1. Author’s name: William James
Date of Publication: November 9, 2009
Title: The Varieties of Religious Experience
What the study is all about: Although not a phenomenological work in the strict sense,
this classic text in the psychology of religion explores the subjective experiences of
individuals in religious contexts. It can provide insights into the foundational ideas behind
phenomenological research in religious studies.
How it is related to our topic:
Both our study and William James' work involved a phenomenological approach.
"The Varieties of Religious Experience" is a classic work in the field of religious
phenomenology. It explores the subjective and personal aspects of religious experiences.
In our study, we are also employing a phenomenological approach to understand the
cultural experiences and practices of former Nazarenes. This means we aim to investigate
their experiences from their perspective, which aligns with the phenomenological method.
William James' book delves into the various ways people experience and express their
religious beliefs. Our study, while focusing on former Nazarenes, likely involves an
examination of their religious experiences and how those experiences have shaped their
cultural practices and beliefs.
Our title emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural experiences and
practices. William James' work also contributes to this understanding by exploring how
individuals' religious experiences are deeply intertwined with their cultural backgrounds and
personal contexts.
2. Author’s name: James Cox
Date of Publication: 1992
Title: Phenomenology of Religion
What the study is all about: This book offers an introduction to the application of
phenomenology in the study of religion and discusses how phenomenological methods
can be employed to understand religious experiences and meanings.
How it is related to our topic: James Cox's work in the phenomenology of religions often
involves comparative studies of different religious traditions. While our focus is on former
Nazarenes, this is beneficial in employ comparative elements in our study. This could involve
comparing the experiences and practices of former Nazarenes with those of current
Nazarenes or with individuals from other religious backgrounds.
3. Author’s name: Angeliki Leondari & Vasilios Gialamas
Date of Publication: Published online: 26 Jun 2009
Title: Religiosity and Psychological Well‐being
What the study is all about: The relationship between religiosity and psychological well‐
being in a sample of Greek Orthodox Christians.
How it is related to our topic:
Our topic explores the experiences and practices of individuals who were once part
of the Nazarene religious community, it may examine how their religiosity within that context
influenced their psychological well-being. Understanding how leaving or changing one's
religious affiliation impacts mental health and well-being is a key aspect of the relationship
between religiosity and psychological well-being. It will also delve into how former
Nazarenes cope with the transition out of their religious community and how these coping
mechanisms relate to their psychological well-being. This could involve exploring the role of
religious beliefs, rituals, and support networks in their adjustment process.
Leaving a religious community can often involve a significant shift in one's personal
and social identity. Exploring how changes in religiosity influence a person's sense of self
and belonging can be connected to psychological well-being. It can touch on issues of
identity crisis, isolation, or personal growth.
Thus, the relationship between "Religiosity and psychological well-being" can be relevant
to the study of former Nazarenes as it provides a framework for understanding the
psychological implications of religious transitions, identity shifts, coping mechanisms, and
the search for meaning in the context of this specific religious group. Depending on the
findings of the phenomenological study, it may shed light on how these individuals navigate
the intersection of their past religiosity and their current psychological well-being.
Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207590701700529