Terror and Transformation

The Ambiguity of Religion in Psychoanalytic Perspective

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Mental Health
Cover of the book Terror and Transformation by James W. Jones, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James W. Jones ISBN: 9781317763031
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 4, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: James W. Jones
ISBN: 9781317763031
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 4, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Religion has been responsible for both horrific acts against humanity and some of humanity's most sublime teachings and experiences. How is this possible? From a contemporary psychoanalytic perspective, this book seeks to answer that question in terms of the psychological dynamic of idealisation.
At the heart of living religion is the idealisation of everyday objects. Such idealisations provide much of the transforming power of religious experience, which is one of the positive contributions of religion to the psychological life. However, idealisation can also lead to religious fanaticism which can be very destructive. Drawing on the work of various contemporary relational theorists within psychoanalysis, this book develops a psychoanalytically informed theory of the transforming and terror-producing effects of religious experience. It discusses the question of whether or not, if idealisation is the cause of many of the destructive acts done in the name of religion, there can be vital religion without idealisation.
This is the first book to address the nature of religion and its capacity to sponsor both terrorism and transformation in terms of contemporary relational psychoanalytic theory. It will be invaluable to students and practitioners of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, psychology and religious studies, and to others interested in the role of religion in the lives of individuals and societies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Religion has been responsible for both horrific acts against humanity and some of humanity's most sublime teachings and experiences. How is this possible? From a contemporary psychoanalytic perspective, this book seeks to answer that question in terms of the psychological dynamic of idealisation.
At the heart of living religion is the idealisation of everyday objects. Such idealisations provide much of the transforming power of religious experience, which is one of the positive contributions of religion to the psychological life. However, idealisation can also lead to religious fanaticism which can be very destructive. Drawing on the work of various contemporary relational theorists within psychoanalysis, this book develops a psychoanalytically informed theory of the transforming and terror-producing effects of religious experience. It discusses the question of whether or not, if idealisation is the cause of many of the destructive acts done in the name of religion, there can be vital religion without idealisation.
This is the first book to address the nature of religion and its capacity to sponsor both terrorism and transformation in terms of contemporary relational psychoanalytic theory. It will be invaluable to students and practitioners of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, psychology and religious studies, and to others interested in the role of religion in the lives of individuals and societies.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Mulla Sadra's Transcendent Philosophy by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Terrorism, War and International Law by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Assemblage, Enactment, and Agency by James W. Jones
Cover of the book The Service-Oriented Media Enterprise by James W. Jones
Cover of the book US-China-EU Relations by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Meeting SEN in the Curriculum by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Virtual Geographies by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Phobic Geographies by James W. Jones
Cover of the book The Rise and Rise of Indicators by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Succeeding at Your Interview by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Imagining the Academy by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Principles of Genetic Epistemology by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Military and Society in 21st Century Europe by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Blasphemy, Islam and the State by James W. Jones
Cover of the book Out Online: Trans Self-Representation and Community Building on YouTube by James W. Jones
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy