Psychoanalysis and Religion in the 21st Century: Competitors or Collaborators?

Freud described religion as the universal obsessional neurosis, and uncompromisingly rejected it in favor of "science". Ever since, there has been the assumption that psychoanalysts are hostile to religion. Yet, from the beginning, individual analysts have questioned Freud's blanket rejection of religion. br In this book, David Black brings together contributors from a wide range of schools and movements to discuss the issues. They bring a fresh perspective to the subject of religion and psychoanalysis, answering vital questions such as: br How do religious stories carry (or distort) psychological truth? br How do religions 'work', psychologically? br What is the nature of religious experience? br Are there parallels between psychoanalysis and particular religious traditions? br i Psychoanalysis and Religion in /i i the 21st Century /i will be of great interest to psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic therapists, psychodynamic counselors, and anyone interested inthe issues surrounding psychoanalysis, religion, theology and spirituality.