The argument of this book is that the divide between psychiatry and religion is an artificial one and that there is much room for understanding the same phenomena from different perspectives. In it thirteen senior mental health professionals and pastoral workers come together to explore what their different philosophies have to offer each other for the benefit of the individuals in their care. The book as a whole:

* sets the relationship between psychiatry and religion in historical context

* provides detailed information about specific religions and the significance of their belief systems for mental health management

* examines the relationship between psychopathology, psychiatry and religion.