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The psychology of religion is an inherently exciting topic, yet most textbooks struggle to convey the vitality and significance of this field to students. Designed for undergraduate courses, this textbook uses poignant stories drawn from literature, history, and scientific case studies to provide a more effective entry point for students.
List of contents
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.
About the author
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.
Summary
The psychology of religion is an inherently exciting topic, yet most textbooks struggle to convey the vitality and significance of this field to students. Designed for undergraduate courses, this textbook uses poignant stories drawn from literature, history, and scientific case studies to provide a more effective entry point for students.
Foreword
An engaging and historically grounded introduction to the psychology of religion and spirituality for both religious and non-religious readers.
