A splendid update of the definitive text in the psychology of religion. Important new developments in the psychology of atheism, conversion, evolutionary perspectives, and the cognitive science of religion receive extensive coverage. This is an authoritative and cutting-edge resource that can be used in either undergraduate courses or graduate seminars. Research in the psychology of religion has accelerated in the past decade, and these authors capture the excitement and main threads of contemporary developments without ignoring classic work in the field.--Robert A. Emmons, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Positive Psychology
A truly marvelous work of scholarship--an indispensable resource for anyone with a serious interest in the scientific study of religion. Hood, Hill, and Spilka offer a highly readable text that systematically presents the growing body of research in a comprehensive yet concise way. The fourth edition has a restructured format that makes it even more practical and adaptable for classroom use. Without doubt, this fourth edition will retain its place as the leading text in the field.--W. Paul Williamson, PhD, Department of Psychology, Henderson State University, Arkansas
The volume is broad in scope, yet grounded in a meaning-making approach. It integrates a wide range of topics and classic research along with the latest findings. Hood, Hill, and Spilka write with wisdom, wit, and authority, making this a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking text.--Crystal L. Park, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut
This is the standard reference for scientific knowledge about how people live their religious and spiritual lives. This book grapples with quandaries about religion at the leading edge of our cultural discourse, including the differences between religiousness and personal spirituality and the ways in which religion can both heal and harm. It covers the lifespan from childhood to late life, addressing a range of challenges for which religion can bolster coping, such as illness, personal tragedy, and loss. The authors admirably carry forward the torch of William James and Gordon Allport in the fourth edition of this seminal text.--James L. Griffith, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine
The field has grown by leaps and bounds since the third edition of this book, and Hood, Hill, and Spilka have clearly kept pace with the changes. In-depth without being overwhelming, the volume strikes just the right balance. This well-written and engaging text is ideal for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses. In addition, the book provides researchers with an invaluable means of orienting themselves to new topic areas within the psychology of religion.--Julie Juola Exline, PhD, Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University
This book just keeps getting better. It is by far the most comprehensive and engaging psychology of religion text on the market. The authors review classic and contemporary theory and research on the development of religion, neuroscience of spiritual experiences, positive psychology, health, and much more. This book has it all. It is highly appropriate for use in advanced undergraduate courses and graduate seminars, and should be on the shelf of every scholar who studies religion at the level of the individual, couple, family, group, community, or society.--Wade C. Rowatt, PhD, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University
This is the standard reference for scientific knowledge about how people live their religious and spiritual lives. This book grapples with quandaries about religion at the leading edge of our cultural discourse, including the differences between religiousness and personal spirituality and the ways in which religion can both heal and harm. It covers the lifespan from childhood to late life, addressing a range of challenges for which religion can bolster coping, such as illness, personal tragedy, and loss. The authors admirably carry forward the torch of William James and Gordon Allport in the fourth edition of this seminal text. - James L. Griffith, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine, USA
The volume is broad in scope, yet grounded in a meaning-making approach....Hood, Hill, and Spilka write with wisdom, wit, and authority, making this a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking text. - Crystal L. Park, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, USA
A truly marvelous work of scholarship....The fourth edition has a restructured format that makes it even more practical and adaptable for classroom use. Without doubt, this fourth edition will retain its place as the leading text in the field. - W. Paul Williamson, Department of Psychology, Henderson State University, Arkansas, USA
In-depth without being overwhelming, the volume strikes just the right balance. This well-written and engaging text is ideal for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses. In addition, the book provides researchers with an invaluable means of orienting themselves to new topic areas within the psychology of religion. - Julie Juola Exline, Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, USA
A splendid update of the definitive text in the psychology of religion. Important new developments in the psychology of atheism, conversion, evolutionary perspectives, and the cognitive science of religion receive extensive coverage. This is an authoritative and cutting-edge resource that can be used in either undergraduate courses or graduate seminars. Research in the psychology of religion has accelerated in the past decade, and these authors capture the excitement and main threads of contemporary developments without ignoring classic work in the field. - Robert A. Emmons, Department of Psychology, University of California, USA; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Positive Psychology
This book just keeps getting better. It is by far the most comprehensive and engaging psychology of religion text on the market. The authors review classic and contemporary theory and research on the development of religion, neuroscience of spiritual experiences, positive psychology, health, and much more. This book has it all. - Wade C. Rowatt, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, USA
