The Value of Freud's Illusion

Abstract

Freud wrote extensively regarding religion and his interpretation of the meaning of religious experience. Since Freud was a self-proclaimed atheist his writings have been largely ignored by the Christian church in general. This article summarizes some of Freud's basic insights into the psychology of religion, some criticisms presented of his perspectives by his Christian colleagues, and some potential practical applications of the insights that Freud has made in his writings, both in the church and in the practice of psychotherapy.