Many have worried that the ubiquitous practice of psychology and psychotherapy in America has corrupted religious faith, eroded civic virtue and weakened community life. But an examination of the history of three major psycho-spiritual movements since World War II - Alcoholics Anonymous, The Salvation Army's outreach to homeless men, and the 'clinical pastoral education' movement - reveals the opposite. These groups developed a practical religious psychology that nurtured faith, fellowship and personal responsibility. They achieved this by including religious traditions and spiritual activities in their definition of therapy and by putting clergy and lay believers to work as therapists. Under such care, spiritual and emotional growth reinforced each other. Thanks to these innovations, the three movements succeeded in reaching millions of socially alienated and religiously disenchanted Americans. They demonstrated that religion and psychology, although antithetical in some eyes, could be blended effectively to foster community, individual responsibility and happier lives.

The social history of three major psycho-spiritual movements since World War II, which nurtured participants' faith, fellowship and responsibility.

About the Author
Dr Stephanie Muravchik is an Associate Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture. She holds a PhD in American History from the University of Virginia and was previously a Fellow at the Miller Center of Public Affairs.

Reviews
'[Draws] on extensive and meticulous research.' Church Times



Book Information
ISBN 9781107010673
Author Stephanie Muravchik
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 500g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 162mm * 23mm