The Psychological Origin and the Nature of Religion (eBook)

James Henry Leuba (1868-1946) was a significant figure in the early 20th century American psychology, particularly known for his work on the psychology of religion. He was a contemporary of the more well-known William James, and while his works did not achieve the same level of renown, they did offer substantial contributions to the field of religious studies. Born on April 9, 1868, Leuba went on to pursue an academic career, obtaining his Ph.D. from Clark University under the mentorship of G. Stanley Hall, a pioneer in child psychology and educational psychology. Leuba's most acclaimed work, 'The Psychological Origin and the Nature of Religion,' was published in 1925. In this book, he explores religion through the lens of psychology, examining its genesis and function in human life, and putting forth a naturalistic account of religious phenomena. His approach to the study of religion was empirical and he sought to understand religious experience without recourse to supernatural explanations. Leuba's focus on the personal, subjective aspects of religion was in line with the burgeoning humanistic movement in psychology. His contributions have been cited in various academic discussions on the intersection of religion and psychological states. Despite not being a household name, Leuba's scholarly approach and rigorous analyses have kept his work relevant for students and scholars interested in the psychological aspects of religious experience.