What term describes the feeling of being in direct contact with a divine being or experiencing intense religious emotion?

The term that best describes the feeling of being in direct contact with a divine being or experiencing intense religious emotion is "religious experience." This concept encompasses a wide range of personal experiences that individuals report as profound encounters with the divine, often leading to a deep sense of connection, transcendence, or revelation.

Religious experiences can take various forms, including moments of deep prayer, meditation, or significant life events that are interpreted as divine intervention. They can elicit powerful emotional responses and often play a crucial role in shaping an individual's beliefs and faith practices. This understanding aligns well with many religious traditions, where personal encounters with the divine are considered pivotal to spiritual life.

On the other hand, while terms like "religious emotion," "faith encounter," and "spiritual realization" may seem related, they do not encapsulate the complete essence of the direct and personal connection that a "religious experience" conveys. Each of those alternative terms focuses more on the emotional or reflective aspects of spirituality without fully addressing the profound, transformative impact that a direct encounter with the divine can have on an individual's worldview and sense of self.