{"product_id":"psychological-perspectives-on-religion-and-religiosity-scholarly","title":"Psychological Perspectives on Religion and Religiosity - Scholarly","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Psychological Perspectives on Religion and Religiosity, the bottom line is straightforward: this is a scholarly synthesis intended for readers who want a rigorous, multidisciplinary account of why religious beliefs and behaviours persist and how they shape social identity. Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi compiles a century of research into a clear theoretical frame that combines cognitive-evolutionary approaches with social identity insights, making the book especially useful for graduate students, researchers and thoughtful general readers seeking depth rather than a quick summary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive historical scope:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book surveys roughly a century of research so readers gain perspective on how theories of religion have developed over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheoretical synthesis:\u003c\/strong\u003e A unique framework blends cognitive-evolutionary psychology with social identity analysis to explain the origins and consequences of religious belief systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong.focus on behaviour and belief:\u003e The text examines both religious ideas and practices, clarifying how belief and observable behaviour interact in social contexts.\u003c\/strong.focus\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong.analysis of secularization:\u003e The book explores how religious and spiritual identities survive and change as political power of religion declines in secularizing regions.\u003c\/strong.analysis\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong.balanced treatment of causes and effects:\u003e Chapters consider both whether religion causes conflict and whether it motivates altruism, offering evidence-based discussion rather than polemic.\u003c\/strong.balanced\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is best suited to graduate students in psychology, sociology and religious studies, professional researchers, and intellectually curious readers who want a thorough, evidence-focused treatment of religion and religiosity. Its emphasis on theory and research makes it a good supplemental text for courses on the psychology of religion or social identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders seeking a short, popular introduction or devotional material should look elsewhere; this is not a primer for casual reading but a dense, academic review that assumes some familiarity with psychological and social theory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell-structured synthesis that links cognitive-evolutionary theory and social identity perspectives for a coherent explanation of religion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThorough review of historical and contemporary research provides a solid reference base for scholars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced treatment of controversial questions such as religion and conflict versus religion and altruism encourages critical thinking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe academic tone and depth can feel dense for readers without prior exposure to psychological or social theory.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePsychological Perspectives on Religion and Religiosity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBenjamin Beit-Hallahmi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComprehensive review of about a century of research\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCognitive-evolutionary psychology combined with social identity analysis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain topics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigins of belief, religious behaviour, secularization, altruism and conflict\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAudience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGraduate students, researchers, informed general readers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePsychological Perspectives on Religion and Religiosity is a valuable academic synthesis for those who want a coherent, research-driven account of why religion persists and how it affects social life. Its theoretical integration and historical sweep make it good value for students and scholars who need a thorough reference and are prepared for a dense, analytical read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the book take a position on whether religion causes conflict?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book evaluates evidence on both sides and presents balanced discussion rather than asserting a single causal claim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs prior academic background required to follow the book?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome familiarity with basic psychological and social theory helps, as the writing is geared toward graduate-level readers and researchers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the text address secularization?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; it examines how religious ideas and identities change as religion loses political power in parts of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48774820856027,"sku":"0415682878","price":59.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/6100BL3GSHL._SL1106.jpg?v=1778795157","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/psychological-perspectives-on-religion-and-religiosity-scholarly","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}