Introduction vi
1. Why the Psychology of Religion? 1
2. Definitions and Meanings 6
3. Introspection and Inner Experience 23
4. Approaches to the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality 32
5. Religious Beliefs and Practices 44
6. Approaches to Spiritual Development 62
7. Spirituality and the Brain 80
8. The Origins of Religious Belief 85
9. Religious Expression in Myth and the Creative Arts 104
10. Varieties of Religious and Spiritual Experience 108
11. Concepts of Self, Soul, and Brain 159
12. Religion, Health, and Well-being 205
Conclusion 228
References 230
Index 251
David Fontana is a Chartered Psychologist and a Chartered Counselling Psychologist. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and was Founding Chairman of the Society’s Transpersonal Psychology Section. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, together with a number of other degrees and professional qualifications, and is currently Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Cardiff University and Visiting Professor of Transpersonal Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University. He has written widely on the psychology of spirituality and on the traditions and practices of the major Eastern and Western psycho-spiritual traditions. His 23 books are translated into 26 languages.
"These two books are valuable because, unlike the scientific
materialists and religious exclusivists, the author's argue that
there is a need (indeed, much scope) for critical thinking as well
as spiritual hope in a world ravaged by instability, hatred and
bloodshed." (Muslim News, 29 July 2011) "I cannot recommend this
book too highly." Charles T. Tart, Institute of Transpersonal
Psychology, Palo Alto "Fontana’s sympathetic understanding of
religion, his refined knowledge of Eastern traditions, together
with a broad grasp of classic and recent psychological research,
all combine to produce a work which rightly challenges the narrow
assumptions of many psychologists of religion." Brian L. Lancaster,
Consciousness & Transpersonal Psychology Research Unit, Liverpool
John Moores University "It would be difficult for anyone other than
a rabid fundamentalist (of whatever persuasion) to fail to be
fascinated, enlightened and enriched by David Fontana's lucid and
masterful exposition of the interplay between 'Psychology, Religion
and Spirituality' as set out in his book of that title ... The
scope of this book is astounding, and its detailed and even-handed
dissemination of factual information does its author much credit
... A truly vast canvas, in dealing with which editorial necessity
limits me to some four hundred words; ten times as many would, I
fear, have been insufficient to do full justice to the most
rewarding task set me." The Christian Parapsychologist "This book
is both refreshingly original and packed with information. It
offers a very clear review of empirical studies in religious
research, and has the additional merit of being, unusually for
textbooks on the psychology of religion, written by an author who
actually demonstrates a very wide knowledge of the world religions,
their history and teachings ... Both workers in Religious Studies
who like a humanities-based approach to the psychology of religion,
and lecturers in Psychology who may be seeking considered reviews
of quantitative research studies, will find a book that well meets
their needs here. I highly recommend this book - what Alan Baddeley
did for memory psychology and Roger Brown did for social
psychology, Fontana has done for the psychology of religion in
writing a book that deserves to become known as a classic text."
Social Psychological Review "an impressive survey on the psychology
of religion ... Fontana's background in transpersonal psychology
and his unassuming style allow for an open-minded yet critical
stance ... An excellent introduction to the psychology of religion"
Choice "From beginning to end, the author tries to bridge over the
gap between Western and Eastern approaches to religiosity and
spirituality and avoid all dominance of Christianity in research
and theory in the area of psychology of religion ... The author is
known also for his popular books, which may explain that this
scientific book of his is written clearly and readably. As to the
results, the book can be recommended not only to the clergy,
professional psychologists, students and teachers of psychology of
religion, but also to general public." Studia Psychologica "a book
which one hopes will be read by undergraduate psychology students
as an antidote to the narrowness of many other academic psychology
textbooks ... the coverage is exemplary, covering every conceivable
angle, classification and type of explanation ... This is a very
good overview of the whole field of psychology of religion, and one
can only hope that it will be widely read." Scientific and Medical
Network Review "I have read several books on the psychology of
religion over the years, but few have been as engaging as David
Fontana's excellent study ... Throughout the book there are
encyclopaedic references to psychological writers and there is a
very full bibliography, so that the reader will have no shortage of
follow-up material should she wish to pursue any theme or issue
further. Moreover, this material is up to date, and reflects a
range of psychological approaches. It's very impressive ...
underlying much of the book there is that awkward question about
the common ground - if any - between the major religious
traditions. In our days that question has a new urgency, and this
book will provide some fresh, if sometimes discomforting, impetus
to it. Highly recommended." Regent's Reviews “A great starting
point for any empirical investigator … also useful for every
scholar and student of psychology of religion. I can also recommend
it to those who want to study spirituality from a psychological and
experimental point of view. [It] provides both theoretical
knowledge and empirical research findings on religious and
spiritual development and behavior. It can be used as a textbook
for psychology, education and theology at both undergraduate and
graduate levels. It is necessary reading for every researcher in
the fields of psychology, religion or spirituality.” Journal of
Empirical Theology
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