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George B. Vetter
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Magic and Religion: Their Psychological Nature, Origin, and Function Kindle Edition

by George B. Vetter (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 2 ratings
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This essential text on the psychology of religion studies the fundamental origins of human spirituality.

In Magic and Religion, psychologist George B. Vetter approaches magico-religious behavior as a universal human phenomenon. He examines the various wide-ranging theories regarding the psychology of religion before calling for a more scientifically rigorous approach to the subject. Putting forth his own provocative and enlightening thesis, Vetter argues that magic and religion are predictable behavior patterns developed in situations that are uncontrollable, yet of momentous importance to the individual or collective.

First published in 1958, Magic and Religion was a significant contribution to the psychology and sociology of religion. Hailed by some as an essential text on the subject, it was denounced by others as heresy, in part because of its frank criticism of clerical celibacy and its early advocacy for abortion rights.
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  1. Print length
    615 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Philosophical Library/Open Road
  5. Publication date
    December 6, 2022
  6. File size
    5034 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BJP9ZKL2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Philosophical Library/Open Road (December 6, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 6, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5034 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 615 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 2 ratings

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George B. Vetter

George B. Vetter

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Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5
2 global ratings

Top review from the United States

Donald C. Renfro
5.0 out of 5 stars God and religion debunked
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2005
If you've been looking for a book that dispels God and religion then this is the book you've been looking for. This book is so good that it's probably not listed on the "don't read" list of all religions in the world for fear of bringing attention to it. It's better to let this one slip silently away into oblivion and "pray" no one ever reads it.

It doesn't try to answer where the universe came from, but it sure nukes religion and God and leaves a big glass slagheap where foolish beliefs were worming their way through fantasies of delusionary hereafters.

For people who are actually trying to find out what is really going on in the world, you must read this book. For the others, it doesn't matter whether you read it or not.

Some of what is covered includes:

Theories of the Origin of Religion
Explanations of Behavior and Religion
Teleology and Instinct
Sex and Relgion
Mind and Religion
Free Will and the Reality of Religion
Magic and Religion
Learning and Religion
Belief and Faith
The Psychology of Belief
The Religious Experience-Mysticism
Priesthood
Social Movements and Religion
Contemporary Magico-Religious Manfestations
Ethics and Religion
And much more

That's basically the tip of the iceberg. This is not light reading. Be prepared to do some thinking. Serious thinking. For those of you seeking the "truth", you will love this book. The others will hate it.

Two other books that should be read are:

1. The Evolution of Man and Society - C.D.Darlingtion
2. Out of Chaos - Louis Joseph Halle
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