Toward a Latin American Psychology of Religion: Evolution, Tendencies and Perspectives

by Carlos J. Correa Bernier

Overview

The Psychology of Religion is a rapidly developing field that traces its beginning back to the 1902 ground-breaking publication of The Varieties of Religious Experience by United States psychologist William James. Unfortunately, this study is a long-overdue response to what seems to be a resounding Latin American “silence” in relation to the field of the Psychology of Religion. It has been a rude awakening to learn that no psychological theories have been utilized to explain individual and group religious history, evolution and tendencies from a Latin American perspective.

Toward a Latin American Psychology of Religion: Evolution, Tendencies, and Perspectives provides the reader with a proposal for an initial, landmark overview of the field of the Psychology of Religion from a Latin American perspective. Dr. Correa Bernier draws on a number of academic disciplines, such as philosophy, sociology, anthropology, religious studies, economics, political science, history and theology, in order to consider the different ways in which psychoanalysts and research psychologists approach the field of the Psychology of Religion. The working thesis for the book is that it is impossible to understand how the Latin American people think, as a whole and as individuals, without understanding how their religious beliefs drive their way of life. For Latin Americans, religion is less a way of believing and more a way of living.

The author focuses this thematic study on the most recent research findings, although relevant, older works are also considered, in order to provide definitions of key terms as well as a panoramic description of the socio-political context where the study is taking place. It also presents the dynamics that take place on the U.S. – México Border Region, where a particular concentration of Latin American families gather on their way to the United States. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684184095
Publisher:	Conversemos, LLC
Publication date:	09/01/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	280
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

For the past three decades, Dr. Carlos J. Correa Bernier has combined his exceptional skills as a family and marital therapist, author, consultant, theologian, and public speaker, becoming one of the leading figures in the fields of Hispanic family systems, male psychology, emotional growth, relationships and bi-national Christian Based Communities. Correa Bernier brought the conversation about psychology of religion into the mainstream of theological education in the U.S.- Mexico border region of San Diego-Tijuana. His dynamic ways of teaching have been welcomed and celebrated in many Latin American countries, as well as in the Caribbean, Asia and Europe. A much sought out speaker, Correa Bernier has truly touched and transformed the lives of many. Born in Puerto Rico, he later moved to the State of Massachusetts, where he came in touch with the subject of family systems and the teachings of Salvador Minuchin. He later earned his Bachelor of Arts (psychology) and a second bachelor degree in biblical interpretation (Hebrew and Greek). Influenced by Carl Whitaker and Leonardo Boff, Correa Bernier dedicated his career to the integration of psychology and theology earning master degrees in the fields of marriage and family therapy and theology. He continued his postgraduate studies earning his Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology with specialization in violent behaviors and male psychology, and completed his residency toward his second Doctoral degree at the GTF / University of Oxford (Christ Church College). Correa Bernier has presented workshops on many topics in more than 40 countries throughout the world.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Chapter One: The Context - Overdue Resource Chapter Two: Latin American Religiosity A Panoramic ViewLatin America's Religiosities: The Fundamentals - The Aztecs - The Incas - The Africans - Brazil: Candomblé and Umbanda - Umbanda - Syncretism in the Border Region Chapter Three: Foundations of a Psychology of Religion Carl Jung (1875 - 1961) - Defining Religion: Jung's Perspective - Organized Religion According to Jung - Spirituality and Religious Impulses Sigmund Freud (1856 - 1939) Erich Fromm (1900 - 1980) Carl Rogers (1902 - 1987) Conclusion Chapter Four: Religious&Psychological Idiosyncrasies of Latin America - Psychology of Religion or the Psychologizing of Religion - Theology/Psychology of Religion - Psychological / Religious Sources of Latin American Religiosity: Contextual Religiosity - Empirical Religiosity - Liberating Religiosity - Communal Practicality - Faith Seeking Effectiveness - The Religious Spirituality of Latin America - Incarnation of Preaching the Word - Discernment of the Here and Now - Mature Spirituality - Deep-rooted Spirituality - Ecclesial Inclusiveness - Summary Chapter Five: Toward a Latin American Psychology of Religion Contextualization What Do We Know About Religion: How Does It Work? Latin American Religiosities Psychology and Religion in Latin America Transnational and Diaspora Religious Realities Latin American Christology, Theology and Religious Icons - Our Lady of Guadalupe - The Lord of Miracles - The Crucified Lord of Esquipulas Contextual Christology The Psychology of a Latin American Christology Chapter Six: Reflections on a Latin American Psychology of Religion - Misconception One: Latin American Religion comes in only one Shape: Catholicism. - Misconception Two: Latin American Religiosity is a by-product that was produced by the Vacuity of Colonialism. - Misconception Three: Latin American Religiosity is Generally Superstitious and Limited in its Daily Implications. - Misconception Four: Latin American Religiosities are Part of a Collection of Cultural Practices that are Neutral and Without any Concrete Benefits for the Practitioner. - Misconception Five: Latin American Religiosity Lacks Focus Beyond its Superstitious Tendencies. Christ Centered, Icon Focus Conclusion Bibliography: Sources Consulted