Discussions for RE-348-OC1 - Psychology & Religion

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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Discussions for RE-348-OC1 - Psychology & Religion Read Shaw's article on "Traumatic Abuse in Cults." Who does he say is vulnerable to being seduced into a cult and why? Do you agree with his conclusion? Shaw's article on "Traumatic Abuse in Cults" asserted that cults typically target specific demographics, including college students, idealistic individuals, and those currently experiencing inner conflict, confusion, and or uncertainties. Cult leaders capitalize on their dominating personalities and exploit the vulnerabilities of their potential recruits when seeking new members. These cult leaders are often highly intelligent, skilled in persuasion, and adept at manipulation. Consequently, it becomes exceptionally challenging for individuals who align with the cult's "ideal target" profile to resist falling into the conformist trap of a cult. Moreover, for those already ensnared within a cult, breaking free becomes an even more arduous task. Furthermore, cults dangle enticing promises such as unconditional love, guidance, and a sense of purpose and meaning, which greatly appeal to their prospective members. In relation to Shaw's conclusions, I share a similar perspective. As humans, we naturally crave acceptance and can feel obligated during moments of desperation. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that, based on my personal experiences, especially during upbringing, some individuals exhibit a higher susceptibility to conformity than others. Go to "Rhetoric of Bush and Bin Laden" by Bruce Lincoln. Then go to the “Note” at the top of the page and click on the names of Bush and Bin Laden to read their speeches. Do you find in these speeches evidence of what Klein might call the "PS" position, or the "D" position, or projective identification? In George W. Bush's speech, there's a clear division between 'us' and 'them,' embodying a paranoid-schizoid perspective where the world is simplified into good versus evil. However, there are moments where Bush recognizes the suffering in Afghanistan, reflecting elements of the depressive position and showcasing a more nuanced understanding of the situation. Similarly, Osama bin Laden portrays Muslims as victims, echoing the paranoid-schizoid perspective, but he also acknowledges their suffering, revealing a deeper understanding akin to the depressive position. In both cases, these leaders employ projective identification, projecting their fear, anger, and aggression onto their perceived enemies. Do you see any evidence of religious fanaticism in the film “Jesus Camp” according to Jones’ list of characterists of religious fanatics? If so, describe it. If not, say why. Yes I do see evidence of religious fanaticism in the film “Jesus Camp ''. While religious fanaticism may initially appear as an isolated belief or incident, it becomes more concerning when these extremist ideologies are passed down through generations and spread within communities. In the documentary "Jesus Camp," we witness a clear instance of religious fanaticism, where the children of extremist American evangelicals are being indoctrinated with the mission of spreading their religious beliefs. However, this form of religious fanaticism is characterized by its severity and discrimination. Some notable examples of such fanaticism in the film include the division of the world into pure and impure categories. These children are brainwashed into viewing those who do not adhere to their evangelical rules as inherently impure, which can lead to a sense of threat due to the associated hatred.

Go to the second Learning Activity in Lesson 6 about Psalm 23. Would ego psychologists see the psalmist's sentiments as pathological or adaptive and why? Or perhaps they might say they don't have enough information yet to make an assessment. If so, what else might they want to know about the psalmist?. In response, I think that Ego psychologists would likely perceive the sentiments expressed in Psalms 23 as pathological. This interpretation is rooted in the psalm's mention of fear, discomfort, and the notion that God provides relief for these emotional challenges. Ego pathologists theory holds the notions that going back to infancy, symbiotic experiences are eventually wrecked by frustrations from splitting with the mother as one may experience with God. However, the psalmist's desire for a restored connection with God, reflecting the memories of being cared for, is an important aspect of this interpretation. Also, the section of the psalm that mentions God preparing a table in the presence of enemies, anointing the psalmist's head with oil, and the promise of goodness and love following them all the days of their life may be seen through the ego psychologist's lens as an example of "spineless sentimentality." This suggests a lack of aggression and a rejection of conflict or dissatisfaction. Answer at least one of the following: Go to the first Learning Activity. Tell us about your "transitional object" and, using Winnicott's ideas of "transitional object," talk about the function of this object. Go to the second Learning Activity in Lesson 7. Record your description of the image. Then discuss what you wrote in terms of Winnicott's notion of "transitional phenomenon." In Winnicott's article, he talks about how young kids use special objects, like stuffed animals or toys, to feel better when their main caretaker, usually a parent, isn't around. When we're babies, we rely on our parents to take care of us. These special objects, called transitional objects, help kids feel safe and comfortable even when their parents are not with them. These objects are not just toys; they also help kids be more creative. Kids use their imagination to give meaning to these objects. For example, a teddy bear can become more than just a toy; it can become a friend or a source of comfort. This imagination and attachment to the object allow kids to express themselves and be creative. In my own experience, I had a stuffed animal that made me feel safe, and I also had a Barbie doll that I liked to dress up. These objects were more than just toys to me; they helped me feel secure and allowed me to be creative by trying out different outfits on the Barbie doll. Winnicott's idea shows us how these special objects are important for kids. They provide comfort, help kids be creative, and allow them to learn to be independent, even when their parents are not around. Discuss “Jesus Camp” using any criteria you’ve learned so far in the course for distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy religion. Don’t be exhaustive, just make one or a few observations using criteria from course material. In the documentary “Jesus Camp”, we are able to see the beliefs of those who believe in or follow the Evangelical branch of Christianity, how it is instilled and interpreted by young children. The children in the documentary, “Jesus Camp” are taught to embody a very unhealthy relationship with religion as the children have been forced into the teachings of the Evangelical religion from a very young age. The children in the film are unaware of any other

beliefs or ways of life and are forced to believe that what their pastor or parents say about Christ is the truth and everything else is incorrect. Read the case of "Howard" referred to in this lesson found at: http://www.spiritualcompetency.com/dsm4/cases/mmi.html Answer at least one of the following: Using Lukoff's Differential Diagnosis of Spiritual Crisis & Psychotic Disorders, do you agree with him that Howard's experience would be a spiritual crisis and not a psychotic disorder? Why or why not? How might other theorists we have looked at think about Howard's experience?According to Lukoff's way of telling apart Spiritual Crisis from Psychotic Disorders, there are three things to check. First, if someone's experience matches the signs of a spiritual emergency, like having strange thoughts or beliefs tied to myths about life, death, and a spiritual journey. Howard seems to fit this because he talks about being reborn and having a "call to adventure" during a hike through nature. The second thing is about predicting if things will get better. Howard looks positive about his experience even a decade later, saying it healed him. The last thing is making sure the person isn't a danger to themselves or others. Howard did talk about harming someone, but he didn't show violent behavior towards himself or others. So, based on Lukoff's ideas, Howard's situation seems more like a spiritual crisis than a mental disorder.

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