A Social Cognition Perspective of the Psychology of Religion: “Why God Thinks Like You" (Scientific Studies of Religion: Inquiry and Explanation)

This groundbreaking book by Luke Galen, Professor of Clinical Psychology at Grand Valley State University, USA, offers a revolutionary perspective on religious and spiritual experiences.

Drawing on insights from social psychology, the author challenges traditional theories of religion's functions and provides a new understanding of how psychological mechanisms produce misattributed beliefs, behaviors, and experiences.

With a critical lens, Galen examines why people believe in God and explores the link between religious belief and positive outcomes such as prosociality, morality, health, and happiness.

The book features cross-cutting themes including "dual process" theory and an exploration of how various social cognition mechanisms and biases shape religious content.

By linking the underlying building blocks of thought to specific religious and spiritual concepts using a social cognition lens, Galen provides a comprehensive understanding of these phenomena.

This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the true nature of religious and spiritual experiences.