Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955) has, through the wide diffusion and translation of his
posthumous works, made a greater impact on postwar religious consciousness than any
other theologian. His identity, whether as theologian, scientist, mystic, or philosopher,
nevertheless remains contested. This paper highlights the importance of religious experience
in forming and unifying his vision of the world. Teilhard is noteworthy as someone who both
had religious experiences, and possessed the theological competence and imagination
needed to interpret them. The paper begins with an examination of three short accounts of
specific religious experiences which Teilhard wrote during October 1916, whilst serving as a
stretcher-bearer with the French army in the Verdun region of north-east France. They are
included in his collection of writings Hymn of the Universe (42-S4). The implications of these
specific experiences for Teilhard’s wider religious vision will then be considered
