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Psychosis or Mystical Religious Experience?

A New Paradigm Grounded in Psychology and Reformed Theology

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  • © 2018

Overview

Authors:
  1. Susan L. DeHoff

    1. Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

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  • Includes cutting-edge original research undertaken by the author into pastoral conceptions of mystical religious experience and how it differs from psychosis

  • Provides comparative analysis of current theological beliefs and practices and psychological theories and practices around psychosis and mystical religious experience

  • Outlines provisional guidelines for clinical and counselling professionals that distinguish mystical religious experience in relation to psychosis

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xvii
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  2. Mystical Religious Experience and Psychosis: Contours of the Problem

    • Susan L. DeHoff
    Pages 1-25

  3. Reformed Theology: Historical Perspectives on Mystical Experience

    • Susan L. DeHoff
    Pages 27-61

  4. Psychoanalytic Views of Mystical Religious Experience

    • Susan L. DeHoff
    Pages 63-92

  5. Post-Freudian Psychological Theories

    • Susan L. DeHoff
    Pages 93-135

  6. Research: Presbyterian Church (USA) Views on Mystical Religious Experience (MRE)

    • Susan L. DeHoff
    Pages 137-182

  7. Theology and Psychology: An Interdisciplinary Discussion

    • Susan L. DeHoff
    Pages 183-209

  8. Proposing a New Paradigm

    • Susan L. DeHoff
    Pages 211-233

  9. Conclusion

    • Susan L. DeHoff
    Pages 235-237

  10. Back Matter

    Pages 239-248
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Keywords

About this book

This book presents a new paradigm for distinguishing psychotic and mystical religious experiences. In order to explore how Presbyterian pastors differentiate such events, Susan L. DeHoff draws from Reformed theology, psychological theory, and robust qualitative research. Following a conversation among multidisciplinary voices, she presents a new paradigm considering the similarities, differences, and possible overlap of psychotic and mystical religious experiences.

Reviews

“Susan DeHoff has written a significant book on an important topic. It will be of interest to all scholars concerned with the intersection of psychology and theology, especially those interested in the psychology of religion. … DeHoff has nevertheless made a valuable contribution to this important topic that deserves a hearing.” (Stephen E. Parker, The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, March, 2019)



“This is an important book for all those who have been seduced into accepting the claim that often re-appears in the history of mysticism, namely that there are no Protestant mystics. … The clarity of her focus and her in-depth use of empirical data make this book an important contribution to the continuing interest in mysticism both within and outside of religious traditions.” (Scriptable, rtreview.org, Issue 32, September, 2018)

“The conceptual and historical reach of this book is extensive … DeHoff's book is a solid step in the direction of the needed collaboration between the disciplines of clinical psychology, theology, and pastoral care. … Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.” (M. Uebel, Choice, Vol. 56 (2), 2018)



Authors and Affiliations

  • Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

    Susan L. DeHoff

About the author

Susan L. DeHoff is Visiting Scholar in the School of Theology at Boston University, USA. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology and Religion from Boston University, USA and a M.Div. from Emory University, USA. DeHoff is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is a Fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. 

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