PYJ4202 Psychology of Religion
Course Description
This course explores psychological perspectives on the nature of religious belief, experience, ritual, values, and spiritual development. We will consider not only the psychological dimensions of religion but also the religious dimensions of the psyche and psychotherapy. Early formulations by James, Freud, jung, and others are studied as well as subsequent theories by Fromm, Frankl, Fowler, Maslow, Wilber, and others. These perspectives include psychodynamic, phenomenological, existential, humanistic, transpersonal, and experimental approaches. Contemplative exercises will help students to explore their own relationship to religious experiences, ideas, and practices.