Central to Christian Pragmatics is the religious experience. One can have the experience simply by realizing the wonder of the world, of the universe--as when, looking over a scenic wonder, one proclaims "How magnificent creation is!" Or, in watching the birth of a newborn; and seeing it as the handiwork of a mighty God. In such moments a person instantaneously recognizes Being itself: "How Great Thou Art!" Our churches reflect our feeling of the majestic God's presence among us humans.
Another sort of experience engenders the presence of wonder and mystery--when cries out for divine succor. We are lowly in the scheme of things, yet we have many needs. Praying to God in our quiet moments, we cast our cares upon the maker of all things and sustainer of all things in the world. During these intimate moments in which we seek out the ruler of all things, we act as supplicants.
Ultimately, the value of the religious experience is the power of God swept upon us singularly through the Holy Spirit. Through the power received, we are able to endure this life's exigencies and recognize the transitory nature of life itself.
It is the way we come to be at one with the universe, so as to the better (and perhaps, to the longer) live by its principles..
In William James' The Varieties of Religious Experience, justification is provided by alluding to the beneficial effects the experience can have. James cites instances where the experiencers have performed yeomen feats to help members of humanity in times of trouble and distress.
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