Individual religious development is conceptualized as the manifestation of underlying psychosocial processes. Ritualizations (i.e., modes of social interaction) and ritualisms (i.e., the obsessive-compulsive uses of rituals) emanating from personality development and socialization have religious correlates. This article examines ritualizations and ritualisms occurring within religious development. Special attention is given to the developmental and etiological factors in religious ritualisms or religious pathologies. The classical theological example of the seven deadly sins is analyzed within a psychosocial perspective.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
KempisT.Imitation of Christ.Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1967.
2.
AllportG.W.The individual and his religion.New York: Macmillan, 1950.
3.
DroegeT.A.Faith passages and patterns.Philadelphia: Fortress, 1983.
4.
EriksonE.H.Childhood and society (2nd ed.). New York: Norton, 1963.
5.
EriksonE.H.Identity: Youth and crisis.New York: Norton, 1968.
6.
EriksonE.H.Toys and reasons.New York: Norton, 1976.
7.
GleasonJ.J.Growing up to God.Nashville: Abingdon, 1975.
