An anthology of the writings of the late Paul Pruyser, an American psychologist concerned with the psychology of religion. The essays provide an overview of major themes in Pruyser's thought, and demonstrate his wide-ranging contributions to the field.

"A welcome addition to the literature on psychoanalysis and religion. Pruyser would have to be ranked among the major contributors to the dialogue between religion and psychology in our time."--Theological Studies "A most valuable insight into psychological aspects of religious experience and religious function, and future prospects for the psychological study of religion."--Church Times "His chief contribution in these essays is to be found in his exposition of the pertinence of psychoanalysis to a critical review of religious phenomena. This is no small achievement, because the ignorance of psychoanalysts on matters of religion is only equalled by the ignorance of psychoanalysis on the part of the faithful. Both might profit from Pruyser's conscientious inquiries."--Psychoanalytic Quarterly "Dr. Pruyser was one of the foremost contemporary contributors to the psychology of religion; and clinical psychologist that he was, his work was of interest far beyond the relatively small circle of persons actively interested in the psychology of religion. This collection of papers will certainly have immediate appeal to a variety of audiences."--David Wulff, Wheaton College "Simply put, there is no person who was held in more esteem in the psychodynamic study of religion than Paul Pruyser. His work is of immense and continuing importance."--Ralph Hood, University of Tennessee "A welcome addition to the literature on psychoanalysis and religion. Pruyser would have to be ranked among the major contributors to the dialogue between religion and psychology in our time."--Theological Studies "A most valuable insight into psychological aspects of religious experience and religious function, and future prospects for the psychological study of religion."--Church Times "His chief contribution in these essays is to be found in his exposition of the pertinence of psychoanalysis to a critical review of religious phenomena. This is no small achievement, because the ignorance of psychoanalysts on matters of religion is only equalled by the ignorance of psychoanalysis on the part of the faithful. Both might profit from Pruyser's conscientious inquiries."--Psychoanalytic Quarterly "Dr. Pruyser was one of the foremost contemporary contributors to the psychology of religion; and clinical psychologist that he was, his work was of interest far beyond the relatively small circle of persons actively interested in the psychology of religion. This collection of papers will certainly have immediate appeal to a variety of audiences."--David Wulff, Wheaton College "Simply put, there is no person who was held in more esteem in the psychodynamic study of religion than Paul Pruyser. His work is of immense and continuing importance."--Ralph Hood, University of Tennessee "Provocative, instructive and helpful essays."--The Christian Century "An excellent selection of many of Pruyser's key essays on psychology and religion. The introductory 'appreciation' of Pruyser the man makes the book especially valuable."--Robert Segal, Louisiana State University "This collection of papers is of great importance for all researchers in the religious sciences, for human scientists as well as for theologians."--Journal of Empirical Theology