Psychological Theories Of Religion

This book surveys the major theorists in the psychology of religion--Sigmund Freud, C.G. Jung, William James, Erich Fromm, Gordon Allport, Abraham Maslow and Viktor Frankl--who are all seminal thinkers and represent the classical theories in this field. Each of these theorists presents a more or less comprehensive theory of religion, which attempts to give an account of the psychological origin and/or value of religion. The approach of the book, in each case, shows how the theory of religion emerges not only from the theorist's psychological theory, but also from his own life experience. Each chapter contains an introductory overview of the theory, biographical material on the theorist, his theory of personality, his theory of religion, and an evaluation of the theory of religion. This consistent chapter format discusses the theorists' influence on the field, points out some developments from and reactions to the theory, and raises certain questions in order to stimulate readers' own critical responses. For individuals who wants to view--and better understand--religion from the psychological perspective.

This book examines a selection of major types of theory explaining religion: religious, philosophical, sociological, socio-economic and psychological. It treats of the presuppositions behind such theories and the grounds of their necessity and validity. It looks at major styles in the definition of religion. It argues that the case for making religion the subject of large scale theorising has not been made and contends that the explanation of religion proceeds better by concentrating on the specifics of religious history and the interconnections between religious ideas.

Theory in the psychology of religion is in a state of rapid development, and the present volume demonstrates how various positions in this field may be translated into original foundational work that will in turn encourage exploration in many directions. A number of new contributions are collected with previously published pieces to illustrate the

Religion in Personality Theory makes clear the link between theory and research and personality and religion. Presently, most personality texts have a limited discussion of religion and reference few theorists other than Freud and Maslow in relation to the subject. This book reviews the theory and the empirical literature on the writings of 14 theorists. Every chapter concludes with a summation of the current research on the theorist’s proposals. Reviews: "Frederick Walborn has written an excellent text that explores the degree to which classical personality theorists were personally influenced by and focused upon religion in developing their personality theories. Each theorist is presented in sufficient detail so that their personal views of religion are seen to influence the theories they developed. In addition, the current status of the empirical evidence in the psychology of religion is explored in the context of the theorist and theory to which the data is most relevant. Current and up to date, this text is appropriate for either a course in Personality or as an introduction to the Psychology of Religion. The author's own comprehensive theory of religion and spirituality creatively integrates the positive contributions of the classical personality theorist to the contemporary psychology of religion." -Ralph W. Hood Jr., Professor of Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga "In this interesting and accessible book, Frederick Walborn thoughtfully probes the place of religion and spirituality in the writings of a broad range of classical psychological thinkers and offers an insightful critique of current empirical research on the complex relation of religion and spirituality to individual well-being." -Michele Dillon, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire Identifies what major personality theorists say about religion Investigates whether evidence supports or refutes predictions made by different theories Concludes with a comprehensive integrative theory on religion and spirituality

Neither a book about the psychology of spirituality nor America’s ongoing turf wars between religion and science, Psychology, Religion, and the Nature of the Soul takes to task many of the presumed relationships between the two—from sharing common concerns to diametrically hostile opposites—to analyze the myriad functions religion and psychology play in our understanding of the human life and mind. Graham Richards takes the historical and philosophical long view in these rigorous and readable essays, which trace three long-running and potentially outmoded threads: that psychology and religion are irrelevant to each other, that they are complementary and should collaborate, and that one will eventually replace the other. He references a stunning variety of texts (from Freud and Allport to Karen Armstrong and Paul Tillich) reflecting the evolution of these ideas over the decades, to emphasize both the complexity of the issues and the enduring lack of easy answers. The eloquence of the writing and passionate objectivity of the argument will interest readers on all sides of the debate as the author examines: the religious origins of psychology, the original dichotomy: mythos versus logos, the authenticity of religious experience, Religion and personality, the problematic role of prayer and Religion in the history of psychotherapy. For those making a serious study of the history of psychology, Psychology, Religion, and the Nature of the Soul will inspire a fresh wave of critical discussion and inquiry.

The leading undergraduate psychology of religion text, this engaging book synthesizes cutting-edge theories and findings into an accessible account enlivened by personal reflections and contemporary examples. Raymond F. Paloutzian offers an authoritative overview of theoretical and empirical foundations; experiential, developmental, personality, and sociocultural dimensions of religion and spirituality; and clinical implications. Students are also given food for thought about bigger questions--how religion influences their own lives; what beliefs or values they hold most dear; and how to live in a multicultural, multireligious world. Each chapter opens with a brief topic outline and concludes with "Take-Home Messages" and suggestions for further reading. New to This Edition: *Reflects many years of scientific and theoretical advances. *Chapters on psychological theories, personality, and physical health. *New organizing concepts: religious meaning systems and the multilevel interdisciplinary paradigm. *Additional pedagogical features, including end-of-chapter "Take-Home Messages" and engaging topic boxes. *Descriptions of cutting-edge research methods. *Increased attention to multicultural issues.

Bridging the subject fields of psychology and religion, this volume interweaves theories with first-hand accounts, clinical insight, and empirical research to look at such questions as whether religion is a help or a hindrance in times of stress.

"Religious Thought and the Modern Psychologies has pioneered the broader and deeper critique of psychological theories and practice. Informed by hermeneutical theory, Browning's widely acclaimed work drew much-needed attention to the ethical and metaphysical, even religious, assumptions that underlie present-day psychology. It has been deeply influential in many social sciences, in addition to the fields of pastoral counseling and practical theology. In this much-needed second edition, Browning and his new co-author show how the field of social science has indeed grasped and appropriated the hermeneutical approach, though with only slight appreciation of the religious dimensions of the social scientific endeavor. Browning and Cooper provide a completely new first chapter, newly situating the discussion, and update the core chapters of the book. They also add two new chapters, carrying the dialogue on with three new psychotherapeutic theorists, then with new evangelical writers on the relation of theology and psychology. This new edition, like its predecessor, will set the stage for the religion-psychology dialogue for years to come.