The Psychology of Religion

Many of the greatest minds in psychology have tried to unravel the mysteries, power, appeal, and consequences of religion. The task of understanding human behaviour will never be complete without the use of science and logic to examine the psychology of religion and spirituality. This undergraduate textbook provides an engaging and accessible tour of the field, drawing on historical, theoretical, and cutting-edge sources. It explores the origins and meaning of various forms of religious belief around the globe, with enhanced coverage of non-Christian religions, non-believers, and diverse populations. By focusing on the personal, medical, moral, social, and political consequences of religion, it explores how these findings can be applied in real-world scenarios. Students are supported by clear learning objectives, defined key concepts, varied end-of-chapter questions, further reading suggestions, and visual content, making this an invaluable resource for undergraduates in the psychology of religion and spirituality.

'The Psychology of Religion: A Social Force is destined to become a classic. It is unsurpassed in range and scope. Neil Kressel perceives religion as a social force, which now must include this marvelous book packed with wisdom on every topic discussed. This textbook is a true social force itself.' Ralph W. Hood, Jr, University of Tennessee
'Unlike many psychology of religion textbooks, this one explores boldly the realm of sociology, incorporating classical sociological theories while emphasizing practical social applications. Its methodology section offers valuable insights, highlighting the importance of theory and inquiry in guiding methodology, rather than the other way around.' Zhuo Job Chen, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
'Neil Kressel offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to the psychology of religion, weaving together thought-provoking case studies, historical insights, and cutting-edge research. By balancing classic and contemporary sources, this book provides an in-depth understanding of religious behaviors and decisions within sociological, psychological, and biological contexts.' Crystal Park, University of Connecticut
'I would strongly recommend Neil Kressel's thorough review and explanation of the essential topics and concepts in the psychology of religion. Most importantly, his descriptions are unique in their user-friendly approach. His emphasis on creating an understandable text does not compromise the intellectual rigor of the information.' Deborah Pauli, Southwestern Assemblies of God University
'Kressel's textbook is a great introduction to the psychology of religion, one that provides vital historical and multidisciplinary background. Given the ever-expanding field of psychology of religion, its breadth of coverage is impressive. Its approach is accessible to any student, no matter what their educational level or background. Students will surely leave this book with a solid footing in the area.' Adam Fetterman, University of Houston
'Neil Kressel's textbook is a comprehensive and valuable resource for students, instructors, and scholars of the psychology of religion and spirituality. It introduces readers to the classic theories as well as current developments and incorporates insights from sociology, philosophy, and the biological sciences, while not shying away from critically discussing the political and social implications of the empirical findings of the field.' Patrick Rosenkranz, Newcastle University

Neil J. Kressel is a licensed psychologist and Professor of Psychology at William Paterson University, where he directed the Honors Program in the Social Sciences for twenty years. He holds a doctorate in social psychology from Harvard, and has taught psychology courses at universities such as Harvard, New York University, and the Stevens Institute of Technology. In May 2023, Kressel received William Paterson's Faculty Recognition Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Expression. The author or editor of seven books and many scientific journal articles, he has appeared on various mainstream media programs. His work has been widely cited in print and online media, including Forbes.com, the Economist, the Washington Post, Chronicle of Higher Education, and elsewhere.

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