The Reality of the Unseen

When reading the “Reality of the Unseen” by James I was confused about what stance exactly he takes on rationalism. When he starts the conversation it seems that he is praising rationalism, and then he turns right back around and says it not enough and he starts to praise intuition. The deeper part of us relies on the intuitive side and there is no way rationalism can feel this need. Moreover, rationalism cannot lead while the intuitive is there in any great degree. Once the intuitive groundwork has been firmly laid though, any rational thought that falls into those beliefs can work alongside it and follow its lead. It seems like he is saying that rationalism is important, but in the sphere of religion is it somewhat inferior.

But then, farther into the chapter James says that once rationalism and intuition work hand-in-hand, only then will the “great world-ruling systems….grow up.” If he concluded that rationalism doesn’t have much place in religion, why is it so important for these to work together? A possible answer could be because rationalism helps us to understand our intuitions better.

And why and how does a religion “grow up” without changing any important essentials that make that religion distinctive? Is there a way to retain the core of religion while stepping ever farther into the rational realm?