Comments on Belzen's (2010) “Towards cultural psychology of religion: principles, approaches and applications”: how do we impart pedagogical training in the cultural psychology of religion?

Abstract

Although there are a range of fascinating, and at times controversial views, in Belzen's book Towards cultural psychology of religion: principles, approaches and applications, this commentary reflects on the worthy aspiration Belzen has for his book, namely that it will “stimulate others to indulge in this type of research.” Unfortunately, Belzen provides no guidance on how this stimulation may be practically achieved, over and above reading the book. The question of how to effect change to facilitate greater discussion of, and research in, the cultural psychology of religion is raised and a range of practical activities are discussed in this paper. The necessity for formal pedagogical training in the psychology of religion, and in particular the cultural psychology of religion is stressed.

Keywords:

• culture
• psychology of religion
• methodology
• qualitative
• training

Notes

Notes

1. Details concerning the Archive for the Psychology of Religion can be found at: http://www.brill.nl/default.aspx?partid=212&pid=22615.

2. The International Series Psychology of Religion has recently published volume 15 (see http://www.rodopi.nl/senj.asp?SerieId=PSYREL).

3. Workshops and master-classes are increasingly become available at larger conferences (e.g. American Psychological Association), often as part of Continued Professional Development training.

4. Details of the module Mental Health, Religion and Culture can be found at: http://www.heythrop.ac.uk/prospective-students/postgraduate-study/ma-psychology-of-religion/module-descriptions.html.

5. Details of the Research Assessment Exercise can be found at: http://www.rae.ac.uk/.

6. Details of Fraser Watts' research group can be found at: http://www.prrg.org/prrg/home.acds?context=1609809.