The argument of this book is that the divide between psychiatry and religion is an artificial one and that there is much room for understanding the same phenomena from different perspectives. In it thirteen senior mental health professionals and pastoral workers come together to explore what their different philosophies have to offer each other for the benefit of the individuals in their care. The book as a whole:* sets the relationship between psychiatry and religion in historical context* provides detailed information about specific religions and the significance of their belief systems for mental health management* examines the relationship between psychopathology, psychiatry and religion.

Psychiatry and Religion: Context, Consensus and Controversies works to eradicate the distinction between spiritual and psychological welfare and promote greater understanding of the relationship between the two. This book brings together chapters from fifteen mental health practitioners and pastoral workers to explore what their different philosophies have to offer the individuals in their care. As well as all the major world religions, the text also provides detailed information about newer religions and the significance of their belief systems for mental health management. The book examines the positive and negative effects that strict moral codes and religious rituals can produce and shows how awareness of these effects is crucial to the treatment of these patients. This classic edition of Psychiatry and Religion, with a new introduction from Dinesh Bhugra, will continue to provide an important resource to practicing and training psychiatrists.