Religion in Psychodynamic Perspective The Contributions of Paul W. Pruyser [Hardcover]

At his death in 1987, Paul W. Pruyser of the Menninger Foundation was widely recognized as one of America's foremost authorities on the psychology of religion. His bookA Dynamic Psychology of Religionset the stage for creative dialogue on the subject. In this volume, two leading practitioners in the field present a compilation of Pruyser's seminal articles, providing an overview of the major themes in Pruyser's thought. Newton Malony and Bernard Spilka evaluate Pruyser's viewpoint and suggest how his position continues to influence the psychology of religion.

A welcome addition to the literature on psychoanalysis and religion. Pruyser would have to be ranked among the major contributors to the dialogue between religion and psychology in our time. --Theological Studies

A most valuable insight into psychological aspects of religious experience and religious function, and future prospects for the psychological study of religion. --Church Times

His chief contribution in these essays is to be found in his exposition of the pertinence of psychoanalysis to a critical review of religious phenomena. This is no small achievement, because the ignorance of psychoanalysts on matters of religion is only equalled by the ignorance of psychoanalysis on the part of the faithful. Both might profit from Pruyser's conscientious inquiries. --Psychoanalytic Quarterly

Dr. Pruyser was one of the foremost contemporary contributors to the psychology of religion; and clinical psychologist that he was, his work was of interest far beyond the relatively small circle of persons actively interested in the psychology of religion. This collection of papers will certainly have immediate appeal to a variety of audiences. --David Wulff,Wheaton College

Simply put, there is no person who was held in more esteem in the psychodynamic study of religion than Paul Pruyser. His work is of immense and continuing l“'