Life is full of transitions. These transitions have to be addressed, shaped, processed and integrated into our lives in some way. Regardless of the belief in a God, traditional structures always come into view, here especially religiously traditional rites of passage such as baptism and circumcision, communion and bar mitzvah, marriage as well as convalescence, death and funeral rites. What is the psychological function of religiously traditional rites of passage today? This question will be investigated with the help of interactive interviews with functionaries and members of the religious communities of all three monotheistic currents in Northern Europe, flanked by two interviews with atheists.

Understanding the importance of religious practice for teachers More functional and smooth inter-religious dialogue including dialogue with atheists More focused engagement and calm encounter with religious practice also for decision-makers

Autorentext

Kathrin Rothenberg-Elder, grew up in Niger, Algeria and Germany; studied psychology, practical theology and modern German literature, doctorate on Christian threshold rituals. Professor of psychology at the diploma university (focus on social and environmental psychology), numerous exhibitions as a photographer at home and abroad (focus on interreligious dialogue) and publications as an author (focus on specialist literature and poetry).

Inhalt
Clarification of the term rite of passage, threshold, discussion of the psychological question.- Psychological function of religiously traditional threshold rituals.- Methodology: Explanation of the methodological procedure and the evaluation structures.- Analysis of the interviews.- Summary and conclusion.