Why did Freud reject God?

by Ana-Maria Rizzuto

In this book a widely recognized authority on religion and psychoanalysis takes a fascinating journey into Freud's past to examine the roots of his atheism. Dr. Ana-Maria Rizzuto reviews and reorganizes data about Freud's development and life circumstances to provide a psychodynamic interpretation of his rejection of God. She argues that Freud's early life and family relationships made it psychically impossible for him to believe in a provident and caring divine being. The book brings to light critical aspects of Freud's early and late object relations and their lasting impact on his rejection of God.