The psychology of religion is composed of a variety of different perspectives, which in some cases is difficult in determining both the clinical and pastoral implications of a theory. Modern psychology has demonstrated possible beneficial outcomes in religious spiritual individuals, however, much of the current research has avoided questioning the “real” presence of the Divine or a Higher Being. Although a century has passed since his undertaking of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud promptly resolved the issue of religion by declaring it a form of mental illness. While Freud's Psychology of Religion argues that religion exists only as neurosis, his view provides the three clinical implications of hypnotism, free association, and dream analysis, each of which has also remained a source of criticism. Rather than recognizing the beneficial aspects religion and dream analysis spirituality have to offer, Freud instead compared religion to a mental illness, which could be cured through psychoanalysis. When discussing the weaknesses of society in Civilization and its Discontents, Freud observes: “Even the religions of humanity must be classified as mass illusions… It goes without saying that no one who shares an illusion recognizes it as such.” (“Civilization and its ailments” 774). Freud believed his conclusion about religion was logical, yet he relied on equating it with disorders, such as hysteria, in an attempt to gain scientific credibility. Freud also benefited from the delusion comparison because it offered yet another situation in which his psychoanalytic tools could be used. Although Freud rarely used 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... etation of Dreams." The Major Works of Sigmund Freud. Ed. William Benton. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 1952. 135-398. Print Freud, Sigmund. "Selected Papers on Hysteria." The Major Works of Sigmund Freud. Ed. William Benton. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 1952. 25-119. misogyny and the uncanny mother in Freud's cultural texts. Ewing: University of California Press, 2001. Print. Parker, Ian. "Rosalia H.: With Freud in a prelude to psychoanalysis." 383. Premier of Academic Research. Web.Estate, Frank. "Psychoanalysis: Romantic, Not Savage." Psychoanalytic Psychology 28.1(2011): 13-32. Web.Woodworth, R.S. “Some Criticisms of Freudian Psychology.” abnormal psychology. 12.3 (1917): 174-194.