Books like The psychology of religion by Ralph W. Hood

"When faced with a crisis, why do some people turn to religion to help them cope, while others turn away? Is religious belief merely a defense or a form of denial? Is religion a help or a hindrance in times of stress? Building a much-needed bridge between two different worlds of thought and practice - religion and psychology - this volume sensitively interweaves theory with first-hand accounts, clinical insight, and empirical research. The book underscores the need for greater sensitivity to religion and spirituality in the context of helping relationships and suggests several ways clinicians can work more effectively with religious issues in therapy." "Providing a rich, in-depth analysis of the role of spiritually and sacredness in the coping process, the author breaks free of limiting stereotypes to explore specific ways that religious belief may be helpful or harmful in the search for significance.". "A vital source of information and direction for mental health practitioners, psychology researchers, and religious professionals and educators, the book also serves as a text for courses dealing with the interface of religion, psychology, and mental health."--BOOK JACKET.

The Spiritual Brain explores religious experiences and how they relate to the brain.

An unbiased, comprehensive introduction to the psychology of religion. This book integrates clinical, theoretical, and empirical literature, as well as biographical information of the lives of significant psychologists and their works. It contains new research on meditation, the correlational study of religion, religion and mental health, object relations theory, pluralism and social constructionism.

Andrew Newberg uncovers the hardwired, neurological basis for the human yearning for God, showing how focused spiritual practice reshapes brain activity and yields profound religious experiences.

"This reader-friendly book will be of interest to clergy, professional psychologists, and students and teachers of psychology and religion, as well as to the general public."--Jacket.

George E. Vaillant argues that human spirituality—rooted in evolutionary design of the brain—surpasses dogmatic religion, presenting a scientific case for its positive influence across genetics, culture, and personal development.