The Psychology of Religion and Coping by Kenneth Pargament

• Why do some people turn to religion to cope with a crisis, while others turn away from it?

• Is religious belief merely a defense mechanism or a form of denial?

• Is spirituality a help or a hindrance in stressful times?

This book builds a much-needed bridge between two different worlds of thought and practice, namely religion and psychology, and it sensitively combines theory with personal experiences, clinical insights, and scientific research.

The book emphasizes the need for more attention to religion and spirituality in the context of helping relationships and suggests various ways in which faith can be better utilized to help people in crisis.