The Atheist Experience 27.44 11-05-2023 with Secular Rarity and Armin Navabi
Nov 6, 2023
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Secular Rarity and Armin Navabi join the hosts to discuss the validity of Jesus' claim about moving mountains through prayer, the impact of prayer on well-being, the problem of evil and unanswered prayers, the existence of God, strange behavior and scientific explanations, the intersection of mental health and religious beliefs, mass hysteria and demon possession, belief in infinite genders and criticism of atheism, the definition of gender, finding common ground in conversations, and the correlation between religion and mental health.
Strange behaviors attributed to demonic possession can often be explained by mental disorders exacerbated by cultural beliefs, highlighting the need for professional help and caution against supernatural explanations.
The definition of good or bad in relation to well-being and suffering is subjective, but professional opinions and expertise are essential in understanding mental health issues.
The historical and cultural context may contribute to beliefs in demons and jinns, but approaching mental disorders with compassion, understanding, and professional help is crucial.
Religious beliefs can harm mental health by attributing mental disorders to possession or demonic influences, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help and challenging harmful religious beliefs.
Deep dives
Existence of Jin
The caller discusses witnessing two relatives exhibiting strange behaviors, such as whaling, howling, and contorted limbs, which her family believes are signs of demonic possession. She questions if these experiences can be explained scientifically or medically, as her family is reluctant to seek medical help and instead turns to religious rituals and potions. Armin explains that while he is not an expert, it is possible that their behaviors are due to certain mental disorders, exacerbated by cultural beliefs in demonic possession. He cautions against assuming supernatural explanations and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help for mental health concerns.
Subjective nature of defining good and bad
The caller and Armin discuss the difficulty of defining what is considered good or bad in relation to well-being and suffering. They highlight that subjective standards can be used to assess these concepts, but recognize the need for professional opinions and expertise in understanding mental health issues. Armin explains the danger of attributing mental disorders solely to supernatural entities and highlights the negative impact of religious beliefs on obtaining appropriate medical care.
Explaining unusual phenomena
Armin cites mass hysteria and social influences as potential explanations for the strange behaviors witnessed by the caller. He underscores the need for expert evaluation to determine the underlying cause, but cautions against falling for supernatural explanations without concrete evidence. They discuss the historical and cultural context that may contribute to beliefs in demons and jinns, noting that mental disorders should be approached with compassion, understanding, and professional help.
Contradictions between religious beliefs and mental health
The conversation highlights the harmful effects of religious beliefs when it comes to mental health issues. Armin emphasizes that mental disorders often arise suddenly without a prior history and can be exacerbated by religious beliefs that view them as possession or demonic influences. The importance of seeking professional help and challenging those beliefs to ensure appropriate care is prioritized.
Religious communities provide social support and a sense of belonging, which can benefit mental health
Research shows that the positive effect on mental health within religious communities is not solely due to religious beliefs, but rather the sense of community and social support that comes with being a part of a religious group. Attending religious events and having strong convictions that guide one's philosophy of life, whether religious or non-religious, can also positively impact mental health.
The correlation between religion and better mental health doesn't imply causation
While there may be a correlation between religious affiliation and better mental health on average, it is important to note that correlation does not imply causation. Several factors, such as social support, community engagement, and having a well-defined worldview, can contribute to better mental health, regardless of religious beliefs.
The benefits of religion can be found in secular communities without the associated drawbacks
While religion may provide certain mental health benefits, it is possible to find those benefits in secular communities as well. Building strong communities, cultivating personal convictions, and participating in events that promote a positive worldview can all contribute to better mental health. It is not necessary to rely on religion to access these benefits, and secular alternatives can provide a healthier and more inclusive environment.
Attributing better mental health solely to religion overlooks the potential harm it can cause
While some studies may suggest a correlation between religion and better mental health, it is essential to recognize the potential harm that religion can also cause. The toxic aspects of religious beliefs, such as discrimination against certain groups or promoting harmful ideologies, can negatively impact mental health. Focusing solely on the positive benefits of religion overlooks the need for more inclusive and supportive secular alternatives.
