Psychology Of Religion Short Introductio

This introduction looks at why people turn to religion, what they find, and how it affects their emotional wellbeing and their attitude to guilt affection and other areas of human feeling. It ranges over psychosis, depression, love and hate; the areas in which religion and psychology meet. Designed for students and general readers alike, this new introduction to the psychology of religion offers a thorough coverage of the subject, from its troubled history to the latest theories. Drawing from a wide variety of cultures and faiths, the book considers the key themes of the psychology of religion. A jargon-free approach, accompanied by helpful diagrams and case studies, ensures that readers of all levels will gain an understanding of such complex topics as the relationship between religion and moral belief and the development of faith. Other areas covered include; * prayer, prophecy and conversion: the nature of religious behaviour * religious beliefs, and their influence on emotional well-being * disorders of the mind: the relationship between religion and psychopathology * the controverisal question of religion and prejudice A concise and intelligent study, this book will be valued equally by scholars, students and all those interested in the subject.