The joy of religion : exploring the nature of pleasure in spiritual life / Ariel Glucklich, Georgetown University.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Glucklich, Ariel, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Pleasure--Religious aspects.

Pleasure.

Spiritual life--Christianity.

Spiritual life.

Experience (Religion).

Physical Description:

vii, 255 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2020.

Summary:

"All religions describe spiritual experience as pleasant, and the goal of the religious pursuit as profoundly joyful. But many religions also condemn sensory pleasures and the desire for objects of pleasure. In this book, Ariel Glucklich resolves this apparent contradiction by showing how religious practices that instill self-control and discipline transform one type of pleasure into the pleasures of mastery and play. Using historical data and psychological analysis, he details how the rituals, mystical practices, moral teachings, and sacred texts of the world's religions act as psychological instruments that induce well-being. Glucklich also shows that in promoting joy and pleasure, religion also strengthens social bonds and enhances an individual's pursuit of meaning"-- Provided by publisher.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Glucklich, Ariel, 1952- The joy of religion

ISBN:

9781108486422

1108486428

9781108460163

110846016X

OCLC:

1112135609