Les croyances religieuses: Entre raison, symbolisation et expérience

Abstract

Is it possible to take into account three dimensions of religious belief: rationalization, symbolization and experience of belief? The corresponding theories are discussed (Weber, Schutz/Luckmann and Simmel/Wittgenstein) and related to empirical investigations. The paper also aims to articulate them and to show that they are compatible. On the one hand, there is a rational aspect in making religious experiences signifi cant and in showing their plausibility; on the other hand, the experience of belief may suspend the reflexive and rational analysis about it.