The Reluctant Theologian Podcast Ep. 73 Demons, Mental Health, and Biblical Interpretation with Ragy Girgis and Tasia Scrutton
A clinical psychologist, a philosopher, and a theologian walk into a room. There is no punchline there because I am not telling a joke. Instead, I am describing today’s episode. We get into all sorts of fascinating topics today. We look at clinical psychosis, and how to interpret various passages of the Bible that talk about demon possession. Then we consider how our interpretations of scripture impact the way the Church treats those with mental health issues. We also consider the metaphysics of demon possession, and how to tell the difference between a religious experience and a psychotic one.
Credits:
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium for Advanced Studies.
Guest: Ragy Girgis (MD, University of Pittsburgh) is associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University. Check out his book, On Satan, Demons, and Psychiatry.
Guest: Tasia Scrutton (PhD, University of Durham) is associate professor of philosophy at the University of Leeds. Check out her book, Christianity and Depression.
Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions