Psychopathology and Religion

In this book, Damian Janus examines the connections between psychopathological phenomena and religion. Janus contends that there are certain factors—fear of death, desire for power and longevity, and need for predictability of life and longing for care—which reside within the framework of religion and mental disorders. These factors shape the psychopathological image and contribute to the genesis of religiosity. He explores this contention in his analysis of various mental disorders (neuroses, personality disorders, dissociative disorders, psychoses, eating disorders) and symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, self-destructive behaviors), as well as more common psychological phenomena. This book is recommended for scholars of psychology, religion, and philosophy as well as psychotherapists.

Psychopathology and Religion is an insightful look at how religion often supplies a horizon upon which to understand the concrete experience, interpretation, and treatment of various forms of psychopathology. It is also a reminder that Freud has made important contributions to the philosophy of religion., “In a captivating manner, Damian Janus presents unique, creative, and informative conjunctions between psychopathology and religion, including commentary conjoining religion with neurosis, anorexia nervosa with aspirations for godliness, psychosis and narcissism with religiosity, demonic possession, spirits, souls, and immortality with psychopathology.”

Damian Janus is practicing psychologist.