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Cover

Religion and the Individual

A Social-Psychological Perspective

Revised Edition

C. Daniel Batson, Patricia Schoenrade, and W. Larry Ventis

Publication Date - March 1993

ISBN: 9780195062090

440 pages
Paperback
6-1/8 x 9-1/4 inches

Description

In a thoroughly revised edition of this popular text, the authors use methods of social psychology to explore the personal rather than the institutional perspective of religious experience, and to describe and analyze this uniquely human and universal behavior in scientific terms. A new chapter has been included on individual development and personal religion, and there is a new section on music and language as facilitators of religious experience. Also, the authors present the latest version of their three-dimensional model for assessing personal religion as a means, end, and quest, and include clarification and evaluation of that model in light of criticisms of earlier versions. Nearly 100 studies done during the last decade have been added to the analysis of the relation between personal religion and mental health, and recent evidence has been included to expand the discussion of the social consequences of personal religion. This fascinating, controversial work will challenge and enlighten students of psychology, sociology, and religious studies.

Previous Publication Date(s)

May 1982

Table of Contents

    1. Toward a Social Psychology of Religion
    PART I: Sources of Personal Religion
    2. Social Sources of Personal Religion
    3. Individual Development and Personal Religion
    PART II: Nature of Personal Religion
    4. Religious Experience and Personal Transformation
    5. Facilitators of Religious Experience
    6. Dimensions of Personal Religion
    PART III: Consequences of Personal Religion
    7. Personal Freedom or Bandage?
    8. Mental Health or Sickness
    9. Brothers-and-Sisters or Sheep-and-Goats
    10. Concern for Others or Self-Concern
    PART IV: Implications
    11. Is Religion on Our Side?