Possible psychological explanations for religion
I can give an account of some psychological explanations for religion and present different perspectives on this.
Possible psychological explanations for religion
I can give an account of some psychological explanations for religion and present different perspectives on this.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Sigmund Freud was an influential psychologist who had theories on the origin of religion.
- Freud stated that religion is an illusion, something people desperately want to be true.
- Freud stated that religion is a form of wish fulfillment helping people to cope with life.
- Freud's theories on religion have been widely criticised.
Keywords
Afterlife - the belief that there is some continued existence for those who have physically died
Conscience - the inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person's decisions
Illusion - something a person believes to be true so strongly that it doesn't matter whether it is or not
Instincts - basic human impulses and desires everyone is born with, such as to eat
Wish fulfillment - deep human needs and desires which religion can satisfy
Common misconception
That psychologists today accept all of Freud's ideas on religion.
Whilst influential, many of Freud's theories on the id and religion have been discredited.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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