We live in an era that often described as 'therapeutic.' Our culture is suffused with unconscious fantasies and psychoanalytic ways of thinking about self, other, and society. Aspects of the Freudian cultural universe have also had an impact on how we think about religion. In this volume, William Parsons explores the relationship between religion and psychoanalysis through multiple, linked investigations. Why did Freud write about religion and what did he say? What were the multiple critiques levelled at his work? What were the post-Freudian psychoanalytic advances? How can we still apply psychoanalytic ideas going forward? In answering these and related questions, Parsons distinguishes between classic-reductive, adaptive, and transformational psychoanalytic models. He also argues that the psychoanalytic theory of religion needs to integrate reflexive, dialogical, and inclusive elements as part of its toolkit. Offering illustrations and applications of such revisions, Parsons creates new capacities for thinking psychologically and critically about religion.

‘William Parsons has written a provocative book on Freud’s relevance to the study of religion in modern times … It should be mandatory reading for those who would deny the relevance of either psychoanalysis or religion to the concerns that psychological science claims to address by its own commitments, for which they claim an unwarranted epistemic hegemony and ontology.’

Ralph W. Hood Jr Source: International Journal of Psychology of Religion

‘… a masterful introduction to the most challenging figure in the modern, psychological study of religion - a must for every professional library.’

Robert C. Fuller Source: Pastoral Psychology