Human Interaction with the Divine, the Sacred, and the Deceased (Routledge Research in Psychology)

Product Description
Human Interaction with the Divine, the Sacred, and the Deceased brings together cutting-edge empirical and theoretical contributions from scholars in fields including psychology, theology, ethics, neuroscience, medicine, and philosophy, to examine how and why humans engage in, or even seek spiritual experiences and connection with the immaterial world. In this richly interdisciplinary volume, Plante and Schwartz recognize human interaction with the divine and departed as a cross-cultural and historical universal that continues to concern diverse disciplines. Accounting for variances in belief and human perception and use, the book is divided into four major sections: personal experience; theological consideration; medical, technological, and scientific considerations; and psychological considerations with chapters addressing phenomena including prayer, reincarnation, sensed presence, and divine revelations. Featuring scholars specializing in theology, psychology, medicine, neuroscience, and ethics, this book provides a thoughtful, compelling, evidence-based, and contemporary approach to gain a grounded perspective on current understandings of human interaction with the divine, the sacred, and the deceased. Of interest to believers, questioners, and unbelievers alike, this volume will be key reading for researchers, scholars, and academics engaged in the fields of religion and psychology, social psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and health psychology. Readers with a broader interest in spiritualism, religious and non-religious movements will also find the text of interest.
Review
"Prayer and communication with God and with our ‘dearly departed’ is an important part of many people's spiritual lives. Professors Plante and Schwartz, along with distinguished colleagues from diverse scholarly disciplines, offer a contemporary scientific, psychological, and theological foundation of this phenomenon that should educate and inspire readers looking for a serious reflection on highly personal but often misunderstood part of life." - Rev. James Martin, SJ, Editor at Large, America Media, and author of Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone and My Life with the Saints
"In Human Interaction with the Divine, the Sacred, and the Deceased, Professors Thomas Plante and Gary Schwartz have assembled a remarkable team of leading multidisciplinary scholars offering provocative, compelling, and evidence-based reflections on communication with the divine and departed. They fearlessly attempt to address a question on the minds of just about everyone for millennium, ‘Is there consciousness after death and do the divine and departed hear us?’ The book is likely to become a classic in the field of science, religion, and spirituality." -Harold G. Koenig, M.D. Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Director, Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health, Duke University Medical Center
"The haunting refrain of the song Immortality: 'we don’t say goodbye' has a telling immediacy for millions whose relationships were disrupted as they mourn but remain in touch with deceased loved ones. Making sense of the experience of communing with the departed has been a dilemma for survivors and helping professionals. Human Interaction with the Divine, the Sacred, and the Deceased is a brilliant, timely, and essential resource for solace and healing. Highly recommended."- Len Sperry, MD, PhD, author, Spirituality in Clinical Practice.
"Throughout history and in every culture, people have sought to connect with the divine and commune with departed loved ones. This tour de force by Plante and Schwartz reveals the psychological and spiritual gifts of these transpersonal experiences. This unique collection of essays offers us glimpses into the transformative potentials of often fleeting encounters with the ineffable and points to their ability to heal many a broken heart."- Marilyn Schlitz, PhD, Author of Death Makes Lif