Possible psychological explanations for religion
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can give an account of some psychological explanations for religion and present different perspectives on this.
Key learning points
- Sigmund Freud was an influential psychologist who had theories on the origin of religion.
- Freud stated that religion is an illusion, something people desperately want to be true.
- Freud stated that religion is a form of wish fulfillment helping people to cope with life.
- Freud's theories on religion have been widely criticised.
Keywords
Afterlife - the belief that there is some continued existence for those who have physically died
Conscience - the inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person's decisions
Illusion - something a person believes to be true so strongly that it doesn't matter whether it is or not
Instincts - basic human impulses and desires everyone is born with, such as to eat
Wish fulfillment - deep human needs and desires which religion can satisfy
Common misconception
That psychologists today accept all of Freud's ideas on religion.
Whilst influential, many of Freud's theories on the id and religion have been discredited.
Teacher tip
Freud's theories of religion are also linked to his views on the oedipus complex, which could be explored further with older students in supervised classes.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these religious leaders do Christians believe was God on Earth in human form?
Q2.Which of these terms most relate to religious beliefs about life after death?
Q3.Which of the following is often referred to as the part of a person responsible for thoughts, memories and emotions?
Q4.What subject investigates the mind and human behaviours?
Q5.Which statement explains the term 'evidence' the most accurately?
Q6.What does the term 'omnipotent' mean?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What term means the inner sense of right or wrong that guides a person's decisions?
Q2.What does Freud say about the human conscience?
Q3.What example did Freud give of what an 'illusion' is?
Q4.Which of these are examples of how religion can be wish fulfilment?
Q5.Which of the following might a religious person say is evidence supporting their beliefs?
Q6.Which of the following arguments could be used to challenge Freud's view that religions always involve a 'father figure'?
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Possible psychological explanations for religion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Possible psychological explanations for religion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Psychology: is our brain designed to believe? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.