This new introductory text sets out in plain language the basic elements of seven major theories of the psychology of religion. James Forsyth has produced a compelling survey of seminal psychological theorists, including Freud, Jung, James, Fromm, Allport, Maslow, and Frankl, to explain to students how theories of religion emerge from both theory and life experience. Each chapter introduces the theory and provides a biography of each thinker. It then moves to outline the thinker's personality theory and theory of religion. Each chapter concludes with an evaluation of the theories.

Key features:

• Compelling, well-written introduction to complex psychological theory
• Consistent organizational scheme for each chapter
• Organized by theorist instead of by topic
• Suggested readings for each chapter

• Theory-oriented presentation.

  • Draws students into a more interesting and engaging introduction to the field and to different traditions and approaches.

• Evaluation of each theory—Relates the psychological understanding of religion to the classical psychological theories and the various schools or traditions in psychological thought (psychoanalytic, Jungian, humanistic, existentialist).

  • Serves students with a series of leading questions as a basis for their own critical reflection and judgment.

• “Life” and “Theory of Personality” sections in each chapter—Shows to what extent the theory of religion is rooted in and derived from both the psychological theory of personality and the personal life experience of each of the seven theorists.

  • Provides students with a theoretical and human context for understanding the theory of religion.

• Consistent format for all chapters—Each chapter contains an introductory overview of the theory; biographical material on the theorist; his theory of personality; his theory of religion; and an evaluation of the theory of religion.

  • Discusses the theorists' influence in the field, points out some developments from and reactions to the theory, and raises certain questions in order to stimulate students' own critical responses.

• Suggested readings—Concludes each chapter.

  • Gives students a resource for additional and more in-depth study.