Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality

James M. Nelson Ph.D. (auth.), James M. Nelson Ph.D. (eds.)9780387875729, 0387875727

The past century has seen the relationship between psychology and religion progress from wary antagonists to strange bedfellows to complementary worldviews. Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality is designed as a text that reflects this history while illuminating the robust dialogue that continues to accompany it.

The elegant, accessible coverage ranges from early psychological critiques of religion and responses from major religious thinkers to positivist and constructivist philosophies; from Jung’s archetypes to neurobiological research into the religious brain; from scientific constructs of prayer, meditation, and mindfulness to collaborative interventions for mental health. The book’s distinctive teaching/learning presentation:

Discusses non-Western religious traditions in addition to Christianity.

Balances theoretical literature with empirical research on each topic.

Reviews contemporary research and debates in psychology and religion.

Examines developmental approaches to religious and spiritual growth.

Provides a variety of practical applications.

Includes review questions, exercises, and other student materials.

Encourages readers to develop their own ideas on this subject

These are valuable perspectives for graduate or undergraduate courses in the psychology of religion, and a rich resource for graduate courses in psychology and counseling. In addition, Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality makes an inviting text for seminary courses in spiritual and pastoral counseling.

Table of contents :
Front Matter….Pages I-XVIII
Front Matter….Pages 1-1
Introduction to Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality….Pages 3-41
Science, Religion, and Psychology….Pages 43-75
Religious Traditions….Pages 77-100
Front Matter….Pages 101-101
Phenomenological Approaches to Religion and Spirituality….Pages 103-142
Psychodynamic and Relational Approaches….Pages 143-174
Contemporary Approaches and Debates….Pages 175-208
Front Matter….Pages 209-209
Fundamentals of Human Development, Religion, and Spirituality….Pages 211-244
Religion and Development in Childhood and Adolescence….Pages 245-271
Religion, Spirituality, and Development in Adulthood….Pages 273-307
Front Matter….Pages 309-309
Religion, Spirituality, and Physical Health….Pages 311-345
Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health….Pages 347-390
Practices and Religious Communities….Pages 391-433
Individual Religious and Spiritual Practices….Pages 435-473
Helping Relationships: Counseling and Spiritual Growth….Pages 475-506
Looking Back….Pages 507-512
Back Matter….Pages 513-731