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In its strong form, this argument asserts that it is only possible to experience that which exists, so that the phenomenon of religious experience [[Proof|demonstrates]] the existence of God. People experience God, therefore there must be a God.

In its strong form, this argument asserts that it is only possible to experience that which exists, so that the phenomenon of religious experience [[Proof|demonstrates]] the existence of God. People experience God, therefore there must be a God.

In its weaker form, the argument asserts only that religious experiences constitute [[evidence]] for God’s existence.

In its weaker form, the argument asserts only that religious experiences constitute [[evidence]] for God's existence.

Unless there is some specific reason to question the validity of a religious experience, most people will accept that religious experience is at least ''[[prima facie]]'' (Latin, "at first view") evidence for the existence of God, and as support for the philosophical [[hypothesis]] of [[theism]].

Unless there is some specific reason to question the validity of a religious experience, most people will accept that religious experience is at least ''[[prima facie]]'' (Latin, "at first view") evidence for the existence of God, and as support for the philosophical [[hypothesis]] of [[theism]].

[[Philosophical theology]] observes that [[Religion|religious]] experiences appear to fall into two categories:

[[Philosophical theology]] observes that [[Religion|religious]] experiences appear to fall into two categories:

<br/>1. An experience with religious significance in a religious context, for example, an act of [[worship]], the act of worship in a religious setting, a setting such as a religious building.

<br/>1. An experience with religious significance in a religious context, for example, an act of [[worship]], the act of worship in a religious setting, a setting such as a religious building.

<br/>2. A person’s experience of some power or presence, an experience of something beyond oneself, people's experience of a presence beyond themselves.

<br/>2. A person's experience of some power or presence, an experience of something beyond oneself, people's experience of a presence beyond themselves.

Religious experiences tend to be of something "out of the ordinary". Often there is a problem in trying to explain the experience in everyday language. Religious experiences provide insight into something other than the everyday, material world. Hence, it is difficult to verify a religious experience to oneself and to others.

Religious experiences tend to be of something "out of the ordinary". Often there is a problem in trying to explain the experience in everyday language. Religious experiences provide insight into something other than the everyday, material world. Hence, it is difficult to verify a religious experience to oneself and to others.