Who characterized religious experience as part of an individual's solitude?

William James is recognized for characterizing religious experience as part of an individual's solitude. In his seminal work "The Varieties of Religious Experience," James explored the personal and subjective nature of religious experiences, emphasizing how these experiences often occur in moments of solitude and introspection. He believed that individuals connect with the divine or a higher reality in these solitary moments, allowing for profound personal insights and transformations.

James's approach is distinctive in that he focused on the individual's experience rather than the institutional or dogmatic aspects of religion. This perspective highlights the importance of personal reflection and the inner life in understanding religious phenomena, setting the foundation for later psychological and phenomenological studies of religion.