Richard Saville-Smith

Richard Saville-Smith, an independent scholar of madness and religion, explores the intriguing intersection of psychiatry and spirituality. He discusses his book 'Acute Religious Experiences,' arguing that we should rethink how religious experiences are perceived, moving away from pathologizing them. Richard offers a unique interpretation of Jesus as a madman and highlights the influence of queer studies on his work. He also examines the complexities of faith and mental health while advocating for a more inclusive understanding of spiritual experiences.

Richard Saville-Smith, an independent scholar specializing in madness, religion, and psychiatry, discusses his book, 'Acute Religious Experiences'. He challenges the stigmatization of spiritual phenomena by modern psychiatry, arguing for the importance of mad studies. The conversation delves into how societal perceptions affect our understanding of spirituality and the intersections of queer studies, spirituality, and unique identities. Saville-Smith also offers a provocative reinterpretation of Jesus as a madman, pushing us to rethink the complexity of religious experiences.