Terror and transformation : the ambiguity of religion in psychoanalytic perspective / James W. Jones.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [123]-128) and index.

Introduction: Religion and its ambiguities -- 1. Religion and idealization -- 2. Clinical illustrations -- 3. A psychology of the sacred -- 4. Idealization and religious fanaticism -- 5. Idealization and transformation -- 6. Religion without idealization - is it possible?

"Religion has been responsible for both horrific acts against humanity and some of humanity's most sublime teachings and experiences. How is this possible? From a contemporary psychoanalytic perspective, this book seeks to answer that question in terms of the psychological dynamic of idealization.".

"At the heart of living religion is the idealization of everyday objects. Such idealizations provide much of the transforming power of religious experience, which is one of the positive contributions of religion to the psychological life. However, idealization can also lead to religious fanaticism, which can be very destructive.

"This is the first book to address the nature of religion and its capacity to sponsor both terrorism and transformation in terms of contemporary relational psychoanalytic theory. It will be invaluable to students and practitioners of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, psychology, and religious studies and to others interested in the role of religion in the lives of individuals and societies."--BOOK JACKET.