Teaching Freud

As one of the first theorists to explore the unconscious fantasies, fears, and desires underlying religious ideas and practices, Freud can be considered one of the grandparents of the field of religious studies. Yet Freud's legacy is deeply contested. His reputation is perhaps at its lowest point since he came to public attention a century ago, and students often assume that Freud is sexist, dangerous, passe, and irrelevent to the study of religion. How can Freud be taught in this climate of critique and controversy? The fourteen contributors to this volume, recognised scholars of religion and psychoanalysis, describe how they address Freud's contested legacy: 'they teach the debates'. They describe their courses on Freud and religion, their innovative pedagogical practices, and the creative ways they work with resistance.