Review
"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 arms-reach. Two thumbs up." --Peter C. Hill, PhD, Grove City College
"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, serving as an encyclopedic reference and providing the makings of annotated bibliographies on scores of topics. The authors not only have processed significant findings on a wide range of issues, but have shared their insight on future research needs. A most remarkable book." --Margaret M. Poloma, PhD, Sociology Department, The University of Akron
"After nearly a century of neglect, the psychology of religion is experiencing a wave of renewed interest, in large part due to the pioneering work of Hood, Spilka, Hunsberger, and Gorsuch. Their 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; their book 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 indispenable part of the libraries of social scientists, religious leaders, and mental health professionals." --Ken Pargament, PhD, Bowling Green State University
"For a complete examination of empirical research on religion, there is none better than Hood, Spilka, Hunsberger, and Gorsuch (1996)." --Michael E. Nielsen, Contemporary Psychology
About the Author
Ralph W. Hood Jr., Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A past president of the Psychology of Religion division of the American Psychological Association and a recipient of its William James Award, he is a former editor of the International Journal of the Psychology of Religion and the current editor of The Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.
Bernard Spilka, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of Denver, is past president of the Psychology of Religion division of the American Psychological Association and a recipient of its William James Award. He formerly served as vice-president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and president of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association and the Colorado Psychological Association.
Bruce Hunsberger, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Widely published, he is a recipient of the William James award for research of the Psychology of Religion division of the American Psychological Association.
Richard Gorsuch, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the Graduate School of Psychology of Fuller Theological Seminary, is a past president of the Psychology of Religion division of the American Psychological Association, a recipient of its William James Award, and a former editor of The Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.
