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The Psychology of Spirituality: An Introduction

Description:

Spirituality is increasingly accepted as integral to human psychology, vital for physical and mental health. The Psychology of Spirituality is an accessible book that introduces the relationship between spirituality and psychology. The author sets out what spirituality is, the values it represents and how it can contribute to mental health and wellbeing. He then illustrates how knowledge of spirituality can provide a deeper understanding of peoples problems and can help them develop resilience and aid recovery. With reference to a new holistic or psycho-spiritual paradigm, the book then covers stages of spiritual development: from having natural spiritual awareness in early childhood to the waning of interest in later childhood; largely conforming to group mentality in adolescence before discovering individuality; and then the final journey towards full personal and emotional maturity. Finally, the author outlines practical advice on how to explore and make use of spirituality, covering a range of spiritual skills and practices, including meditation and contemplation. Each chapter includes case examples and exercises to explore the ideas covered. This book will be compelling reading for psychologists, psychiatrists, chaplains, healthcare professionals, students, and anyone wanting to understand better the role of spirituality and psychology in the lives of all.
Read more

Review

This book provides a cogent argument for the integration of spirituality into our understanding of psychology. It does this by understanding spirituality in largely psychological terms, although it is not completely without its theological or philosophical reflections. It has relevance particularly, but not exclusively to the healthcare context. The author's professional experience as a psychiatrist, and the focus on spirituality, make it particularly relevant to those working in mental healthcare. I can see the book playing a useful part as an undergraduate or master's level text and I expect it will be an appreciated resource in the worlds of clinical, chaplaincy, and other professional training. -- Mental Health, Religion & Culture

This is a book which will find an appreciative readership amongst many in the healthcare field. Practitioners and others have been given a comprehensive and insightful guide to both the sources and the drivers of the growing research interest into the relationship of spirituality to healing and wellbeing. It will serve also as a textbook and general encouragement to clinicians looking for ways to develop comprehensive holistic models of assessment and care for their patients... The recovery of the concept of "spirituality" in contemporary discourse across many disciplines as well as in the popular imagination is a major cultural phenomenon of our time. It is to a wider general audience as well as to those practicing in healthcare environments that Culliford addresses himself. He succeeds well in this difficult task and the outcome is a competent and illuminating piece of work that will have many applications in healthcare, but also more widely wherever there is an openness to looking at fresh ways of presenting universal insights into the processes of spiritual development and self-understanding. -- The Merton Journal

Dr Culliford distinguishes between spirituality and religion. With discussion questions and clear summaries, this will be a useful book for introductory courses on the subject.

It may be most useful for those who see no case at all for spirituality in the consulting room - assuming they enter with an open mind.

-- Nursing Standard

The intersection of religion/spirituality, psychology, and mental health has been a tenuous one until recently. With the advent of postmodernism, the previously held boundaries that separated religion and science are being reconsidered. Larry Culliford's work "The Psychology of Spirituality: An Introduction" is just such a book to bridge the gap. He offers a clear and cogent model for psycho-spiritual growth and development. Culliford describes a template for integrating psychological and spiritual development in the same breath; that is, we are all spiritual beings on a human journey, and both spiritual and psychological domains are essential to be fully human.... As someone who enjoys the integration of spirituality, psychology, and mental health within a multicultural context, I think this book is ideal. It is pragmatic and inspiring, rational and poetic, psychological and spiritual in its fullest sense. Following the sage advice "Physician, heal thyself," I recommend it to all levels of inquiry, personal and professional. -- PsycCRITIQUES

The book is well structured and easy to read. It sorts its material effortlessly into straightforward categories and carries the reader painlessly along. Each chapter concludes with a helpful summary and exercises to enable the reader to incorporate its teachings into their life. It is in places delightfully illustrated with both personal and clinical anecdote, and with some examples from published sources such as Barack Obama's life. The chapter on the author's own teaching programme for medical students using a refreshingly simple and effective approach to taking a spiritual history was particularly welcome - I only wish such a programme were universally in evidence! -- Network Review

Unlike some psychoanalytical writings, however, this book is very accessible, and is an excellent introduction to the spiritual dimension in theory and practice. It complements the various books written by John Swinton and other practical theologians, and is a very welcome contribution from a medical practitioner. -- Caring Times

this book is more than an enlightening introductory text. It is a masterpiece of explanation and interactive teaching about a highly complex and comprehensive subject. The book is a training text aimed principally at health and social care professionals and students and people from related disciplines, but I believe that this is a 'must read' for anyone interested in the subject. The brilliant Preface sets the contents into context considering quantum physics with particular reference to non-locality and chaos theory and their links to spiritual principles, in a most accessible and logical way. It continues by addressing a variety of topics, including issues such as the importance and relevance of spirituality in everyday life, for both children and adults, and is filled with engaging and often moving anecdotes and vignettes about the author's subjective experiences as well as those of others, bringing the subject alive and imbued with personal meaning. We are shown how adversity can be seen as presenting opportunities for spiritual development and the book explains in detail how emotional healing leads directly to personal growth... In short I think this is a brilliant book which anyone interested in spirituality or who is simply on his or her own spiritual path should read. It is exciting, inspiring and uplifting. I feel that whatever I say will not be able to do justice to this remarkable, learned, yet accessible and very practical book. I feel blessed to have been asked to review it. -- Journal for the Study of Spirituality

Dr. Larry Culliford provides compelling inspiration for us to not only ensure that we share our stories of spirituality in our art therapy practices but also that we take seriously the need to study and promote further inquiry into the area of spirituality and psychology. In this seminal work in the field of psychology and spirituality, Dr. Culliford adds his voice backed up by thorough research to advocate strongly for the shift to a holistic 'bio-psycho-socio-spiritual' paradigm in the field of mental health... Dr. Larry Culliford has made an important contribution in this foundational work in the area of spirituality and psychology. He must be commended for his courage to explore new territory and challenge the existing worldview in his book 'The Psychology of Spirituality: An Introduction'. Let's hope that we rise to the occasion, activate spiritual enquiry in our own lives as well as in our art therapy practices and assist the need for research and movement into the realms beyond scientific materialism. -- The Canadian Art Therapy Association

... a welcome addition to an important, if not essential, topic of human experience. I therefore recommend this book wholeheartedly to those who are interested in adventure, curious about the spiritual domain, or those looking for practical skills and abilities to learn about how to navigate the adventure playground of their own inner lives. -- British Journal of Psychology

Dr. Culliford has written a magnificent book that is both erudite and beguilingly accessible. The person on the spiritual quest, whether from a traditionally religious or from a more secular perspective, will gain insights and hope between the covers of this work. The continuing disputes between science and spirituality are explored and, ultimately, integrated and the reader will emerge enlightened and enlivened. -- Professor Patricia Casey, Professor of Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Ireland

This ground breaking book is a welcome insight into the fundamental link between spirituality and psychology. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of this connection and how spirituality can help enhance psychological wellbeing. -- Dr. Harold G. Koenig, Director, Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health, USA

What exactly is the relationship between spirituality and psychology? Larry Culliford presents a clear, honest and enlightening exploration of the relationship between spirituality and psychology; an account which takes seriously the integrity of both but refuses to allow one to collapse into the other. This book will be valuable for practitioners and all those who are seeking new ways of helping people to see and understand the significance of the spiritual in their practises of care. -- Reverend Professor John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, University of Aberdeen, UK

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is extremely relevant for my degree course in Health Care Chaplaincy and I have recommended it to my fellow students. It is not only very accessible but a real joy to read. I read it from cover to cover for the sheer enjoyment of it. -- Mary Hanna, Chaplain, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, UK

I think this brilliant book which anyone interested in spirituality or who is simply on his or her own spiritual path should read. It is exciting, inspiring and uplifting. I feel that whatever I say will not be able to do justice to this remarkable, learned, yet accessible and very practical book. I feel blessed to have been asked to review it. -- Journal for the Study of Spirituality

Culliford's introduction to the psychology of religion provides definitions of spirituality and religion, paradigms deployed by health professionals in the past that have undergone a major shift (he explores the reasons why), appendices that include his template for taking a spiritual history and wealth of medical and theological sources and personal anecdotes. It is skilfully conceived potpourri--unthreatening and informative. -- Telegraph Journal

Culliford has a light and fluid writing style which makes ready links with the literature and with everyday life and clinical practice... This book provides a cogent argument for the integration of spirituality into our understanding of psychology... The author's professional experience as a psychiatrist, and the focus on spirituality, make it particularly relevant to those working in mental healthcare. I can see the book playing a useful part as an undergraduate or master's level text and I expect it will be an appreciated resource in the worlds of clinical, chaplaincy, and other professional training. -- Mental Health, Religion and Culture.

This is a very important book for all those who have to try and make sense of 'spirituality', particularly those in secular organisations like the NHS, or semi-secular organisations like church schools. -- The Sign

Book Description

Introducing the relationship between spirituality and psychology, and exploring how knowledge of spirituality can provide a deeper understanding of people's problems

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent recommend for students wanting to study medicine and nursing

A.L.R. · 29 May 2022

A book I recommend to anyone looking to study medicine and nursing, as well as anyone qualified in these professions and/or teaching healthcare students who need to rethink/expand the dynamics of holistic patient need ~ underlining causes of disease and illness. It reminds us of the importance of the spiritual dimension of ‘us’ is a key component to the human experience along with the physical, psychological, biological and social aspects. The author provides powerful vignettes to underlines his thoughts, each chapter is carefully summarised with exercises and questions for the reader to consider.

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

D.M.R.H. · 2 December 2015

Excellent and stimulating book

5.0 out of 5 stars Every religious professional should read this book.

D.A.S. · 31 December 2010

The split between religion and spirituality has been a disaster the world over, reaching a high point in the last twenty five years. In all faiths, religious professionals don strange garbs, inhabit fine buildings, and pontificate about God and love, knowing in their hearts that they do not always do what they preach. They should all read this book, and reflect deeply on it, avoiding trite responses. It is written by someone deeply versed in modern science and medicine, who sets out a profoundly sane path for how we could all become more spiritual individuals, and how society can become more spiritual. Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and their ilk should read this book also: they would realise that their arguments have nothing to say about spirituality, but only about religion. They might even start to learn about themselves: then they would stop saying some of the ill-considered and hurtful comments that they do. The 21st century will see spirituality restored to its rightful place, and growing numbers of books like Larry Culliford's will help show the way.

5.0 out of 5 stars An important synthesis by an unusual medical educator

(.R.W. · 31 December 2010

This text is an unusual multi-sectioned synthesis that I read through my lens as an experienced advocate and developer of culturally-marginalised holistic education. To compile a theoretically-informed and yet practical text in this crucial arena requires not only wide reading, but considerable personal and professional experience of practice at the interfaces between the science and intuitions of the mind, our labile human emotions, body-knowledge, and both religious and 'secular' avenues through which our soul-spirits are often mysteriously informed. Dr Culliford both knows and has experienced what he writes about. Moreover, he uses creatively in differing contexts the sadly less than well-known J W Fowler's hypothesised six stages of life-course faith development. Also he has tried out a number of spiritual awareness activity exercises with young medical students, a brave move even for a psychiatrist in the context of the supposedly exclusive scientific stance of medicine. Helpfully scattered throughout the book are both patient and personal 'vignettes', and issues for further possible group discussion. These reflect the deep integrity of the author as both person and teacher. Despite its cover, the mix is certainly 'ground-breaking' and worthy of recommendation to all practising in or preparing for the caring professions.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to Spirituality

S.S. · 27 December 2010

I would say that this is a ground breaking book for people working in the health and social care settings. I am a psychiatric nurse and "spirituality advocate" in the NHS Trust where I work and I have found it very helpful - not only with patients, but also in getting my own spiritual bearings. I thoroughly recommend it!

2.0 out of 5 stars Curate's egg - some parts are good

R.M.R.M.B. · 30 November 2010

I was looking forward to reading this book, but was disappointed. The reviews on the back cover describe it as "groundbreaking" and say it "sets out what spirituality is". Unfortunately it fails on both counts.There is little if anything in the book which is new. The claim to "groundbreaking" isn't justified. It largely goes over ground covered elsewhere and this it largely does without undue scrutiny or critique. So, for example, it refers to Fowler's stages of faith development but without ever really questioning Fowler's hypothesis that some people become more spiritually advanced than others. Is a spirituality that is based on individualism more advanced than one that is based on collective or shared values (as Fowler assumes)? The book might have been groundbreaking if it had considered that, but it doesn'tSimilarly the claim that the book "sets out what spirituality is" isn't justified. The nearest it gets to a definition of spirituality is to say "Spirituality is about wholeness." As a description that is simply far too vague to be of any use. So as I reader I found the book lacking precision or focus. The whole of what? The whole of everything? What does that mean?So reading the book felt like going over familiar ground while trying to wrestle with warm jelly. The book has a little useful material on meditative techniques. If the book is read by those in the mental health field unfamiliar with the work of other writers in this field then it will be of benefit.

Exellent insight

M.P.J. · 1 August 2011

Dr Culliford gives us excellent insight into the spiritual stages, and the psychology behind them. If you have read about the stages elsewhere and they have not made a big impression on you, this book may change that. Culliford states on page 54: "Faith, based on spiritual wisdom and awareness, going deeper than belief, is one of the principal goals of the spiritual journey." That is code for saying that rigid, pre-set belief in the tenets of just one religion cannot represent spiritual maturity. To be spiritually mature, a person must move beyond what Culliford calls the "Belonging" stage, where a conformist mentality holds the person under the illusion that his group (his religion especially) is better than all the others. In the belonging stage the comforts of belonging to whatever group lull the person into a false sense sense of security where he does not think much for himself. Unfortunately, a large part of our society exists at this level and never grows beyond it.As a person matures past the Belonging or conformist stage, he or she moves into what Culiford calls a "Searching" stage where he he begins to think for himself,independent of his group. This move requires courage and is necessary for a person to become fully an adult. In this stage a person may also move beyond the narrow certainties and simple literal beliefs of his religion. Though more mature than the conformist, in the searching stage, the person may suffer some confusion and doubt.Culliford calls his third stage "Homecoming." Here if the person continues on the spiritual path he may move into a type of faith that it not so much about holding to the narrow beliefs of one religion. The person adopts a broader perspective and realizes it is all so much bigger than any given religion, than any specific definition of God. As the person attains the spiritual wisdom of the Homecoming (or Integration) stage, his ego self becomes reunited with his spiritual self and the person softens in many ways, in particular he becomes more accepting of the human suffering that is a natural part of life. In fact he softens in his attitudes toward death as well.Also very interesting in this book are Culliford's human examples of individuals moving through these stages, most particularly, that of (surprise!)our president, Barack Obama. Don't miss this book if you want to know what the word spiritual maturity means.

Four Stars

R.M. · 6 October 2014

TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE AGENDA

Informative Read

R. · 16 May 2017

Most informative material I have exposed myself to in some time. I recommend this book as a must read for people who work in the helping professions.

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The Psychology of Spirituality: An Introduction

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Visit the Jessica Kingsley Publishers Store

The Psychology of Spirituality: An Introduction

Product ID: K184905004K
Condition: New

4.4

(16 ratings)
The Psychology of Spirituality: An Introduction-0
Type: Paperback

AED14760

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

Spirituality is increasingly accepted as integral to human psychology, vital for physical and mental health. The Psychology of Spirituality is an accessible book that introduces the relationship between spirituality and psychology. The author sets out what spirituality is, the values it represents and how it can contribute to mental health and wellbeing. He then illustrates how knowledge of spirituality can provide a deeper understanding of peoples problems and can help them develop resilience and aid recovery. With reference to a new holistic or psycho-spiritual paradigm, the book then covers stages of spiritual development: from having natural spiritual awareness in early childhood to the waning of interest in later childhood; largely conforming to group mentality in adolescence before discovering individuality; and then the final journey towards full personal and emotional maturity. Finally, the author outlines practical advice on how to explore and make use of spirituality, covering a range of spiritual skills and practices, including meditation and contemplation. Each chapter includes case examples and exercises to explore the ideas covered. This book will be compelling reading for psychologists, psychiatrists, chaplains, healthcare professionals, students, and anyone wanting to understand better the role of spirituality and psychology in the lives of all.
Read more

Review

This book provides a cogent argument for the integration of spirituality into our understanding of psychology. It does this by understanding spirituality in largely psychological terms, although it is not completely without its theological or philosophical reflections. It has relevance particularly, but not exclusively to the healthcare context. The author's professional experience as a psychiatrist, and the focus on spirituality, make it particularly relevant to those working in mental healthcare. I can see the book playing a useful part as an undergraduate or master's level text and I expect it will be an appreciated resource in the worlds of clinical, chaplaincy, and other professional training. -- Mental Health, Religion & Culture

This is a book which will find an appreciative readership amongst many in the healthcare field. Practitioners and others have been given a comprehensive and insightful guide to both the sources and the drivers of the growing research interest into the relationship of spirituality to healing and wellbeing. It will serve also as a textbook and general encouragement to clinicians looking for ways to develop comprehensive holistic models of assessment and care for their patients... The recovery of the concept of "spirituality" in contemporary discourse across many disciplines as well as in the popular imagination is a major cultural phenomenon of our time. It is to a wider general audience as well as to those practicing in healthcare environments that Culliford addresses himself. He succeeds well in this difficult task and the outcome is a competent and illuminating piece of work that will have many applications in healthcare, but also more widely wherever there is an openness to looking at fresh ways of presenting universal insights into the processes of spiritual development and self-understanding. -- The Merton Journal

Dr Culliford distinguishes between spirituality and religion. With discussion questions and clear summaries, this will be a useful book for introductory courses on the subject.

It may be most useful for those who see no case at all for spirituality in the consulting room - assuming they enter with an open mind.

-- Nursing Standard

The intersection of religion/spirituality, psychology, and mental health has been a tenuous one until recently. With the advent of postmodernism, the previously held boundaries that separated religion and science are being reconsidered. Larry Culliford's work "The Psychology of Spirituality: An Introduction" is just such a book to bridge the gap. He offers a clear and cogent model for psycho-spiritual growth and development. Culliford describes a template for integrating psychological and spiritual development in the same breath; that is, we are all spiritual beings on a human journey, and both spiritual and psychological domains are essential to be fully human.... As someone who enjoys the integration of spirituality, psychology, and mental health within a multicultural context, I think this book is ideal. It is pragmatic and inspiring, rational and poetic, psychological and spiritual in its fullest sense. Following the sage advice "Physician, heal thyself," I recommend it to all levels of inquiry, personal and professional. -- PsycCRITIQUES

The book is well structured and easy to read. It sorts its material effortlessly into straightforward categories and carries the reader painlessly along. Each chapter concludes with a helpful summary and exercises to enable the reader to incorporate its teachings into their life. It is in places delightfully illustrated with both personal and clinical anecdote, and with some examples from published sources such as Barack Obama's life. The chapter on the author's own teaching programme for medical students using a refreshingly simple and effective approach to taking a spiritual history was particularly welcome - I only wish such a programme were universally in evidence! -- Network Review

Unlike some psychoanalytical writings, however, this book is very accessible, and is an excellent introduction to the spiritual dimension in theory and practice. It complements the various books written by John Swinton and other practical theologians, and is a very welcome contribution from a medical practitioner. -- Caring Times

this book is more than an enlightening introductory text. It is a masterpiece of explanation and interactive teaching about a highly complex and comprehensive subject. The book is a training text aimed principally at health and social care professionals and students and people from related disciplines, but I believe that this is a 'must read' for anyone interested in the subject. The brilliant Preface sets the contents into context considering quantum physics with particular reference to non-locality and chaos theory and their links to spiritual principles, in a most accessible and logical way. It continues by addressing a variety of topics, including issues such as the importance and relevance of spirituality in everyday life, for both children and adults, and is filled with engaging and often moving anecdotes and vignettes about the author's subjective experiences as well as those of others, bringing the subject alive and imbued with personal meaning. We are shown how adversity can be seen as presenting opportunities for spiritual development and the book explains in detail how emotional healing leads directly to personal growth... In short I think this is a brilliant book which anyone interested in spirituality or who is simply on his or her own spiritual path should read. It is exciting, inspiring and uplifting. I feel that whatever I say will not be able to do justice to this remarkable, learned, yet accessible and very practical book. I feel blessed to have been asked to review it. -- Journal for the Study of Spirituality

Dr. Larry Culliford provides compelling inspiration for us to not only ensure that we share our stories of spirituality in our art therapy practices but also that we take seriously the need to study and promote further inquiry into the area of spirituality and psychology. In this seminal work in the field of psychology and spirituality, Dr. Culliford adds his voice backed up by thorough research to advocate strongly for the shift to a holistic 'bio-psycho-socio-spiritual' paradigm in the field of mental health... Dr. Larry Culliford has made an important contribution in this foundational work in the area of spirituality and psychology. He must be commended for his courage to explore new territory and challenge the existing worldview in his book 'The Psychology of Spirituality: An Introduction'. Let's hope that we rise to the occasion, activate spiritual enquiry in our own lives as well as in our art therapy practices and assist the need for research and movement into the realms beyond scientific materialism. -- The Canadian Art Therapy Association

... a welcome addition to an important, if not essential, topic of human experience. I therefore recommend this book wholeheartedly to those who are interested in adventure, curious about the spiritual domain, or those looking for practical skills and abilities to learn about how to navigate the adventure playground of their own inner lives. -- British Journal of Psychology

Dr. Culliford has written a magnificent book that is both erudite and beguilingly accessible. The person on the spiritual quest, whether from a traditionally religious or from a more secular perspective, will gain insights and hope between the covers of this work. The continuing disputes between science and spirituality are explored and, ultimately, integrated and the reader will emerge enlightened and enlivened. -- Professor Patricia Casey, Professor of Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Ireland

This ground breaking book is a welcome insight into the fundamental link between spirituality and psychology. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of this connection and how spirituality can help enhance psychological wellbeing. -- Dr. Harold G. Koenig, Director, Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health, USA

What exactly is the relationship between spirituality and psychology? Larry Culliford presents a clear, honest and enlightening exploration of the relationship between spirituality and psychology; an account which takes seriously the integrity of both but refuses to allow one to collapse into the other. This book will be valuable for practitioners and all those who are seeking new ways of helping people to see and understand the significance of the spiritual in their practises of care. -- Reverend Professor John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, University of Aberdeen, UK

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is extremely relevant for my degree course in Health Care Chaplaincy and I have recommended it to my fellow students. It is not only very accessible but a real joy to read. I read it from cover to cover for the sheer enjoyment of it. -- Mary Hanna, Chaplain, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, UK

I think this brilliant book which anyone interested in spirituality or who is simply on his or her own spiritual path should read. It is exciting, inspiring and uplifting. I feel that whatever I say will not be able to do justice to this remarkable, learned, yet accessible and very practical book. I feel blessed to have been asked to review it. -- Journal for the Study of Spirituality

Culliford's introduction to the psychology of religion provides definitions of spirituality and religion, paradigms deployed by health professionals in the past that have undergone a major shift (he explores the reasons why), appendices that include his template for taking a spiritual history and wealth of medical and theological sources and personal anecdotes. It is skilfully conceived potpourri--unthreatening and informative. -- Telegraph Journal

Culliford has a light and fluid writing style which makes ready links with the literature and with everyday life and clinical practice... This book provides a cogent argument for the integration of spirituality into our understanding of psychology... The author's professional experience as a psychiatrist, and the focus on spirituality, make it particularly relevant to those working in mental healthcare. I can see the book playing a useful part as an undergraduate or master's level text and I expect it will be an appreciated resource in the worlds of clinical, chaplaincy, and other professional training. -- Mental Health, Religion and Culture.

This is a very important book for all those who have to try and make sense of 'spirituality', particularly those in secular organisations like the NHS, or semi-secular organisations like church schools. -- The Sign

Book Description

Introducing the relationship between spirituality and psychology, and exploring how knowledge of spirituality can provide a deeper understanding of people's problems

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent recommend for students wanting to study medicine and nursing

A.L.R. · 29 May 2022

A book I recommend to anyone looking to study medicine and nursing, as well as anyone qualified in these professions and/or teaching healthcare students who need to rethink/expand the dynamics of holistic patient need ~ underlining causes of disease and illness. It reminds us of the importance of the spiritual dimension of ‘us’ is a key component to the human experience along with the physical, psychological, biological and social aspects. The author provides powerful vignettes to underlines his thoughts, each chapter is carefully summarised with exercises and questions for the reader to consider.

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

D.M.R.H. · 2 December 2015

Excellent and stimulating book

5.0 out of 5 stars Every religious professional should read this book.

D.A.S. · 31 December 2010

The split between religion and spirituality has been a disaster the world over, reaching a high point in the last twenty five years. In all faiths, religious professionals don strange garbs, inhabit fine buildings, and pontificate about God and love, knowing in their hearts that they do not always do what they preach. They should all read this book, and reflect deeply on it, avoiding trite responses. It is written by someone deeply versed in modern science and medicine, who sets out a profoundly sane path for how we could all become more spiritual individuals, and how society can become more spiritual. Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and their ilk should read this book also: they would realise that their arguments have nothing to say about spirituality, but only about religion. They might even start to learn about themselves: then they would stop saying some of the ill-considered and hurtful comments that they do. The 21st century will see spirituality restored to its rightful place, and growing numbers of books like Larry Culliford's will help show the way.

5.0 out of 5 stars An important synthesis by an unusual medical educator

(.R.W. · 31 December 2010

This text is an unusual multi-sectioned synthesis that I read through my lens as an experienced advocate and developer of culturally-marginalised holistic education. To compile a theoretically-informed and yet practical text in this crucial arena requires not only wide reading, but considerable personal and professional experience of practice at the interfaces between the science and intuitions of the mind, our labile human emotions, body-knowledge, and both religious and 'secular' avenues through which our soul-spirits are often mysteriously informed. Dr Culliford both knows and has experienced what he writes about. Moreover, he uses creatively in differing contexts the sadly less than well-known J W Fowler's hypothesised six stages of life-course faith development. Also he has tried out a number of spiritual awareness activity exercises with young medical students, a brave move even for a psychiatrist in the context of the supposedly exclusive scientific stance of medicine. Helpfully scattered throughout the book are both patient and personal 'vignettes', and issues for further possible group discussion. These reflect the deep integrity of the author as both person and teacher. Despite its cover, the mix is certainly 'ground-breaking' and worthy of recommendation to all practising in or preparing for the caring professions.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to Spirituality

S.S. · 27 December 2010

I would say that this is a ground breaking book for people working in the health and social care settings. I am a psychiatric nurse and "spirituality advocate" in the NHS Trust where I work and I have found it very helpful - not only with patients, but also in getting my own spiritual bearings. I thoroughly recommend it!

2.0 out of 5 stars Curate's egg - some parts are good

R.M.R.M.B. · 30 November 2010

I was looking forward to reading this book, but was disappointed. The reviews on the back cover describe it as "groundbreaking" and say it "sets out what spirituality is". Unfortunately it fails on both counts.There is little if anything in the book which is new. The claim to "groundbreaking" isn't justified. It largely goes over ground covered elsewhere and this it largely does without undue scrutiny or critique. So, for example, it refers to Fowler's stages of faith development but without ever really questioning Fowler's hypothesis that some people become more spiritually advanced than others. Is a spirituality that is based on individualism more advanced than one that is based on collective or shared values (as Fowler assumes)? The book might have been groundbreaking if it had considered that, but it doesn'tSimilarly the claim that the book "sets out what spirituality is" isn't justified. The nearest it gets to a definition of spirituality is to say "Spirituality is about wholeness." As a description that is simply far too vague to be of any use. So as I reader I found the book lacking precision or focus. The whole of what? The whole of everything? What does that mean?So reading the book felt like going over familiar ground while trying to wrestle with warm jelly. The book has a little useful material on meditative techniques. If the book is read by those in the mental health field unfamiliar with the work of other writers in this field then it will be of benefit.

Exellent insight

M.P.J. · 1 August 2011

Dr Culliford gives us excellent insight into the spiritual stages, and the psychology behind them. If you have read about the stages elsewhere and they have not made a big impression on you, this book may change that. Culliford states on page 54: "Faith, based on spiritual wisdom and awareness, going deeper than belief, is one of the principal goals of the spiritual journey." That is code for saying that rigid, pre-set belief in the tenets of just one religion cannot represent spiritual maturity. To be spiritually mature, a person must move beyond what Culliford calls the "Belonging" stage, where a conformist mentality holds the person under the illusion that his group (his religion especially) is better than all the others. In the belonging stage the comforts of belonging to whatever group lull the person into a false sense sense of security where he does not think much for himself. Unfortunately, a large part of our society exists at this level and never grows beyond it.As a person matures past the Belonging or conformist stage, he or she moves into what Culiford calls a "Searching" stage where he he begins to think for himself,independent of his group. This move requires courage and is necessary for a person to become fully an adult. In this stage a person may also move beyond the narrow certainties and simple literal beliefs of his religion. Though more mature than the conformist, in the searching stage, the person may suffer some confusion and doubt.Culliford calls his third stage "Homecoming." Here if the person continues on the spiritual path he may move into a type of faith that it not so much about holding to the narrow beliefs of one religion. The person adopts a broader perspective and realizes it is all so much bigger than any given religion, than any specific definition of God. As the person attains the spiritual wisdom of the Homecoming (or Integration) stage, his ego self becomes reunited with his spiritual self and the person softens in many ways, in particular he becomes more accepting of the human suffering that is a natural part of life. In fact he softens in his attitudes toward death as well.Also very interesting in this book are Culliford's human examples of individuals moving through these stages, most particularly, that of (surprise!)our president, Barack Obama. Don't miss this book if you want to know what the word spiritual maturity means.

Four Stars

R.M. · 6 October 2014

TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE AGENDA

Informative Read

R. · 16 May 2017

Most informative material I have exposed myself to in some time. I recommend this book as a must read for people who work in the helping professions.

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