Antecedents to the Conflict between Psychology and Religion in America

Abstract

Conflict models persist in the modern study of psychology and religion. The antireligious sentiments of Sigmund Freud and Albert Ellis symbolize this interpretive tradition best. Yet few researchers concern themselves with examining the historical and intellectual antecedents to this development. In an attempt to help fill the gap, this article begins with a description of the amiable character of antebellum science and religion, proceeds to chronicle the insubordination of science in the 19th century, and concludes by identifying the modern antireligious impulse in psychology as meaningfully related to the “divorce” of science from religion.