Religion and Psychology

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that one of the most foundational aspects of psychology has been an assault on religion, or at the very least, those things about religion, which Freud and others saw as damaging rather than helpful to the human mind. However, the author stresses, research indicates that religion and faith have a positive influence on the physical and psychological well-being of individuals. The paper then investigates cognitive religiosity, which is grounded in the belief that religion and choice are a process of thought that is specific to humans and will be revealed by God as being logical. The paper concludes that religion will be included more in the practice of psychological therapy because of its benefit.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Christianity vs. Secularism
Developmental Purpose of Faith:
Cognitive Religiosity
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Without faith the individual would seem to be left at risk, of drowning in a see of social and environmental ills, most of which can usually be avoided. Death and grief are explained, under girded and given meaning. Health and happiness are taken seriously and more positively affect the long term outcome for the individual. Identify, community, purpose and even the fantastic to some degree are answered by faith and built by the faithful."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barrett, J. L. (2004) Why Would Anyone Believe in God? New York: AltaMira Press.
• Bloom, P. (2004) Descartes'' Baby: How the Science of Human Child Development Explains What Makes Us Human. New York: Basic Books.
• Bloom, P. (December 2005) "Is God and Accident?" The Atlantic Monthly
• Collier, A. (2003). On Christian Belief: A Defence of a Cognitive Conception of Religious Belief in a Christian Context. New York: Routledge.
• Emmons, R. A., & Paloutzian, R. F. (2003). The Psychology of Religion. 377+.

More papers on Religion and Psychology:

• Research Paper # 61813 : "Theology and Psychology"
• Comparison Essay # 8329 : "History and Psychology of Religion"
• Persuasive Essay # 112005 : "Religion and Ethics"

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