Religion That Heals, Religion That Harms

Download or read book Religion That Heals, Religion That Harms written by James L. Griffith and published by Guilford Press. This book was released on 2010-08-09 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From James L. Griffith, well known for his work on harnessing the healing potential of religion and spirituality, this book helps clinicians to intervene effectively in situations where religion is causing harm. Vivid examples illustrate how religious beliefs and practices may propel suicide, violence, self-neglect, or undue suffering in the face of medical or emotional challenges. Griffith also unravels the links between psychiatric illness and distorted religious experience. He demonstrates empathic, respectful ways to interview patients who disdain contact with mental health professionals, yet whose religious lives put themselves or others at risk. The book incorporates cutting-edge research on the psychology of religion and social neuroscience.