Psychobible: Behavior, Religion & the Holy Book

In his own intellectually provocative and entertaining style, Dr. Favazza has produced another meaty and informative read in his latest book, PsychoBible. This book is the result of a richly vast, refined research into religion and its impact on culture. It serves to create a bridge between the world of Christianity (especially Fundamentalist Christianity) and the scientific/artistic field of psychiatry (and the mental health profession, in general). Briefly, and importantly, the book has a message for both the Christian and the scientific communities. To the Christian, the author suggests that where Biblical interpretation is concerned, moderation is the key. And to the scientific community, he points out "the importance of the churches in providing psychological support and of the congregation as a healing resource." Dr. Favazza's approach has done a great deal to inform and educate that "mental health and positive emotions" should and can be part of the fabric of one's religious philosophy.

I bought this book on a lark. The clever title grabbed me, the notion that a clinical practitioner of psychology would take up religion as a topic interested me, and the effort to address a holy book from a new place without judgement or claim sold it to me. The fact that the author doesn't put "Dr. Favazza" on the cover in an effort to suggest authority also weighed well on my initial impression. Throughout the work I found Favazza to be extremely easy to read. I laughed often at his little asides that owed more to keeping a light tone in the midst of a (possibly) heavy topic than they did to a real need to be comedic. The writing was very casual given the scope and material yet was respectful in regards to beliefs. I never felt like Favazza tried to convert me to whatever his thinking or away from my own, I always felt like a friend was sharing with me his discoveries over a glass of wine. Favazza's writings deal with a myriad of Biblical subjects. The evolution of scripture through various translations and mis-translations, contradictions, curious passages and the observation of the devil's expanding and contracting roles through history are but a few of the topics given page time. Age old questions such as the Bible's comments on alchohol, homosexuality and various other "sins" are given new angles if not completely resolved. There is no inherent theme that I can discern. The author does not set out to prove lofty claims such as the Bible is wrong or the Bible is right with a "but." He simply lays out his findings and information with very little personal bias. In that way, I suppose the book could be a disappointment to those looking for positions to argue from or new evidence in support or opposition to some Biblical position -- you will need to build your own arguments from the material within, it is not done for you. This might also lead those who favor clear cut, "this-that-therefore" lines of thought to become a little frustrated with the slightly rambling nature of the book. All things considered this has been a fantastic read, easily enjoyed and a source of new questions whose answers I now feel I need to search out. Those given to literal interpretations of scripture will likely find the work offensive and heretical. Those of open mind and curious spirit will likely find it an interesting piece of religious furniture to help round out a small corner of their theological home -- one that you can't really stand on but is still intriguing to have present.

Whether a believer of not, one has to acknowledge the Bible as a pillar of our culture and history. Psychobible is an illuminating examination of its meaning and interpretation that serves as a fascinating look at ourselves. The book will energize the thinking of anyone even remotely interested in the workings and dysfunction of our belief and society.

Knowledgeably written by a world renowned psychiatrist Armando Favazza, Psycho Bible: Behavior, Religion & The Holy Book is a straightforward, no-nonsense look at what the Bible truly says about contemporary and complex issues so relevant for today. From the status of women; to the existence of angels; to abortion, celibacy, marriage, homosexuality, feminism, and so much more, Psycho Bible deftly picks apart the stories told in the biblical texts and presents them in terms nonspecialist general readers can directly grasp. A matter-of-fact presentation, especially recommended as a complement to studying the Bible, Psycho Bible is also available in a hardcover edition.