In this very interesting treatise on psychology, faith, and ethics, Cottone moves his philosophy of truth and faith off the subjective-objective continuum and puts it into the realm of relationship. He draws on the work of several postmodern theorists, taking their ideas out of the academic arena and bringing them into the town square for discussion by the general population. He limits that discussion to the most recognizable world religions, offering apologies to the thousands of lesser-known religions that he leaves out.

The use of a student/teacher dialogue at the end of each chapter is very helpful in moving ideas toward practical application, making the book down-to-earth as well as expansive.



 

This is a brilliant work. The ideas in this book are revolutionary. Robert Rocco Cottone has produced a work that is destined to be a classic. He has merged ideas from the Positive Psychology movement, ethics, postmodern philosophy, and religion into a vision of religion for the future. He skillfully guides readers through complex ideas -- infusing humor, personal stories, and student-teacher dialogues to make the ideas lively and accessible. Each chapter builds and extends the reader’s understanding. Then, at the end, he makes the case for a new religious order. Science and religion are reconciled. A truth is defined. And the reader is left filled with hope along with a new, postmodern understanding of religion.

This book is provocative, enlightening, and affirming of our deepest social need to connect spiritually with others. Robert Rocco Cottone critiques the ancient religions and atheism in a way that will likely arouse believers of these traditions. Rather than being unsettling, his analysis is eye-opening and inviting. He adds to his critique an alternative, unique, and positive way of understanding religion and belief. The blending of Positive Psychology and postmodern philosophy is refreshing and groundbreaking. This book represents a call for a new ethical movement in religion—toward a positive psychology of religion. You will never view religion the same again. ~ Vilia Tarvydas, Ph.D., Professor of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development at the University of Iowa, and the Director of the Institute on Rehabilitation and Disability Ethics.

It is difficult for thinking people to embrace a spiritual life when the history of religion from Biblical to modern times shows so many power grabs, parochial interests, wars and excommunications. How can everyone be right, when each claims to be? And why do we witness such strife and hard-headed control from faith leaders? Professor Robert Rocco Cottone, in his new book, Toward a Positive Psychology of Religion: Belief Science in the Postmodern Era, asks us not to throw the baby out with the bath water, because he believes that a healthy contemporary spirituality is emerging. He introduces the reader to postmodern religion, which is a spirituality based on the inherent meaning that we all intuit in human relationships. Cottone tells us how he found his way from a Roman Catholic upbringing to find a liberating sense of meaning in an adult sense of Godliness. He guides us with the vigor of a man who loves his faith and wants others to at least understand it. Academics will find this book satisfying because Professor Cottone covers his bases brilliantly, from the Bible to Maturana to Kuhn. For the lay public, he offers a way out of a constricted sense of religion, with a postmodern ethic and commitment to love. This book is the postmodern credo from theory to practice; it is a great accomplishment.

In a time when post-modern discourse could make even an academician's head spin, Dr. Cottone applies this discipline to a study of religion in a down-to-earth, easy-to-read style that even philosophically weak-kneed people will enjoy. He explores a wide gamut of important and fascinating issues in religion, with conclusions that extend beyond the intellectual realm and into the practical dilemmas of everyday living. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophy and psychology of religious studies.