Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality: Concepts and Applications

by Fraser Watts

Overview

Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality 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. Fraser Watts 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. It 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, helping 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108145725
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/06/2017
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Fraser Watts has combined a distinguished career as a psychologist with a distinguished record in theology and religious studies. For almost twenty years at the University of Cambridge, he led one of the largest research groups in psychology and religion. He received the American Psychological Association William Bier Award, and founded the Cambridge Institute for Applied Psychology and Religion.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Concepts and approaches; 2. Psychoanalysis; 3. Genetics and evolution; 4. Brain and cognition; 5. Religious experience; 6. Religious practices; 7. Religious beliefs and thinking; 8. Spirituality; 9. Development aspects; 10. Varieties and types; 11. Health and adjustment; 12. Personal transformation; 13. Scripture and doctrine; 14. Human nature and personality; 15. Summing-up; Further reading; References.

Editorial Reviews

'In a reflective survey of psychology and religion, Fraser Watts, psychologist, theologian, and Anglican priest, has produced a remarkable book. It is a highly selective and focused assessment of what in numerous handbooks (all referenced by Watts) take hundreds, even thousands, of pages to survey. … His book should be mandatory reading for psychologists currently involved in studying religion …' Ralph W. Hood, Jr, The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion

From the Publisher