Which philosopher suggested that numinous experiences can also be caused by non-religious factors?

The philosopher who suggested that numinous experiences could also be caused by non-religious factors is Cottingham. He argues that while numinous experiences are often interpreted as encounters with the divine or the mystical, they can also arise from psychological, emotional, or other secular sources. This perspective encourages a broader understanding of human experiences that might be labeled as 'religious,' exploring how such experiences can be influenced by factors unrelated to traditional conceptions of divinity. By positing that these profound feelings and insights may not exclusively derive from religious contexts, Cottingham opens up avenues for discussing the nature of spirituality and meaning outside conventional religious frameworks. His view challenges inherent biases that often equate numinous experiences strictly with religious phenomena, offering a more nuanced approach to understanding human consciousness and existential thought.