Recovering From Religion

Latest Episodes:

E96: The Evolution of World Religions with David Fitzgerald Sep 30, 2021

Show notes

All the major world religions, both Eastern and Western, share more in common than most people realize - and often share the same skeletons in their closets. In this RfRx David will discuss patterns in the ways the concept of gods and God changes over millennia. Drawing upon the scholarship of many historians and social science disciplines, he'll trace out how religious ideas originated and evolved from prehistory to the ancient world to the modern day - and the most surprising discoveries underlying all our religions, even today.

David Fitzgerald is an award-winning author, historical researcher, international public speaker, and long-time passionate atheist activist. In a career spanning over 20 years, he has worked for or with the Secular Student Alliance, American Atheists, Center for Inquiry, Camp Quest West, American Humanist Association, (and RfR!) and several other freethought organizations, conferences and secular events. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director and Sherrie D’Souza, RfR Board Member and Support Group Leader.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org.

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E95: Love's Labour's Lost: An Evolutionary View of Depression w/ Dr. Andy Thomson M.D. Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

In On the Origin of Species Charles Darwin wrote, “Pain or suffering of any kind, if long continued, causes depression and lessens the power of action; yet is well adapted to make a creature guard itself against any great or sudden evil.” One hundred and sixty years later we have solid theories supported by evidence that depression’s core structure arises from an adaptation, not a broken or dysfunctional brain.

Andy Thomson is a psychiatrist at University of Virginia Student Health Services. The 9.11 attacks triggered an interest in suicide terrorism, which led to the discovery of an unappreciated world of research into how and why human minds generate religious beliefs. Andy has written “Why We Believe In God(s): A Concise Guide to the Science of Faith” which brings that world to anyone interested. Hosted by Eric Wells, RfR Support Group Director, and Helen Greene, RfR Support Group Leader. Recorded on July 12, 2021

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E94: Christian Nationalism: Power, Privilege & Panic Over the Rise of the Seculars w/ Seth Andrews of The Thinking Atheist Podcast Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

Over the past several decades there has been a rise of Christian Nationalism in the United States. In this RfRx discussion, Seth will discuss the power that the Christian Nationalist movement currently wields, and how they use it. He will be exploring the way this ideology has been sold to the masses and injected into government, despite church state separation. There is a privilege to this movement that makes it unique. Christian Nationalists wield money, power, and a belief that they are the chosen ones. Seth will shed light on this privileged position and highlight how fear of the “other” is used both as a motivator and a selling point to forward the Christian Nationalists' cause as their numbers are dwindling and the secular population is growing.

Seth Andrews, a video producer and former Christian broadcaster, now hosts The Thinking Atheist, one of the most popular online atheist communities and podcasts in the world. The Thinking Atheist is not a person, it's an icon encouraging all to reject faith and pursue reason and evidence. Seth has authored several books: "Deconverted," "Sacred Cows," "Ghost Stories," and "Confessions of a Former Fox News Christian". He also hosts The Thinking Atheist podcast on Spreaker, a broadcast that has been downloaded over 50 million times since its launch in 2010. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director and Sherrie D’Souza, RfR Board Member & Support Group Leader Recorded on July 5th, 2021

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E93: Belief in Psychics: Why We Believe, and What’s the Harm? w/ Rob Palmer Sep 27, 2021

Show notes

A surprisingly high percent of people believe in "psychics" and "mediums" (those claiming to see the future & communicate with the dead). Unfortunately, having supernatural beliefs inherent in being religious influences people to believe this at a rate over 5 times higher than atheists do. This leaves them open to psychological and financial devastation at the hands of con-artists. In this talk, Rob will reveal how psychics and mediums manipulate people into believing they have special abilities (on TV and in person), and explain why science says that these paranormal claims are untrue. He will present details about believers defrauded of enormous sums (up to their entire life savings), and he will explain how the legal system is not on your side if you become a victim.

Rob is a skeptical activist who writes for Skeptical Inquirer as The Well-Known Skeptic. He writes about contemporary skeptical issues, and has interviewed conference speakers, scientists, TV personalities, and skeptical and atheist activists. Rob takes a special interest in combating the dangerous belief in psychics and mediums, and he educates the public about the harm that often befalls vulnerable victims who trust in people claiming these abilities. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director and Sacha D’Souza, RfR Regional Director Recorded on July 28th, 2021.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E92: The Science Of Sex w/ Dr. Darrel Ray Sep 26, 2021

Show notes

Religions teach nothing about actual sexuality, biology and why our bodies work as they do. In this talk Dr. Ray will be discussing some basic facts about sex, evolution and human sexuality, like why is the penis shaped as it is? What is it with all those sperm males produce? What is sexual dimorphism? Are we chimps, gorillas or bonobos? We breed cows, chickens and other animals, could we be breeding ourselves as well? Learning the science of sex can help you make your own decisions about your sexuality and help you throw away the 3,000 year old ideas found in religious indoctrination. Trigger warning: This discussion contains images of genetalia and acknowledges the existence of sex.

Dr Darrel Ray is the Founder & President of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: including "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality". Dr. Ray has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in Psychology. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director and Kara Griffin, RfR Helpline Agent Recorded on June 21, 2021

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E91: Suffering and Martyrdom: Coexisting with Life w/ Hayley Twyman Brack Sep 25, 2021

Show notes

In this presentation, we will discuss the psychological concepts of suffering and the “Martyrdom Effect.” We will also explore how self-inflicted suffering and martyrdom can lead to unhelpful core beliefs about the world and how to develop a healthier relationship with suffering.

Hayley Twyman Brack is a licensed professional counselor and freelance writer in Oklahoma. Hayley has co-authored a textbook chapter for mental health clinicians on helping secular individuals navigate grief and has also written over 350 articles for a satirical, socio-political website. In her freetime, she also co-hosts a board game podcast and officiates secular and LGBTQIA+ weddings.

Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Medelin Nolasco, RfR Helpline Volunteer and Social Host.

Recorded on February 8th, 2021

Discussion resources

www.seculartherapy.org www.findcbt.org

The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris Link to slideshow (PDF): https://tinyurl.com/nbrjpnba

Learn more about Hayley Twyman Brack www.malthausgames.com

Atheist Community of Discord: https://discord.com/invite/B28xRKb

The primary focus of Recovering from Religion (RfR) is to offer hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. We are here to help each other through this journey. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

+3 4505 2402 in Australia

+20 3856 8791 in the UK

+27 11 043 5323 in South Africa

E90: From Small Town to Self-Acceptance; Being Trans & Ex-Religious w/ Sarah & Becca Ray Sep 24, 2021

Show notes

Religion’s influence on socially-accepted gender identity, expression, and roles isn’t always overt. Sarah’s journey out of religion ultimately led to authenticity, but being transgender in a broadly cis-het society is still made difficult by religion and dogmatic thinking. Sarah is a transgender woman who grew up in a small rural town in Illinois. After leaving her Christian God belief and moving to Florida, she was finally able to address her gender identity and dysphoria. Sarah is a newly-minted RFR Support Group Leader, Endorsed Humanist Celebrant and recently joined The Humanist Society Board of Directors. Becca is a former Jehovah’s Witness who, with her wife Sarah, co-founded the Atheist Community of Polk County in Florida. Becca is an Assistant State Director with American Atheists. They’re responsible for two energetic little humanists, ages 10 and 5. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director. Recorded on February 1st, 2021 Discussion resources: National Center for Transgender Equality - Resources to learn about trans and nonbinary people, how to interact and be a good ally https://transequality.org/ TransLifeline - Peer support line staffed by trans people for trans people https://translifeline.org/ Human Rights Campaign - Resource on trans youth https://www.hrc.org/resources/transgender-children-and-youth-understanding-the-basics Learn more about Sarah & Becca Ray Atheist Community of Polk County: https://polkatheists.org Freethought in Florida (YouTube & Podcast): https://polkatheists.org/fif

E89: Intermediate Level Street Epistemology w/ Anthony Magnabosco Sep 23, 2021

Show notes

After explaining what Street Epistemology (also known as “SE”) is, Anthony Magnabosco will cover more advanced topics of the dialectical method of respectfully challenging belief claims. What are some common misunderstandings and criticisms of the approach? When should one probably not use the method? What things can get in the way of an effective conversation? You won’t want to miss this revealing discussion with one of the most proficient practitioners of this fascinating method of conversation!

Anthony Magnabosco is a skeptic and atheist from San Antonio Texas who has been practicing and promoting Street Epistemology for more than six years. Anthony has had several hundred chats (many of them, on camera and uploaded to his YouTube channel) on a variety of claims including Gods, ghosts, karma, law of attraction, and a variety of social and political topics. Anthony has appeared on The Thinking Atheist, The Atheist Experience, Cognitive Dissonance, and The David Pakman Show, to name a few. He is also a Founder and the current Executive Director of the new nonprofit organization Street Epistemology International. Anthony has given countless talks and workshops on Street Epistemology at conferences and events domestically and internationally.

Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, Medelin Nolasco, RfR Helpline Volunteer and Social Host, and Dr. Darrel Ray, RfR Founder and President.

Recorded on January 25th, 2021

Discussion resources

https://streetepistemology.com

https://discord.gg/sKap3zM (invite to a popular fan-managed SE Discord server)

Learn more about Anthony Magnabosco

https://streetepistemology.com/community

https://streetepistemology.com/resources

https://youtube.com/magnabosco210

https://twitter.com/magnabosco

E88: Experiencing Hasidic Judaism As A Woman w/ Libby Pollak | RfRx Religion Series Sep 22, 2021

Show notes

Being a woman in ultra orthodox Judaism comes with additional challenges. As a young girl you are meant to serve your father and brothers - groomed to be a good wife. When you get married you relinquish even more of your rights and autonomy. In this “Religion Series” RfRx session we will explore the intricacies of Orthodox Judaism.

Libby Pollak was born and raised in an ultra orthodox Hasidic community in Brooklyn New York. She attended an all girls religious school where secular education was frowned upon and students were taught mostly bible studies and how to be a good obedient wife. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Medelin Nolasco, RfR Helpline Volunteer and Social Host.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E87: Conversion Therapy w/ Bill Prickett Sep 21, 2021

Show notes

*Trigger Warning - talk of suicide This discussion explores the religious community’s attempt to “fix” and change sexual orientations other than heterosexual, now known as Conversion Therapy, previously known as “ex-gay” treatments. The methodology varies, but the practice has been thoroughly debunked. Bill Prickett speaks about his personal experience, his rise as a leader in the conversion therapy community, and the harms it causes.

Bill Prickett was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the "Bible Belt" of the Deep South. In early college, after a religious conversion, he decided to pursue a career in the ministry. He served more than five years in youth ministry, eleven years as Pastor of a Southern Baptist Church, and four years as Pastor of an independent, evangelical congregation. To comply with the teachings of his conservative Christian faith, Bill spent more than eight years trying to change his sexual orientation. Eventually, he became Executive Director of an "ex-gay" ministry, working with others who also struggled with homosexuality. Since abandoning those futile efforts, he has spent decades speaking out about the deception and dangers of programs now known as Conversion Therapy. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Medelin Nolasco, RfR Helpline Volunteer and Social Host.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

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