Some contributions of a psychological approach to the study of the sacred

This paper examines some of the contributions psychology is making to the study of the sacred and its role in human functioning. The focus here is not on the ontological reality of the sacred, but rather perceptions of the sacred. We suggest that psychological theory and research on this topic offer...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Pargament, Kenneth I. 1950- (Author) ; Oman, Doug ca. 21. Jh. (Author) ; Pomerleau, Julie (Author) ; Mahoney, Annette ca. 20./21. Jh. (Author)
Format: Electronic/Print Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group [2017]
In: Religion
Year: 2017, Volume: 47, Issue: 4, Pages: 718-744
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B The Sacred / Spirituality / Religion / Meaning / Holiness / Psychology
IxTheo Classification:AA Study of religion
AE Psychology of religion
ZD Psychology
Further subjects:B Spirituality
B Sanctification
B Psychology
B Religion
B Sacred
Online Access: Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:This paper examines some of the contributions psychology is making to the study of the sacred and its role in human functioning. The focus here is not on the ontological reality of the sacred, but rather perceptions of the sacred. We suggest that psychological theory and research on this topic offers: a clarification of the meaning of the sacred; new knowledge about sanctification - the process through which people come to perceive the sacred in daily life; a response to criticisms about the scientific study of the sacred; a sharper perspective on the meanings of religion and spirituality; a method for measuring sanctification; knowledge about the ways perceptions of the sacred predict important aspects of human behavior, and; an understanding of the sacred as a product of psychological, social, institutional, cultural, and situational forces. We conclude that the sacred represents a vital phenomenon of interest for religious and spiritual study.
ISSN:0048-721X
Contains:Enthalten in: Religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/0048721X.2017.1333205