The Psychology of Religion: An Empirical Approach

by Ralph W. Hood Jr., Bernard Spilka, Bruce E. Hunsberger

This volume presents the most comprehensive survey of the empirical literature on the psychology of religion available today. Like its predecessor, the second edition of The Psychology of Religion emphasizes scientific work that is moving the psychology of religion into the mainstream of academic psychology, rather than broad interpretive and conceptual discussions of religion. Ideally structured as a text, the volume's chapters each integrate findings according to the theory or theories that best illuminate them, allowing instructors the flexibility to assign any or all of the chapters according to the design of their courses. Completely revised and updated, this second edition incorporates data on the impact of family and schools into an expanded chapter on religious socialization, and also includes a new discussion of religion and coping. Throughout, the text is greatly enhanced by the wealth of empirical research that has been conducted during the past decade.

Genres: Psychology, Religion, Nonfiction, Science, Academic

546 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Mike]

This is a really disappointing textbook, perhaps one of the worst ones I have used but the market for the psychology of religion textbooks is rather limited. In many sections, it lacked any respectable depth and appeared to passionately avoid the discussion of many psychological theories that are consistent with points brought up, especially those with existential foundations. I am hoping the new edition is much better and not as weak as this edition.

[Vinnie V.]

Definitely didn't read the whole thing but I like the premise of connecting religious beliefs and psychology. It appears to be focused on the Judeo-Christian religions. Intriguing parts: an overview of the book (p. 37), religion in childhood (the theme of Ch. 2, p. 44), religious socialization (Ch. 3, p. 72), religious doubts (p. 93), the social psychology of religious organizations (theme of Ch. 9, p. 300), and religion and mental disorder (the theme of Ch. 12, p. 406).

[Belle Meade School]

200.19

[Melvin Marsh]

I think it was an ok book. It did have some good chapters and good ideas, but I really felt it was too heavy on Christianity. I also know it got many things about Judaism wrong, which I felt was enough to knock it down from "like" (3 stars) to "ok" (2). They did have a fair amount of things I want to learn more about, such as the Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Religion connection and paranormal/religious experience connection.