The Science of Religion, Spirituality, and Existentialism

The Science of Religion, Spirituality, and Existentialism presents in-depth analysis of the core issues in existential psychology, their connections to religion and spirituality (e.g., religious concepts, beliefs, identities, and practices), and their diverse outcomes (e.g., psychological, social, cultural, and health). Leading scholars from around the world cover research exploring how fundamental existential issues are both cause and consequence of religion and spirituality, informed by research data spanning multiple levels of analysis, such as: evolution; cognition and neuroscience; emotion and motivation; personality and individual differences; social and cultural forces; physical and mental health; among many others.

The Science of Religion, Spirituality, and Existentialism explores known contours and emerging frontiers, addressing the big question of why religious belief remains such a central feature of the human experience.

Discusses both abstract concepts of mortality and concrete near-death experiencesCovers the struggles and triumphs associated with freedom, self-regulation, and authenticityExamines the roles of social exclusion, experiential isolation, attachment, and the construction of social identityConsiders the problems of uncertainty, the effort to discern truth and reality, and the challenge to find meaning in lifeDiscusses how the mind developed to handle existential topics, how the brain and mind implement the relevant processes, and the many variations and individual differences that alter those processesDelves into the psychological functions of religion and science; the influence on pro- and antisocial behavior, politics, and public policy; and looks at the role of spiritual concerns in understanding the human body and maintaining physical health

Part 1: Death  1. Dwelling Forever in the House of the Lord: On the Terror Management Function of Religion 2. Death anxiety and religious belief: A critical review 3. Face to Face with Death: The Role of Religion in Coping with Suffering 4. Near-Death Experiences: The Mystical Feeling of "Crossing Over" and Its Impact on Faith and Spirituality

Part 2: Freedom 5. Reactance and spiritual possibilities: An application of psychological reactance theory 6. Understanding the psychology of religion: The contribution of Self Determination Theory 7. A Goals Perspective on Religion and Spirituality 8. Religion and Spirituality, Free Will, and Effective Self-Regulation 9. Authenticity and the True Self in Religion and Spirituality 10. Freedom as a Cross to Bear: Choice-Overload, the Burdens of Freedom, and the Benefits of Constraint

Part 3: Isolation and social identity 11. Social Ostracism, Religion, and Existential Concerns 12. The holy grail of connection: I-sharing, existential isolation, and religion 13. An attachment theory perspective on religion and spirituality 14. A social identity approach to religion: Religiosity at the nexus of personal and collective self 15. Religion and the construction of identity

Part 4: Systems of meaning 16. Truth and significance: A 3N Model (needs, narratives, networks) perspective on religion 17. Existential Uncertainty and Religion 18. Cosmic dad or Cthulhu: Why we will always need (religious) absolutes 19. Religiousness and meaning making following stressful life events 20. Meaning, religious/spiritual struggles, and well-being

Part 5: Mechanisms, variations, and individual differences 21. In His Own Image: An Existential Evolutionary Perspective on the Origins and Function of Religion 22. Fear Not: Religion and Emotion Regulation in Coping with Existential Concerns 23. Existential Givens, Religion, and Neuroscience 24. The Existential implications of individual differences in religious defensive and growth orientations: Fundamentalism, quest religiosity, and intrinsic/extrinsic religiosity 25. Existential Therapy, Religion, and Mindfulness

Part 6: Applications and controversies 26. Science and religion: A rocky relationship shaped by shared psychological functions 27. Of Flesh and Blood: Death, Creatureliness, and Incarnational Ambivalence towards the Divine 28. Religion: More essential (and existential) nutrient than opiate for the masses 29. Politics and Religion: Commutable, Conflicting, and Collaborative Systems for Satisfying the Need for Order 30. The Paradox of Faith: How Existential Concerns Motivate both Prosocial and Antisocial Religious Behaviors 31. Religion and Health: Building Existential Bridges