceptions. Yet, the two books are so different in mood and in reach. Living Religion, by James W. Jones, is an extended argument for the modest conclusion that there is good reason to believe we can become aware of matters beyond the reach of physical perceptions and scientific knowledge. Jones maintains that it is “meaningful and reasonable to speak of a ‘spiritual sense,’” more explicitly, “ways we can ‘sense’ or perceive the reality of God” (2). This book includes an argument for pragmatic warrant for religious belief.