T H E    P S Y C H O L O G Y
O F    R E L I G I O N

An Empirical Approach

Second Edition



(Cover art by Robert Egert)


Ralph W. Hood, Jr., Bernard Spilka,
Bruce Hunsberger, & Richard Gorsuch



"This text makes my short list in the psychology of religion. Empirical in orientation, yet mindful of the reductionistic pitfalls of empiricism, the authors, all seasoned veterans comprising an abridged Who's Who in the psychology of religion, provide an impressive comprehensive study. Thorough, yet concise; sophisticated, yet readable and engaging. A decided improvement over what was a good first edition, this volume will be strategically placed within arm's reach."

-- Peter C. Hill, Ph.D.


"The Psychology of Religion is much more than a textbook. While it provides an excellent introduction to the field for advanced undergraduate and graduate psychology students, it should also be mandatory reading for anthropology and sociology of religion students. The authors focus on psychology but never lose sight of the larger context that frames religion. It is also a 'must' for every serious scholar of religion's library .... A most remarkable book."

-- Margaret M. Poloma, Ph.D.


"This text, encyclopedic in breadth, takes the reader on a tour of the fascinating and myriad forms and functions of religion. It explores the implications of the spiritual dimension for the full range of human functioning across the lifespan. The authors tackle sensitive subjects such as cults, conversion, mental disorders, and sexual abuse among clergy in even-handed fashion. The most comprehensive, empirically oriented text in the field, it is an essential reference and guide for the serious student of religious life .... It should be widely used in advanced undergraduate courses and graduate seminars in the psychology of religion. It should also be an indispensable part of the libraries of social scientists, religious leaders, and mental health professionals."

-- Ken Pargament, Ph.D.



About The Authors

Ralph W. Hood, Jr., Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Bernard Spilka, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at the University of Denver in Colorado.
Bruce Hunsberger, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Richard Gorsuch, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at the Graduate School of Psychology of Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California.

Drs. Hood, Spilka, and Gorsuch are past presidents of the Psychology of Religion division of the American Psychological Association, and all of the authors are recipients of the division's William James Award.



The Guilford Press
72 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012

ISBN 1-57230-116-3


Introduction

Here I present various excerpts from the book The Psychology of Religion: An Empirical Approach (second edition), by Ralph W. Hood, Jr., Bernard Spilka, Bruce Hunsberger, & Richard Gorsuch: