Medjugorje and the Supernatural
Science, Mysticism, and Extraordinary Religious Experience
Daniel Maria Klimek
Reviews and Awards
"Klimek's impressive study manages to bring faith and science into earnest conversation in a manner that is both learned and accessible ... This is an important book for anyone desiring a way to think about religious experience that betrays neither faith nor science." -- Luke Timothy Johnson, Commonweal Magazine
"Klimek deals with this need to know about the nature of the phenomenon, which in this case is something quite extraordinary. In particular, he responds to a major and recurrent ploy that aims to undercut the whole phenomenon by pathologizing it." -- Michael Grosso, Religious Studies Review
"Like many past entries into this field, Klimek trains his gaze on the scientific study of religious experience, in this case studies that have been done on the psychology and neuroscience of a small group of visionaries who have, for over thirty years, claimed to see daily apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the Balkan village of Medjugorje. What makes Klimek's book noteworthy - and ambitious - is his insistence that these studies both prove the authenticity (and supernatural nature) of the events at Medjugorje, and provide a new framework for cooperation between science and religion." --Samuel J. Gee, Reading Religion
"Daniel Klimek has written a brilliant tour de force with impressive and unimpeachable scholarship. His vast and sound knowledge of primary and secondary sources speaks for itself. Klimek is a seasoned scholar, and this work makes a significant contribution to the field. Given the entrenched academic dogma that religious and mystical experience can be reduced to pathology, this book will be widely discussed and cause quite a stir."--Harvey D. Egan, S.J., Professor Emeritus of Systematic and Mystical Theology, Boston College
"Medjugorje and the Supernatural comprises a treasure trove of theological-mystical distinctions coupled with scientific-medical facts concerning the most globally discussed apparition of our time--an invaluable contribution to the study of Medjugorje and a must-read for all avid students of this great contemporary Marian event."--Mark Miravalle, Professor of Mariology, Franciscan University of Steubenville
"A ground-breaking scientific look at the visionary experiences in Medjugorje. The author shows how science and spirituality can work together in illuminating the Truth. An important study for anyone trying to understand supernatural experiences."--Msgr Stephen J. Rossetti, Research Associate Professor, The Catholic University of America