Home / Religion & Spirituality / Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism
Skip to product information
1 of 1

Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism

Regular price $101.79 USD
Regular price Sale price $101.79 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Starting with Freuds "projection theory" of religion-that belief in God is merely a product of mans desire for security-Professor Vitz argues that psychoanalysis actually provides a more satisfying explanation for atheism. Disappointment in ones earthly father whether through death absence or mistreatment frequently leads to a rejection of God. A biographical survey of influential atheists of the past four centuries shows that this "defective father hypothesis" provides a consistent explanation of the "intense atheism" of these thinkers. A survey of the leading intellectual defenders of Christianity over the same period confirms the hypothesis finding few defective fathers. Professor Vitz concludes with an intriguing comparison of male and female atheists and a consideration of other psychological factors that can contribute to atheism. Professor Vitz does not argue that atheism is psychologically determined. Each man whatever his experiences ultimately chooses to accept God or reject him. Yet the cavalier attribution of religious faith to irrational psychological needs is so prevalent that an exposition of the psychological factors predisposing one to atheism is necessary.

Product details

Publisher
My Store
Publication date
October 15, 1999
ISBN-10
1890626120
ISBN-13
9781890626129
Item Weight
15.8 oz
Dimensions
8.5 × 0.75 × 5.51 in
View full details