A study of the nature of religious experience which discusses whether it can be used as evidence for religious beliefs. The author addresses philosophical issues such as the role of models and metaphors and the way experiences in general are used as evidence for claims about the world.

Introduction; Some presuppositions; Religious experience; Arguments from religious experience; A cumulative case; Challenges to religious experience; Experience and interpretation; The conflicting claims challenge; The reductionist challenge; Towards a cumulative case for Theism

'it marshals a considerable body of evidence from various disciplines, particularly psychology, in an admirably succinct way, within a clear framework' Times Higher Education Supplement 'There is care and intelligence, even-handedness and discrimination, in this book.' Nicholas Lash, University of Cambridge, Theology 'extensive and impressive work' Theological Book Review 'This is a lucidly written book that makes a valuable and needed contribution to the philosophy of religion.' H.P. Owen, Journal of Religious Studies, 26 'there is something refreshing about Davis' elegantly written text ... she addresses a variety of topics in an evenhanded and clear way' J.A. Colombo, University of San Diego, Theological Studies 'It is an excellent piece of philosophical analysis, combining careful conceptual reflection with a review of relevant material from the fields of cognitive and social psychology. Franks Davis is to be praised for drawing attention to the complexity of these appraisals; perhaps her book will serve as a stepping stone to a full response to the cumulative counter-explanation challenge.' Douglas Chismar, Ashland University, Faith and Philosophy