The Monotheistic Religions and Forensic Psychiatry

The influence of the three great monotheistic religions on Western society is universally acknowledged, but until now their significance in forensic psychiatry has been neglected in the literature.

This is particularly striking as all these religions developed theories on offending behavior which still inform the way contemporary cultures perceive criminality.The Monotheistic Religions and Forensic Psychiatry is the first book of its kind to trace the effects of these religions on issues of criminality, responsibility, punishment and treatment.

In the first three chapters of the book, the historical Christian, Jewish and Islamic concepts of mental illness and criminality are analyzed beside the theory and practice of forensic psychiatry in the modern, Western world.

This is then contrasted with work in overtly atheistic states such as the former Soviet Union, China and Nazi Germany.

The clinical links between psychotic symptoms of a religious nature and violent behavior are examined, as is the degree to which the monotheistic religions have promoted or retarded human rights and the effect of this on approaches to forensic psychiatry.