Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality

Designed to be a text for graduate and undergraduate studies, the purpose of this volume is to present a comprehensive introduction to the psychology of religion by observing the interface between psychology, religion, and spirituality. This book embraces the idea that natural and social science approaches to religion in psychology will be more effective if we are aware of religion perspectives on the issues under discussion. Religious perspectives can offer different views on topics of scientific theory and research, provide hypotheses for further explanation, and assist in the interpretation of scientific research findings. The reader will find that the following distinctive traits set this text apart from previous works in the area of the psychology of religion: Treatment of both theoretical issues and empirical research findings. Theoretical work and empirical research findings are both important in the psychology of religion. Unfortunately, the major psychology of religion texts do not present a balanced treatment of both approaches. The proposed book will integrate theoretical perspectives and empirical research on each topic. Practical application of concepts and research findings in the field. Most individuals who take undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology of religion hope to apply the studied material to their professional work. Regrettably, psychology of religion texts provide little practical treatment of applied issues and applied texts lack much background information provided by the psychology of religion field. This text provides examples of practical application throughout the book with several chapters at the end devoted to common practical situations relevant to the field. Attention to diversity issues. With some exceptions, textbooks in psychology of religion have given erratic treatment of world religions and cultural traditions beyond Western Christianity. This book aims where possible to integrate material from the main religions traditions that have been the focus of research by psychologists, especially Buddhism and Hinduism. Integration of exercises and questions with academic material. Most books in the area of the psychology of religion are not textbooks designed for use in the classroom. This book will be a modern text with boxed or appended case examples. Review questions, exercises and guides to further reading would be located at the end of each chapter.For use as a standalone text or in conjunction with a set of primary source readings, this imporant volume will be of great interest to professors and students of undergraduate and graduate classes on the psychology of religion or spirituality, as well as beginning seminary courses in spirituality and pastoral counseling.