Toward an experiential approach for researching religious experiences

Abstract

Over the las decade the experiential approach has been used by some researchers in order to increase their understanding of religious systems (Jules-Rosette, 1975; Katz, 1982; Manuel, 1975; Peters, 1981). In his study of Tamang shamanism, Peters (1981) undertook an apprenticeship with a shaman in an attempt to experience what the participants said they did. Katz (1982) chose to participate in the healing dance of the Kung, finding that this experience provided him with insights into the nature of healing, and thus motivated healers to share more of their knowledge. Jules-Rosette (1975), in her study of rituals and symbolic meanings in African church, had a conversion experience that led her to become a member, changing her emphasis from being a participant observer to being a "observing participant".