An Introduction to the Psychology of Religion
Author: Robert H. Thouless+ (1894–1984)
Publication Date: 1923
Study notes
Thouless’s book is one of the earliest systematic treatments of the psychology of religion in English. It examines religion not as theology, but as a human psychological phenomenon.
- He distinguishes between traditional belief (inherited doctrines), natural elements (instincts and emotions), and rational elements (intellectual reflection).
- The book explores how conscious and unconscious processes shape religious experience, including instincts like sex and herd behavior.
- Special attention is given to conversion experiences, mysticism, and the role of worship and prayer in shaping religious life.
- Thouless also analyzes how adolescence, emotional states, and social pressures contribute to religious transformation.
Form the charger one: he didn't write an introduction because the title is an introduction
A serious difficulty is introduced into the task of writing an introduction to the psychological study of religion by the fluid state of the science of psychology and particularly of its terminology.
Since the object of the present book is not primarily to teach its readers psychology, it would merely be a waste of time to discuss the merits of alternative psychological theories when we come to matters about which there is dispute. In order to avoid this waste, it will be necessary at such points to limit myself to a description of the theory which seems to me to be the one which has most chance of proving to be of permanent value, with an indication of the terminology which I intend to use.
Where I am differing widely from the more conservative psychologists, I propose to mention the existence of alternatives without arguing about them.
This procedure will make the psychological part of this book appear to be very dogmatic, but it is necessary if I am to avoid confusing and wearying those of my readers whose knowledge of pure psychology is slight. This appearance of dogmatism would, I hope, have been avoided if I had attempted to write a book on pure psychology; but, for my present purpose, it is only necessary that I should make my own position and use of language clear so that I may not be misunderstood. The first subject that it is necessary to discuss is the meaning we intend to attach to the word religion.
Contents
- Chapter I — The Psychology of Religion
- Chapter II — The Traditional Element in Religious Belief
- Chapter III — The Natural Element
- Chapter IV — The Moral Element
- Chapter V — The Affective Element
- Chapter VI — The Rational Element
- Chapter VII — Conscious Processes
- Chapter VIII — The Unconscious
- Chapter IX — The Instincts
- Chapter X — The Sex Instinct and Religion
- Chapter XI — The Herd Instinct and Religion
- Chapter XII — Worship and Prayer
- Chapter XIII — Conversion
- Chapter XIV — Mystical and Adolescent Conversions
- Chapter XV — Mysticism
- Chapter XVI — A Modern Mystic
- Chapter XVII — General Considerations