Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship

First UK edition, 1979. Book first published 1977 by William B. Erdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, USA. [rear cover:] This book is a forthright and thought-provoking critique of modern psychology. The subject has become not a science but a religion. And as a religion it is a false one, based on self-ism and leading to self-worship. Paul Vitz, Associate Professor of Psychology at New York University, has been forced to a radical reappraisal of his subject. He analyses modern approaches to psychology, examining them from scientific, philosophical, ethical, economic and religious points of view. He challenges the cult of self-help, and the fad of blaming psychological maladjustment on the family. And he presents a positive, alternative way of looking at people and their problems based on the realistic Chnstian assessment of human nature he himself has rediscovered. 'A completely justified cry of alarm. The danger in psychology of a serious confusion between science and philosophy, between the observation of phenomena and their interpretation, increases with the success of the discipline. Professor Vitz shows this with clarity and thereby renders us a great service.' -- Paul Tournier. 'It says what ought to have been said long ago -- bravely, clearly and constructively.' -- Karl Menninger. 'If this is the "Me" decade, here is its essence. Paul Vitz holds a mirror to our times and captures its real face behind the cosmetic image. Penetrating and absorbing, his book is invaluable reading.' -- Os Guinness.