Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality: Concepts and Applications (Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society)

Synopsis

Provides Readers With A Critical Overview Of What Psychology Tells Us About Religion And Spirituality. It Is Concise Without Being Simplistic, And The First Such Broad Overview To Be Published For Some Years. The Author Recognizes That Religion Is Complex And Multi-faceted, Taking Different Forms In Different People And Contexts. The Book Presents A Broad View Of Psychology; Whatever Kind Of Psychology You Are Interested In, You Will Find It Covered Here, From Biological To Social, And From Experimental To Psychoanalytic. If Focuses Particularly On The Varied Concepts That Psychologists Have Employed To Make Sense Of Religion And Subjects Them To Critical Examination. The Book Is Also Concerned With Practical Applications To The Book Will Help Those Engaged In Religious Ministry. It Will Be Of Interest To Undergraduates And General Readers, As Well As Specialists In Religious Studies, Psychology, And Philosophy Of Religion. Concepts And Approaches -- Psychoanalysis -- Genetics And Evolution -- Brain And Cognition -- Religious Experience -- Religious Practices -- Religious Beliefs And Thinking -- Spirituality -- Developmental Aspects -- Varieties And Types -- Health And Adjustment -- Personal Transformation -- Scripture And Doctrine -- Human Nature And Personality -- Summing-up. Fraser Watts. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.