April Book of the Month
Disclaimer: The following review discusses themes related to psychology, religion, and sensitive cultural topics. The perspectives and content reflect those presented by the authors of the reviewed book and do not necessarily represent the views of The Milton H. Erickson Foundation.
How Religion Finds Its Way in a Predominantly Secular World
In Psychology’s War on Religion, Nicholas Cummings, William O’Donohue, and Janet Cummings present a collection of essays by multiple authors, including themselves, that examine the often-fraught relationship between psychology and religion.
The Main Idea
Through these essays, the editors and contributors argue that psychology has historically overlooked or actively marginalized religion, particularly when individuals’ faith-based identities conflict with prevailing psychological norms.
Spirituality and the Search for Support
According to a 2024 survey by the American Psychiatric Association, 60 percent of adults report that faith or spirituality significantly influences their mental wellness, and nearly 25 percent of those seeking therapy initially approach their religious institutions. Yet only half feel their communities openly address mental health without stigma. The book contends that this disconnect reflects a broader failure within mainstream psychology to fully appreciate and integrate the role of religious belief into psychological support systems.
Mainstream Psychology’s Bend Towards Science
One essay explores the historical relationship between psychology and religion, noting early connections through figures such as G. Stanley Hall and William James, who engaged seriously with spiritual themes in their psychological work. It then traces the field’s shift to scientific paradigms over the course of the 20th century, shaped in part by Freud’s framing of religion as pathological and Skinner’s emphasis on empirical approaches to social reform. This progression reflects the book’s broader concern that psychology, in prioritizing scientific objectivity, has often distanced itself from religious worldviews.
Key Areas of Conflict
Throughout the book, contributors identify specific areas where psychology has positioned itself as a moral and scientific authority, including subjects such as homosexuality, abortion, women's rights, sexual behaviors, bioethics, creationism, and the death penalty. In one of the essays, the authors question psychology’s claim to moral neutrality. They support their argument by citing Carl Hempel’s assertion that science alone cannot determine moral values.
A subject that’s discussed in detail is the American Psychological Association’s (APA) position that therapists should not engage in efforts to change a client's sexual orientation. This stance is based on concerns about ethical implications and potential harm. While the book acknowledges these concerns, it also argues that this stance may inadvertently marginalize clients whose religious beliefs are in tension with their sexual orientation. In such cases, it advocates for greater consideration of religious values within therapeutic contexts, emphasizing the need for therapists to sensitively navigate the complex interplay between personal identity, religious belief, and psychological well-being.
Psychology and World Religions
Several essays offer a comparative analysis of how psychology interacts with major religions:
• Judaism: Noted for relatively harmonious coexistence, as Jewish teachings often complement psychological insights.
• Christianity (Catholicism): Presented as having the most contentious relationship, marked by significant ideological clashes.
• Islam: Depicted as receiving more tolerance due to perceived multicultural sensitivities, although issues regarding women's rights remain largely unaddressed.
• Buddhism: Psychology’s embrace of Zen practices is scrutinized for misunderstanding authentic Buddhist goals, which emphasize transcending both sorrow and joy, contrasting with psychology’s outcome-oriented approach.
• Mormonism: Highlighted as experiencing notable conflict, particularly around issues such as sexuality, women's roles, and abortion, with criticism directed toward psychology for potentially biased stances.
Recommendations and Constructive Criticism
The editors and contributors encourage psychology to move away from portraying itself as the definitive moral and scientific authority on contentious topics. Instead, they recommend greater openness to religious perspectives, suggesting a mutual dialogue to enhance understanding of human behaviors and mental processes.
The book concludes by emphasizing the growth of faith-based counseling and calling for increased inclusivity of diverse religious beliefs in psychological practice.
Final Thoughts
Psychology’s War on Religion offers a provocative critique of the psychological field’s relationship with religion. Bringing several voices together, this collection of essays encourages professionals to reflect on their assumptions and biases. Ultimately, the book invites psychologists to build more inclusive and spiritually sensitive practices —practices that honor the full spectrum of human identity, including religious faith.
You may also like…
