Open AccessThe Psychology of Religion
Author(s) -
Amber Haque
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
american journal of islam and society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2690-3741
pISSN - 2690-3733
DOI - 10.35632/ajis.v18i1.2037
Subject(s) - hinduism , spirituality , buddhism , psychology of religion , islam , context (archaeology) , epistemology , subject (documents) , history of religions , impossibility , perspective (graphical) , comparative religion , sociology , psychology , religious studies , philosophy , history , anthropology , political science , law , medicine , alternative medicine , theology , archaeology , pathology , artificial intelligence , library science , computer science
The areas of psychology and religion have been traditionally viewed as mutuallyexclusive and the relationship between them seen as one of paradox and impossibility.The book under review offers a wide coverage of the subject from its troubledhistory to the latest developments in the field in easy to understand language.In an overview of the book, the author points out how religion can be a powerfulforce in human society leading to admirable and often horrible consequences.Citing a few research studies, the author shows how the situation has changed overthe years and how the psychology of religion is emerging as a completely new fieldof study. The book is divided into seven chapters.Chapter one begins with the daunting task of defining both psychology and religionfrom the author's own perspective, after a review of some popular definitions.After presenting a couple of questionnaires to measure religious beliefs, the authorpresents a short history of the uneasy relationship between psychology, religionand discusses the concept of spirituality. The author points out that although spiritualityis common to most religions and cultural traditions, it can be a divisiveissue and is actually outside the context of organized religion. Concern is raised bythe author regarding the lack of attention given to the possible differences betweenthe religious experiences and behaviors of men and women.Chapter two focuses on how traditions outside of the western Christian context,e.g. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism view the psychology-religionrelationship. This chapter also describes "Syncretic Religions" in which differentreligious traditions are blended, and the new religious movements starting in the1960s. The chapter stresses that although psychological emphases and consequencesmay differ, psychological themes are common to all or most religions, andthese emphases and consequences need further investigation.Chapter three discusses religious behavior and examines in detail the effects ofprayer. The author gives definitions and quotations of prominent scholars andcites empirical studies showing effects and perceived effects of prayer. The use of ...