Conclusion
In conclusion, then, let me ask again the question: Is psychology our century's religion ? My answer is that psychology is not, and can never be, a full-fledged organized religion with comparable characteristics to Judaism, Catholicism, or Protestantism. Psychology is a modern science and has no coherent system of religious attitudes and beliefs, no conception of ultimate values, no dogmas supernatural in character, and no God. At most psychology is, or can be, a religious-like substitute for religion for a certain subgroup of our population, mainly intellectuals.
However, both religion and depth psychology are deeply concerned with modern man's predicament. It is my belief that many people may experience religious — like phenomena within a therapeutic relationship and as a consequence of successful psychotherapy. Therefore, the roles of the clergyman and of the therapist overlap in their efforts to help modern man in his suffering and creative growth. But religion will always have its unique function and so will psychology.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This article is a revised version of a talk prepared for the symposium during the Campus Conference on Religion at Cornell University, October 23, 1961.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Braaten, L.J. Psychology: Twentieth century religion? A psychologist's view. Pastoral Psychol 13, 27–34 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01761445
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01761445