An Introduction to the Psychology of Religion

Robert H. Thouless

CUP Archive, 1971 - Psychology - 152 pages

The third edition of this successful book, which applies the science of psychology to problems of religion. Dr Thouless explores such questions as: why do people believe? Why are their beliefs often held with irrational strength? How are changes in belief systems related to mental health? What are reasonable attitudes towards alternative belief systems? This edition includes samples of the experimental and statistical studies of religious problems, including the author's own study of the strength of religious beliefs. This edition also pays more attention to the problems of non-Christian religious systems, with special consideration given to the problems of mutual toleration. Finally Dr Thouless considers whether it is reasonable for modern man to adhere to any religious belief system. This is an excellent textbook for students of the social sciences, particularly psychology and theology, and will also interest the general reader who has an intellectual curiosity about religion.

Contents

• How the psychological study of religion began: 1
• Psychology and religion: 8
• The psychological roots of religion: 15
• The social factor in religion: 20
• The natural factor in religion: 32
• The moral conflict: 39
• The emotional factor in religion: 48
• Religion and human needs: 58
• The intellectual factor in religion: 65
• Religion and psychotherapy: 73
• Psychical research and religion: 80
• The psychology of prayer: 90
• The psychology of meditation: 96
• The psychology of conversion: 104
• Mysticism: 121
• Practical problems of religious diversity: 132
• The empirical argument for religious faith: 141
• Index: 149

Bibliographic information

• Title: An Introduction to the Psychology of Religion
• Author: Robert H. Thouless
• Edition: 3, reprint
• Publisher: CUP Archive, 1971
• ISBN: 0521096650, 9780521096652
• Length: 152 pages
• Subjects: Psychology / Applied Psychology; Psychology / General