Includes bibliographical references (p. 252-266) and index.

What sociobiology explains about destructive uses of religion -- What neurobiology explains about destructive uses of religion -- Setting the stage: opening dialogue about religious life -- Locating personal spirituality through existential inquiry -- Seeking a parent in God: clinical problems from insecure attachments -- Seeking security within the flock: clinical problems from social hierarchy, peer affiliation, and reciprocal altruism -- Asserting primacy of personal spirituality over sociobiological religion -- The religious who protect only their own: clinical problems from peer affiliation, kin recognition, and social exchange -- Religion that is a voice for mental illness -- Dark nights and exaltation: religion distorted by a mood disorder -- Worlds confused: religion disorganized by psychosis -- Fear and dread: religion shrunken by an anxiety disorder -- Finding a place to stand: conversing with religiously determined patients.