The psychology of religion : an empirical study of the growth of religious consciousness / by Edwin Diller Starbuck ; with a preface by William James.

  • Starbuck, Edwin Diller, 1866-1947.
Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The psychology of religion : an empirical study of the growth of religious consciousness / by Edwin Diller Starbuck ; with a preface by William James. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the raw material out of which the contents of this volume are formed. Being, as it is, a purely empirical study, it could not have arisen at all without their co-operation, which, to a surprising degree, has been warmly given. I am sorry that it is not possible to give them credit individually for their part in the work, especially those who have been most active in obtaining replies to the question-lists ; but there are too many for personal mention. I wish especially to acknowledge the active sym- pathy and encouragement of Dr G. Stanley Hall, whose interest had already drawn him in this direction ; and also that of President David Starr Jordan, whose recognition of the value of the application of scientific methods to the study of religion led him to give it a place in the curriculum of Stanford University, where it has had two years of peaceful growth. I regret having been unable, in the presentation which follows, to take into account sufficiently the work of other persons who are working on the same topics by different methods—philosophical, sociological, theological, and the like. To do so would partially have defeated the end in view, which is simply to make a faithful inductive generalisation. When several empirical studies are made, then it will be time enough to begin working out the kinship between them and synthesising them. E. D. S.