From Freud to Maslow: Transformation of Paradigms in Psychology of Religion in Modern Era

There are Four distinct intellectual waves affected the formation of psychology and psychological study of religion: Psychoanalytic theory (from 1900), Behavioral psychology (appeared about 1920), Humanistic psychology (appeared in 1940s) and transpersonal psychology (appeared about 1960 onwards). From that time onwards, appeared fifth wave can be considered as the elective and synthesis approaches. In this essay the position of religion is discussed from the viewpoint of classical psychologists during the early modern period, especially that of Freud and Jung and the negative belief of behaviorists about religion and also modern psychological theories in late modernity, like William James, Rollo May, Viktor Frankl and Erich Fromm and in the following, humanistic and psychological perspectives of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow will be assessed critically. In this inquiry, it will be concluded that despite Freud and most of former psychologist's perspectives and according to Maslow's theory, human is inherently religious oriented and spiritual life is a part of his life.