Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality : Concepts and Applications

This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art assessment of what psychology says about religion and spirituality. It includes different branches of psychology and aspects of religion, and covers key concepts and practical applications. It is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduates, and those training for religious ministry.

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.