Few are the people who have not experienced the numinous - but fewer will be aware of the meaning of the word.Sadly, a great many will try to 'rationalise' what is probably their sole contact with 'that which is beyond their natural understanding'.
It refers to those times when a human being experiences that transcendent feeling; that certainty that there is a spiritual realm; that there is something out there; that there is something or someone greater than oneself. It is a sense of awe and wonder and even mystery.
One is at one, at peace, with the world or even the universe. I am sure that we all experience this. With William Wilberforce, as one example, he was prompted by a mere spider's web.
Many times it is when one recognises the true magnificence of Man or of the universe that this kicks in.
Sadly, the atheist dismisses this reality and it will probably be attributed to some indeterminate, chemical reaction in the brain.
This makes me truly sad. They ask for a proof - and then dismiss it.
Romans 1 deals with this very point:
19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools ....
