Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality

Professor James M. Nelson (B.A. Eastern Washington University, M.Div. Fuller Theological Seminary, M.S. & Ph.D. Washington State University) is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University.  He has been a faculty member at Valparaiso since 1987 and has served as director of graduate counseling programs and chair of the psychology department.  In 1990 he began a major research project with colleagues in China, focusing on the study of cultural differences in depression and personality.  In addition to this research, Dr. Nelson's background includes two stints as Director of the VU Hangzhou China program and a year as a visiting scholar in the National Research Center for Asian-American Mental Health at the University of California, Los Angeles.  Last fall he lead the first VU group visit to Tibet.  He teaches courses in cross-cultural psychology and the comparative psychology of Christianity and Buddhism.

From the reviews: "James Nelson's book ... is explicitly offered in the tradition of dialogue. ... The great strength of this book lies in the impressive array of topics it covers ... . those interested in delving further into a particular topic will surely welcome this surfeit of citations ... . Nelson's postmodern and pluralistic perspective, and the final emphasis on practical applications will ... make it attractive for potential adoption as a textbook in courses on psychology and religion, especially when a religion-friendly approach is desired." (David M. Wulff, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 54 (39), 2009) "The book ... will be a valuable resource for graduate students taking courses in the psychology of religion. Counseling professionals, especially those in spiritual and pastoral counseling, theologians, and religious practitioners and others taking seminary courses will find this book to be beneficial and enlightening. ... This book is alone in offering a rich, in-depth, and fascinating dialog among psychologists, theologians, and religious practitioners on the fundamental questions of human existence and our place in the world. ... will serve academics and counseling practitioners well." (Michael S. Goldsby, Doody's Review Service, January, 2010)

• Fundamentals.- to Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality.- Science, Religion, and Psychology.- Religious Traditions.- Dialogue—Past, Present, and Future.- Phenomenological Approaches to Religion and Spirituality.- Psychodynamic and Relational Approaches.- Contemporary Approaches and Debates.- Human Development.- Fundamentals of Human Development, Religion, and Spirituality.- Religion and Development in Childhood and Adolescence.- Religion, Spirituality, and Development in Adulthood.- Applications.- Religion, Spirituality, and Physical Health.- Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health.- Practices and Religious Communities.- Individual Religious and Spiritual Practices.- Helping Relationships: Counseling and Spiritual Growth.- Looking Back.