Informationen zum Autor Mick Power is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, as well as a practicing Clinical Psychologist who has worked at Guy's Hospital and Maudsley and Bethlem Hospitals. Raised as a Catholic, Power became an atheist at 16. Klappentext Rumors of the shortcomings and death of organized religion abound in modern society. However, even in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, organized religion continues to prosper. In Adieu to God , psychologist and atheist Mick Power examines this dichotomy from a psychological perspective. He argues that although religion provides certain social and psychological benefits, atheism provides a more fulfilling path to these objectives. In recent years, scientists have officially disproven the existence of gods and the supernatural. Yet, these beliefs persist because of the comfort and sense of understanding these ideas offer their followers. Power argues that these religious beliefs must be viewed through both a psychological and social lens. He uses examples from a variety of religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Scientology and Mormonism, to demonstrate how psychological principles explain key religious beliefs and phenomena. At the same time, he incorporates the latest research in psychology, sociology, anthropology, psychiatry and medicine to show the ways in which atheism supercedes the benefits of organized religion and can lead to a more fulfilling life. Thorough and balanced, Mick Power gives a complete look at the psychological implications of organized religion while also providing a convincing argument for atheism in today's world. Zusammenfassung Religion clings to the supernatural for psychological comfort. In Adieu to God, Mick Powers provides a fair and balanced exploration of why this continues to be the case despite science's repeated disproval of supernatural forces. Inhaltsverzeichnis Preface ix 1. A Short History of Religion 1 2. The Psychology of Religion-The Varieties of Normal Experience 33 3. The Psychology of Religion-The Varieties of Abnormal Experience 61 4. Social Structures and Religion 89 5. Religion, Power, and Control 113 6. Religion and Health 141 7. How to Be a Healthy Atheist 167 References 181 Author Index 191 Subject Index 195 ...

Autorentext

Mick Power is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, as well as a practicing Clinical Psychologist who has worked at Guy's Hospital and Maudsley and Bethlem Hospitals. Raised as a Catholic, Power became an atheist at 16.

Klappentext

Rumors of the shortcomings and death of organized religion abound in modern society. However, even in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, organized religion continues to prosper. In Adieu to God, psychologist and atheist Mick Power examines this dichotomy from a psychological perspective. He argues that although religion provides certain social and psychological benefits, atheism provides a more fulfilling path to these objectives. In recent years, scientists have officially disproven the existence of gods and the supernatural. Yet, these beliefs persist because of the comfort and sense of understanding these ideas offer their followers. Power argues that these religious beliefs must be viewed through both a psychological and social lens. He uses examples from a variety of religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Scientology and Mormonism, to demonstrate how psychological principles explain key religious beliefs and phenomena. At the same time, he incorporates the latest research in psychology, sociology, anthropology, psychiatry and medicine to show the ways in which atheism supercedes the benefits of organized religion and can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Thorough and balanced, Mick Power gives a complete look at the psychological implications of organized religion while also providing a convincing argument for atheism in today's world.

Zusammenfassung
Religion clings to the supernatural for psychological comfort. In Adieu to God, Mick Powers provides a fair and balanced exploration of why this continues to be the case despite science's repeated disproval of supernatural forces.

Inhalt

Preface ix 1. A Short History of Religion 1

2. The Psychology of Religion-The Varieties of Normal Experience 33

3. The Psychology of Religion-The Varieties of Abnormal Experience 61

4. Social Structures and Religion 89

5. Religion, Power, and Control 113

6. Religion and Health 141

7. How to Be a Healthy Atheist 167

References 181

Author Index 191

Subject Index 195