Teaching Freud (AAR Teaching Religious Studies) - Softcover

This book will prompt teachers of theology to reflect on the ways by which they might help their students engage Freud as a preacher of the mystery of human life. (Teaching Theology and Religion)

As one of the first theorists to explore the unconscious fantasies, fears, and desires underlying religious ideas and practices, Freud can be considered one of the grandparents of the field of religious studies. Yet Freud's legacy is deeply contested. His reputation is perhaps at its lowest point since he came to public attention a century ago, and students often assume that Freud is sexist, dangerous, passe, and irrelevant to the study of religion. How can Freud be taught in this climate of critique and controversy? The fourteen contributors to this volume, recognised scholars of religion and psychoanalysis, describe how they address Freud's contested legacy: 'they teach the debates'. They describe their courses on Freud and religion, their innovative pedagogical practices, and the creative ways they work with resistance.