Translation of the book The Psychology of Religion A Short Introduction (from the beginning to page 114 with an analytical and descriptive introduction of the author's thoughts)

master's thesis in the field of theology

Abstract

The present book, with its own special method, discusses the basic issues of the field of psychology of religion, and discusses all related issues from the ups and downs history to the latest ideas presented. gives.

In this work, the author talks about a wide range of religions and cultures with a scholarly and at the same time understandable tone. All the main and important topics of this field have been discussed, from the history of religious psychology to the many and attractive ways through which religious belief affects human feelings and behavior.

Other fields that the author has addressed include the following: prayer, prophecy and divination, the nature of religious behavior, religious beliefs, and their impact on emotional health; mental disorders; The relationship between religion and psychopathology, and the controversial issue of religion and bigotry.

This book also discusses the reason why people tend to religion, what they find in it, and how it affects the emotional health of people and their attitude towards emotional guilt and other areas of human feelings from religion. These areas include psychosis, depression, love, and hate, areas where religion and psychology actually intersect.

The chapter on religious emotions discusses positive and negative emotions, such as guilt and shame, and provides evidence linking these issues to mental health, health, and psychology.

Key words: psychology, religion, religious behavior, religious belief, religious feelings The increase is of particular importance; Because on both sides of this interdisciplinary field of study (psychology and religion) there are topics and issues that play a significant role in increasing human awareness and knowledge about himself and the world around him, and all these factors ultimately have an undeniable effect on his way of thinking, style and quality of life. It is a central issue and issue in religion and psychology of both human beings; One of them, with an otherworldly nature, and not of this world, provides teachings and propositions for a better life and happiness and prosperity to mankind, and the other, by providing a scientific and structured explanation, makes it possible for humans to gain knowledge about their inherent and psychological abilities and possibilities, so that in the light of this knowledge and the proper use of their inner possessions, they can benefit from a successful life and away from intellectual and psychological pressures.

But to start the discussion in this context, it is necessary to know the background and the way of formation and evolution of this discipline as well as the personalities who were influential in its formation and development. At first, I intended to dedicate a part of the introduction of this article to presenting a report on the history of this field and prominent figures and important theories in this field, but since in recent years, the vast majority of theses that have been compiled in the University of Religions and Religions have dealt with this topic in some way in the introduction, it seems that addressing it in this article is a repetition of a large part of the same material; therefore, those who are interested in learning about the history and background of this I refer to the thesis defended in the University of Religions and Religions.

In the following, the author of the book is introduced first Then I will introduce the book itself and its features, in the next section, a report on the content of the book's chapters will be presented, and finally, there will be brief points about the author's views and analysis of the present book. at the University of London. In 1967, he managed to obtain a doctorate in this field.At the same time, his activities and interests in the field of research were focused on cognitive and social psychology. He has taught in these two areas as well as research methodology in prestigious universities (University of Wales in Bangor[2], 1966-1968; City University[3], 1972-1968; University of London - Bedford College and Royal Holloway[4]- 1972-2004).

Keith Lowenthal since 1974 and after the training courses he held in the field of psychology of religion at King's College London [5] from 1974 to 1992, he became interested in studying and researching in this field; His studies and teaching continued until 2007 at Royal Holloway, University of London, and then continued at Heathrow College [6]. He has supervised a large number of doctoral dissertations on the subject of the psychology of religion; he has conducted many researches in this field and has won twenty-eight research awards in this field. Five books and more than a hundred articles are the result of his activities. He has also lectured in many international conferences. Lowenthal's research area has mainly focused on religion, culture and the impact of these two on mental health.

Dr. Lowenthal's published works as well as the conferences he participated in and presented papers - due to the large number of titles - are listed at the end of the introduction, which nicely outlines the topics he focused on.

Introduction of the book

A short introduction to the psychology of religion [7]; 177 pages (including appendices), One World Publications (Oxford) [8], year of publication 2000; Reprinted in 2004 and 2008.

This book has a special place in the eyes of many professors and experts in the field of psychology; Below are some of these professors.

Christopher Lewis, University of Ulster[9];

Simon Dean, Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry, London Hospital College[10];

Kenneth I. Pargament, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Boleyn Green State University[11];

Professor Stephen Joseph, Department of Health and Social Care, University of Nottingham[12];

Lawrence J. Kermeier, McGill University and Editor-in-Chief of Transcultural Psychiatry[13];

Richard H. Cox, a critic of the field of psychology [14];

Also, professor Malekian said about this book and its author: "The Psychology of Religion: A short Introduction written by Keith Lowenthal, who is one of the most famous psychologists of religion in the English-speaking world, is one of the best books published in the field of psychology of religion. The clarity of expression, depth, and comprehensiveness of this book (despite its small size) are impressive and prominent. . .»[15]

This book contains a lot of material presented with a critical and analytical view; In this work, the topics of religion, culture and mental health are introduced and presented in a significant way, and in its outlines, it comprehensively deals with contemporary materials and studies. The contents of this book are clearly understandable and will be useful for anyone who studies and researches in the field of mental health, religion and culture. In the first chapter, the author begins the discussion by trying to provide a definition of psychology. The definition that he gives of psychology is: observing people, recording observations and trying to interpret the collected observations and documents. Hutkinson encyclopedia introduces it as follows: Psychology is the systematic study of human behavior and the study of the functions of instinct. It deals with the culture and function of thought, intelligence and language. Also, in the encyclopedia of English and English, psychology is mentioned as a branch of science that discusses behavior, actions or mental processes, as well as the mind, soul or person who has actions, behavior and mental processes.