The Function of Religious Belief: Defensive Versus Existential Religion
نویسنده
چکیده
The article is a theoretical and empirical review attempting to describe two modes of religious motivation: defensive versus existential religion. The article begins by seriously considering theoretical and empirical evidence that religion may function as a defense mechanism. It is argued that this description of religious belief is coherent and cannot be ignored by psychology of religion researchers. However, the article goes on to argue for the existence of a non-defensive, existentially aware religious motivation. Theoretical and empirical support for this model, defensive versus existential religion, is presented.
منابع مشابه
The importance of spirituality among gay and lesbian individuals.
Religion is a conduit for expressing spirituality. Since most mainstream religions condemn any form of homosexuality one would expect that gay men and lesbians would have little to do with spirituality. Experts, however, believe that gay and lesbian individuals would especially benefit from spiritual nourishment because of the oppression they face. Using an instrument that measures spiritual we...
متن کاملA Shiite innatist conception of reason, and what it can do for religious education (RE)
In this study I have argued for a theoretical foundation of a coherent and defensible religious education (RE). It has been said that for RE to be accepted as a reasonable subject matter it should be researchable. But for a subject to be researchable, or research based, it needs to be supported by reason, a kind of reason that have a public and universal character. On the other hand we need a c...
متن کاملSuccessful Aging Under Religious Believes
The purpose of this article is to review investigate the relation between religion and religion belief with successful aging (mental health). Depression and anxiety is obvious among age's successful aging and religion is defined. The role of religion in successful aging is showed. The vocabulary of successful aging suggested by ballets and ballets in 1990. Airport divided two tendency of religi...
متن کاملin press: Archive for the Psychology of Religion Religion and helping: Impact of target, thinking styles, and just-world beliefs
Previous research on religion and helping has left some questions unanswered. In the present study, participants expressed willingness to help groups of people in need (homeless people and illegal immigrants), and this after having been religiously versus non-religiously stimulated. The activation of religious context increased the willingness to help, but only the homeless. Orthodox religious ...
متن کاملTowards a Theory and Practice of Religious Literacy: A Case Study of Religion and Belief Engagement in a UK University
This article reports on research undertaken in 2011–2012 into the role of religion and belief in one British university. In this indicative qualitative case study, we observed six important features in relation to religion and belief: a clear divide in attitudes to the place of religion and belief between operations and curriculum; a lack of knowledge and understanding of the religious landscap...
متن کامل