The Image of God and the Psychology of Religion - Dayringer, Richard, and David Oler, eds. Haworth, 2004. 119p. $14.95, paperback. ISBN-10: 0-7890-2761-5. ISBN-13: 978-0-7890-2761-0. 231 God (Christianity). Image of God. Pastoral counseling.

This is an anthology of essays related to the perception of God. The essays provide glimpses into how God is perceived and how this perception impacts human behavior and functioning.

The studies reflect various mental-health settings, from community to inpatient populations. The data are accompanied by explanations, research conclusions, and references for additional reading. Studies cover attachment, well-being, and religious participation among people with severe mental disorders, liberating concepts of God, therapeutic alliance among people with severe mental disorders, the subjective experience of God, gender role identity, reflections on a study in a mental hospital, and the formation of the image of God in adolescents.

I found the studies interesting and applicable to my practice as a parish nurse. I did not agree with all of the interpretations, as some obviously require additional research to validate the conclusions. It is an appropriate resource for academic libraries, pastoral counselors, and others interested in the relationship of religion and mental health.

Sharon Hinton
First United Methodist Church
Floydada, Texas