Troubled by Faith: Insanity and the Supernatural in the Age of the Asylum

During the 19th century, the emergence of psychiatry led to the stigmatization of faiths and popular beliefs as signs of a diseased mind. Exploring the beliefs of asylum patients reveals the intricate relationship between science, faith, and the supernatural in a rapidly changing world. The pathological and the healthy were divided, and religion and the supernatural became significant measures of insanity. Psychiatrists aimed to transform society and explain strange beliefs, and the lives of asylum patients provide a unique reflection of society at the time, steeped in folklore and faith.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The nineteenth century was a remarkable era of scientific innovation, yet psychiatry's emergence led to the stigmatization of faiths and popular beliefs as symptoms of mental illness. By delving into the beliefs of asylum patients, we gain a fresh perspective on this period, revealing the intricate interplay between science, faith, and the supernatural in a rapidly changing world.

The birth of psychiatry in the early nineteenth century revolutionized the understanding and categorization of madness. A century later, these conceptions continue to shape our perceptions of mental illness. In this era, beliefs and behaviors were categorized as either pathological or healthy. The influence of religion and the supernatural became crucial factors in assessing insanity, not only in individuals but also across countries and cultures. Psychiatrists aimed to not only transform society during the industrial age but also to explain the enigmatic beliefs expressed in ancient times.

Troubled by Faith is a captivating exploration of these supernatural beliefs across society, utilizing medical history as a lens. It tells the story of how people persisted in making sense of the world through supernatural terms, and how belief became intertwined with medical concerns. To understand these ideas, it is essential to examine the lives of individuals who sought refuge in asylums due to their belief in ghosts, witches, angels, devils, and fairies, or because they experienced divine communication or were haunted by modern technology.

The beliefs expressed by asylum patients were not merely an expression of their individual mental health but also offer a unique reflection of society at the time. In a world still deeply influenced by folklore and faith, these patients' experiences provide a window into the cultural and societal norms of their era. The nineteenth century was a period of immense change and transformation, and the beliefs of asylum patients reflect the tensions and complexities of that time. By studying their perspectives, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between science, faith, and the supernatural in the nineteenth century and its lasting impact on our world today.

Weight: 724g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198873006