Magic and Religion

Their Psychological Nature, Origin, and Function

George B. Vetter

• Publisher: Philosophical Library/Open Road
• Year: 2022
• ISBN:
  9781504081252
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Theology

This essential text on the psychology of religion studies the fundamental origins of human spirituality.

In Magic and Religion, psychologist George B. Vetter approaches magico-religious behavior as a universal human phenomenon. He examines the various wide-ranging theories regarding the psychology of religion before calling for a more scientifically rigorous approach to the subject. Putting forth his own provocative and enlightening thesis, Vetter argues that magic and religion are predictable behavior patterns developed in situations that are uncontrollable, yet of momentous importance to the individual or collective.

First published in 1958, Magic and Religion was a significant contribution to the psychology and sociology of religion. Hailed by some as an essential text on the subject, it was denounced by others as heresy, in part because of its frank criticism of clerical celibacy and its early advocacy for abortion rights.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION: Theories of the Origin of Religion
• CHAPTER II. SOME POPULAR EXPLANATIONS OF BEHAVIOR AND RELIGION—TELEOLOGY & INSTINCT
• CHAPTER III. SEX AND RELIGION
• CHAPTER IV. MIND AND RELIGION—ANIMISM
• CHAPTER V. MAGIC AND RELIGION
• CHAPTER VI. THE THEORY OF RELIGION IN EVOLUTION
• CHAPTER VII. LEARNING AND RELIGION
• CHAPTER VIII. BELIEF AND FAITH
• CHAPTER IX. THE RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE—MYSTICISM
• CHAPTER X. PRIESTHOOD—THE WORLD’S OLDEST PROFESSION
• CHAPTER XI. SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND RELIGION
• CHAPTER XII. CONTEMPORARY MAGICO-RELIGIOUS MANFESTATIONS
• CHAPTER XIII. ETHICS AND RELIGION
• CHAPTER XIV. SUMMARY
• Copyright