Final answer:
An individual exceptionally close to God who is exalted after death, typically known as a saint or spiritual leader, has deep religious experience and practices. Their veneration as saints or analogous figures in various religions underscores the importance of supernatural beliefs and their role in shaping religious community life.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of religious beliefs and practices, an individual who is considered exceptionally close to God and subsequently exalted after their death is often regarded as a saint or spiritual leader. These individuals are believed to have had a profound religious experience and a deep connection to the divine, living a life in accordance with sacred teachings and often performing acts that are viewed as miraculous or saintly.
Following their passing, their veneration may take the form of sainthood, particularly within Christianity, where saints are thought to intercede with God on behalf of the living. In various religions, there are analogs to saints, like revered ancestors or deified rulers, who also play significant roles in the spiritual lives of adherents.
Religions characteristically have a concept of the supernatural, involving gods, goddesses, spirits, or other divine entities that exert influence over the natural world and human affairs. This supernatural aspect can be represented through different forms, such as anthropomorphic deities in monotheistic and polytheistic systems, or more abstract spirits associated with specific phenomena or locations. The belief in the supernatural is a common thread that links various religious traditions and practices.
In essence, the individuals who are considered to possess an extraordinary relationship with the divine are often integral to the religious fabric of a community, providing inspiration, guidance, and a linkage to the sacred that transcends their earthly existence. Their exaltation post-mortem serves to reinforce the religious framework and to affirm the significance of the supernatural in the lives of followers.