The Pragmatic and Jamesian Limit and Purpose of Religion in a Scientific Age (original) (raw)

In the following chapter, I develop the thesis that religion and science occupy two separate purposes. This account is inspired by William James’s pragmatic philosophy of religion and my account gives pride of place to religion and spiritual practices. While in keeping with James, I move beyond James to suggest that perhaps the true purpose of religion is not in conflict with science at all, but to adjust our consciousness to the greater totality and creatively foster the conditions for that to happen. In thinking this, I also contemplate some possible implications as to what such an interpretation of religion means at least for religion in the United States.