The psychology of religion is comprised of a variety of different perspectives, which in some cases proves difficult in determining the clinical and pastoral implications of a theory. Modern psychology has demonstrated possible beneficial outcomes in religious spiritual individuals, however, much of current research has avoided questioning the "real" presence of the Divine or a Higher Being. Although a century had passed since he began psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud easily settled the question of religion by declaring it a form of mental illness. While Freud's psychology of religion asserts that religion exists only as a neurosis, his view presents the three clinical implications of hypnotism, free association, and dream analysis, each of which also remained a source of criticism. Rather than recognizing the beneficial aspects of religion and what spirituality has to offer, Freud instead compared religion to a mental illness that could be cured through psychoanalysis. Discussing the weaknesses of society in Civilization and Its Discontents, Freud remarks: "The religions of humanity must also be classified as mass delusions... Needless to say, no one who shares a delusion recognizes it as such." » (“Civilization and its Discontents” 774). Freud believed his conclusion about religion was logical, but he intended to compare it to disorders, such as hysteria, in an attempt to gain scientific credibility. Freud also benefited from the delusion comparison because it provided yet another situation in which his psychoanalytic tools could be used. Although Freud rarely resorted to hypnotism, he did not advise against its use on an individual basis as a means of self-analysis. Citing the potential harm resulting from a therapist...... middle of paper ......dream state. The major works of Sigmund Freud. Ed. William Benton. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 1952. 135-398. PrintFreud, Sigmund. “Selected articles on hysteria. » The major works of Sigmund Freud. Ed. William Benton. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 1952. 25-119. PrintJonte-Pace, Diane E. Speaking of the Unspeakable: Religion, Misogyny, and the Strange Mother in Freud's Cultural Texts. Ewing: University of California Press, 2001.Print.Parker, Ian. “Rosalia H.: With Freud in a prelude to psychoanalysis.” Psychodynamic Practice13.4 (2007): 375-383. Premier Academic Research. Web. Summers, Frank. “Psychoanalysis: romantic, not wild. » Psychoanalytic Psychology 28.1 (2011): 13-32. PsycARTICLES. Web.Woodworth, RS “Some Critiques of Freudian Psychology.” » Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 12.3 (1917): 174-194. Print.