The Psychology of Religion A Social Force

Many of the greatest minds in psychology have tried to unravel the mysteries, power, appeal, and consequences of religion. The task of understanding human behaviour will never be complete without the use of science and logic to examine the psychology of religion and spirituality. This undergraduate textbook provides an engaging and accessible tour of the field, drawing on historical, theoretical, and cutting-edge sources. It explores the origins and meaning of various forms of religious belief around the globe, with enhanced coverage of non-Christian religions, non-believers, and diverse populations. By focusing on the personal, medical, moral, social, and political consequences of religion, it explores how these findings can be applied in real-world scenarios. Students are supported by clear learning objectives, defined key concepts, varied end-of-chapter questions, further reading suggestions, and visual content, making this an invaluable resource for undergraduates in the psychology of religion and spirituality.

1. The untold story of the psychology of religion; 2. Classic approaches to religion and spirituality; 3. Behaviorism, neuroscience, and the cognitive science of religion; 4. The sociological context; 5. Research methods and the empirical tradition; 6. Religious attitudes and beliefs around the world; 7. Religious development, religious experience, and prayer; 8. Religion and health; 9. Religion and morality; 10. Religious extremism; 11. The challenge of real-world application.

Neil J. Kressel is a licensed psychologist and Professor of Psychology at William Paterson University, where he directed the Honors Program in the Social Sciences for twenty years. He holds a doctorate in social psychology from Harvard, and has taught psychology courses at universities such as Harvard, New York University, and the Stevens Institute of Technology. In May 2023, Kressel received William Paterson's Faculty Recognition Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Expression. The author or editor of seven books and many scientific journal articles, he has appeared on various mainstream media programs. His work has been widely cited in print and online media, including Forbes.com, the Economist, the Washington Post, Chronicle of Higher Education, and elsewhere.