Religions, Values, and Peak Experiences (Compass) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Some time ago, after the Supreme Court decision on prayer in the public schools, a so-called patriotic women's organization-I forget which one-bitterly attacked the decision..." (more)
Key Phrases: John Dewey

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (April 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140194878
• ISBN-13: 978-0140194876
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #342,930 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A SYNTHESIS OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION, January 1, 2009

By	Larry Mullins "Larry Mullins" (St. Augustine, Florida) - See all my reviews

Written near the end of his life, Dr. Maslow sought to leave threads for others to pick up and develop. He disturbed those who prefer the logic-tight barriers between science and religion, and boldly suggests that his "most important finding" was his discovery of what he termed "being values," or metavalues. This, his lost discovery, has been virtually ignored by psychologists and religionists. Yet, this insight is pivotal to understanding Dr. Maslow's belief that human nature has been sold short. He discovered metavalues to be active agents that configure the personalities of self-actualizing individuals. He pointed out that Truth, Beauty and Goodness are expressed in the lives of all self-actualizing personalities. Without these metavalues, the qualities of devotion and passion toward a cause or mission can become lethal to humankind. Science without higher values often creates better weapons of distruction and even more efficient gas chambers. Those who observe that much of what Maslow says in this book is colored by religion and philosophy are correct. His intention was to break down the arbitrary barriers between disciplines. Along with "The Psychology of Science" ad his posthumous: "The Farther Reaches of Human Nature" this book is of landmark importance to the 21st century.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Maslow on Peak Experiences, December 24, 2005

By	Bekeh Utietiang "book reviewer" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Religions: Values and Peak Experiences (Hardcover)

Maslow makes a good distinction between the peakers and the non-peakers and makes an excellent connection between this and organized religion. His use of the term "non-peakers" is not to refer to people who do not have peak experiences, for he believes that every one has peak experiences but he uses this terminology to refer to a person who is afraid of peak experiences The purpose of organized religion for him is to communicate peak experiences to non-peakers. His position tend to advance personal revelation over dogmatic revelations. The question he leaves unanswered is how personal revelations can be verified or validated? I believe organized religion will help in confirming peak experiences. If not, what most people might call peak experiences might just be neurosis.

He also advances a religious pluralism that will accommodate every person, both the atheist and the believer. Maslow gives us good insights into peak experiences and helps us to appreciate more these experiences. His book is interesting to read and easy to follow. I enjoyed reading the book.

53 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars highly intellectual, May 5, 1999

By A Customer

I had a peak experience five years ago. IT was life transforming, much like an after death experience... The energy, comprehending everything about the universe, and most of all telepathic communication with a higher power. I thought I went completely mad, but finding this book a month after it happened was a miracle in itself. I found a lot of assurance in Maslows book. It happens and more frequently than you would think (and I am not mad!!!). Maslow mentioned 'peak experiences' happen during child birth and listening to classical music which I have a hard time with, but who am I to disagree? The odd thing about my peak experience is that my life improved greatly after it occurred. The sad thing is that 8 months after it happened my fiancee was killed in a traffic accident. In everyway that peak experience kept me alive. A simple knowledge that 'things happen for a reason -even though we may never comprehend it'. There is a downside to peak experiences which Maslow didn't discuss. That is the obligation one feels after it happens. I really identify with the character John Travolta played in the movie "Phenomenon". Why did it happen to me? What am I to do with this knowledge? I hate it. Anyway, if you have had a peak experience I would love to talk to you.